Strategic Framework Agreement Landmark Met with GOI

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 001526 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPAO SCUL IZ SUBJECT: Strategic Framework Agreement Landmark Met with GOI Contribution Doubling Fulbright ¶1. (U) In a ceremony on June 10 announcing the $2.5 million contribution of the GOI to the Fulbright Program, both DPM Barham Salih and the Ambassador lauded the contribution as an important milestone in the implementation of the Strategic Framework Agreement and the ongoing transition of bilateral cultural and educational ties. This contribution doubles the size of the Iraqi Fulbright Visiting Student Program from 35 to 70 grants for 2010 and makes the GOI the eighth largest foreign government contributor to the Fulbright Program. ¶2. (U) Nine of the Fulbright students scheduled to depart for the U.S. this summer spoke briefly about their placements to universities throughout the U.S. and their enthusiasm to return to Iraq once their programs are completed. ¶3. (U) Seven local television stations as well as Reuters, AFP and NINA covered the event. We will report press coverage by June 12. ¶4. (U) PAS will scan and send signed copies of the MOU (as provided by ECA/A) to commence the transfer of funds from the Government of Iraq to AMIDEAST, the designated program institution for the Iraq Fulbright Program. HILL