Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BAGHDAD2762
2009-10-14 12:34:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
FM ZEBARI DEMARCHED ON IRAN, COMMENTS ON
how-toVZCZCXRO9775 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #2762/01 2871234 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 141234Z OCT 09 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5075 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 002762
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ TU SY
SUBJECT: FM ZEBARI DEMARCHED ON IRAN, COMMENTS ON
NEIGHBORS, APPOINTMENT OF UN OFFICIAL
REF: SECSTATE 103219
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Gary A. Grappo for reason 1
.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 002762
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ TU SY
SUBJECT: FM ZEBARI DEMARCHED ON IRAN, COMMENTS ON
NEIGHBORS, APPOINTMENT OF UN OFFICIAL
REF: SECSTATE 103219
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Gary A. Grappo for reason 1
.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) Summary: In an October 12 meeting, A/DCM delivered
the (reftel) points relating to the P5 1 talks with Iran to
FM Zebari. Zebari responded with a brief readout from a
recent meeting with Iranian President Ahmedinajad, suggesting
that Iran will not immediately comply with P5 1 demands. The
FM hinted that the three Americans being held in Iranian
captivity (reported septel) might be used as "bargaining
chips" in a possible exchange. Zebari also commented on a
perceived GOI stalemate in talks with Syria and Turkey,
simultaneously relaying a positive outlook on trade
agreements between Turkey and Iraq and hope for "a regional
solution" to Syrian-Iraqi tensions. The FM requested USG
assistance with efforts to move forward in resolving Chapter
VII issues with Kuwait. Zebari offered GOI assistance with
obtaining Iraqi visas for American journalists and condemned
the September 28 beating of four American Dynacore PSD
employees. FM Zebari repeatedly and emphatically emphasized
the importance of USG support for the appointment of a senior
UN official to lead an investigation into the August 19
bombing. End summary.
ZEBARI RESPONSE TO BRIEFING ON P5 1 TALKS WITH IRAN
-------------- --------------
2. (C) A/DCM October 12 delivered (reftel) points to Iraqi
FM Hoshyar Zebari, emphasizing the need for the GOI to
encourage Iranian engagement in future P5 1 talks. Zebari
responded that in a recent meeting with Iranian president
Ahmedinajad, the GOI urged Iran to be "credible and
transparent" in dealings with the P5 1 and the IAEA. The FM
suggested that Iran's strategy is to "extend its window",
suggesting non-compliance with the requests made during the
P5 1 talks. "They will try to stretch this out as long as
possible," he offered.
3. (C) The GOI passed a list of Americans being held in
Iran to Ahmedinajad, who stated that the individuals being
held in Iran are "suspicious persons". Zebari intimated to
the A/DCM that the individuals may be used as a "bargaining
chip" in future "hostage" exchanges. He added that Iranian
individuals were recently captured in SAUDI ARABIA by foreign
forces, a development that might present an opportunity for
such an exchange.
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF USG SUPPORT FOR UN INVOLVEMENT
-------------- --------------
4. (C) Zebari described recent conversations with UNSYG
reiterating the need for the appointment of a senior UN
official to investigate the August 19 bombing. He expressed
frustration at the resistance of the Secretariat to move
forward with the appointment, stating that the USG "must
champion the cause" of an investigation into the incident if
it is to succeed. The FM indicated that the lack of movement
on the appointment "would be seen as a GOI failure", a
development that would be used for political purposes to
attack the PM, as well as the GOI. He further suggested that
the inception of a UN-led investigation would put pressure on
Syria that could help break its alliance with Iran. FM
Zebari said that all security agencies and ministries across
the GOI have unified their investigation into the August 19
bombing. In an effort "not to politicize" the issue of UN
involvement, Zebari stated that this committee would serve as
the contact point for matters related to the appointment of a
senior UN official to lead the investigation.
5. (C) The FM repeatedly expressed disappointment in not
Q 5. (C) The FM repeatedly expressed disappointment in not
finding more USG support for the appointment of a senior UN
investigator in his conversations with USG officials in New
York. He stated that there is a "great deal of confusion" on
the GOI's request and that he did a considerable amount of
"educational work" to brief senior USG officials on the
background of GOI's request. He stated that the GOI was
"preoccupied" with its advocacy for the appointment during
meetings in New York. Zebari added that while the governments
of France, Russia, and Britain expressed varying degrees of
support for the appointment, it is unlikely to materialize
unless the USG "puts its full strength" behind the effort.
The British urged Zebari to "talk to your friends" on the
issue, to communicate that lukewarm USG support had been an
obstacle to expediting movement on the appointment, the FM
reported.
ZEBARI SEES CHAPTER VII AS CRITICAL REGIONAL ISSUE
-------------- --------------
6. (C) Zebari proposed that swift resolution of Iraq's
BAGHDAD 00002762 002 OF 002
Chapter VII status is the "most important issue" it faces
with its neighbors. The FM commented that while the MFA
urges the USG to implement a road map to resolve the
remaining obligations on Iraq under Chapter VII, Iraqi PM
al-Maliki's position on this strategy is "awkward". He
acknowledged the particular importance of resolving UNSCR
833, but based on his conversations with GOK officials at
UNGA, he stated, the GOK position on GOI's compliance with
UNSCR 833 is "unmovable" due to GOK's resistance to
negotiating Iraq-Kuwait maritime boundaries. The FM
expressed that the bilateral discussions were "stuck" because
of this issue, and that moving forward would require broader
involvement. A/DCM responded that the USG would look into
providing some ideas for moving forward with discussions
about UNSCR 833 and other Chapter VII considerations.
MEETINGS WITH TURKEY AND SYRIA
--------------
7. (C) The FM reflected on the September 9 talks in Cairo
and September 17 talks in Istanbul with Syrian FM Mu'allim
and Turkish FM Davutoglu to discuss Iraq-Syrian tensions in
the wake of the August 19 bombing. In his view, "no
constructive proposals were presented by the Turks" for
mediating the tensions. Zebari suggested that the GOI is not
interested in continuing these discussions unless "a third
party" observes and participates in them. Zebari criticized
the Turkish mediation for being too passive. He emphasized
that the GOI "embraces a regional solution", and that the GOI
is awaiting a visit by Turkish FM Davutoglu to Baghdad to
discuss regional issues.
8. (C) Zebari positively described progress on the
Turkey-Iraq Strategic Cooperation Council. He noted that
trade agreements with Turkey are a focal point of Turkey-Iraq
relations at the present time. He stated that Turkish PM
Erdogan will visit Baghdad this week to sign agreements in
the areas of trade, water, agriculture, and security with
Iraqi PM al-Maliki.
MFA SUPPORT FOR VISAS AND PROTECTION OF VIENNA CONVENTION
-------------- --------------
9. (C) A/DCM raised the points outlined in a diplomatic
note sent to the MFA about the September 28 beatings of four
Dynacore PSD employees in an altercation with Iraqi soldiers
at a checkpoint in Baghdad, underscoring the unacceptable
nature of the incident. He urged the MFA to take action to
ensure the prevention of future incidents of a similar
nature. FM Zebari condemned the beatings and responded that
the MFA conducted an independent investigation of the
incident, raising the issue with other GOI ministries.
10. (C) A/DCM also urged FM Zebari to assist American
journalists waiting for visas to enter Iraq after the recent
suspension of visa issuances by the Iraqi Embassy in
Washington. FM Zebari requested the names of these
journalists, and pledged to contact the Interior Ministry to
expedite these cases.
NEW IRAQI AMBASSADORS AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MFA
-------------- --------------
11. (C) Elaborating on diplomatic developments in Iraq, FM
Zebari stated that 57 Iraqi ambassadors convened with GOI
officials on October 12 and will begin a five-to-six week
training course in preparation for their assignments. He
complimented the diverse and highly educated pool of
ambassadors, four of whom are women. He stated that the GOI
has not yet decided on country assignments for the
ambassadors, but pledged to alert USG officials when the
appointments to other Arab countries are made.
12. (C) In the wake of the August 19 bombing, FM Zebari
Q12. (C) In the wake of the August 19 bombing, FM Zebari
stated that the GOI is engaged in reconstruction efforts,
which are running slightly behind schedule. A/DCM responded
that the USG is looking into what actions it can take to
assist with the reconstruction efforts.
HILL
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ TU SY
SUBJECT: FM ZEBARI DEMARCHED ON IRAN, COMMENTS ON
NEIGHBORS, APPOINTMENT OF UN OFFICIAL
REF: SECSTATE 103219
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Gary A. Grappo for reason 1
.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) Summary: In an October 12 meeting, A/DCM delivered
the (reftel) points relating to the P5 1 talks with Iran to
FM Zebari. Zebari responded with a brief readout from a
recent meeting with Iranian President Ahmedinajad, suggesting
that Iran will not immediately comply with P5 1 demands. The
FM hinted that the three Americans being held in Iranian
captivity (reported septel) might be used as "bargaining
chips" in a possible exchange. Zebari also commented on a
perceived GOI stalemate in talks with Syria and Turkey,
simultaneously relaying a positive outlook on trade
agreements between Turkey and Iraq and hope for "a regional
solution" to Syrian-Iraqi tensions. The FM requested USG
assistance with efforts to move forward in resolving Chapter
VII issues with Kuwait. Zebari offered GOI assistance with
obtaining Iraqi visas for American journalists and condemned
the September 28 beating of four American Dynacore PSD
employees. FM Zebari repeatedly and emphatically emphasized
the importance of USG support for the appointment of a senior
UN official to lead an investigation into the August 19
bombing. End summary.
ZEBARI RESPONSE TO BRIEFING ON P5 1 TALKS WITH IRAN
-------------- --------------
2. (C) A/DCM October 12 delivered (reftel) points to Iraqi
FM Hoshyar Zebari, emphasizing the need for the GOI to
encourage Iranian engagement in future P5 1 talks. Zebari
responded that in a recent meeting with Iranian president
Ahmedinajad, the GOI urged Iran to be "credible and
transparent" in dealings with the P5 1 and the IAEA. The FM
suggested that Iran's strategy is to "extend its window",
suggesting non-compliance with the requests made during the
P5 1 talks. "They will try to stretch this out as long as
possible," he offered.
3. (C) The GOI passed a list of Americans being held in
Iran to Ahmedinajad, who stated that the individuals being
held in Iran are "suspicious persons". Zebari intimated to
the A/DCM that the individuals may be used as a "bargaining
chip" in future "hostage" exchanges. He added that Iranian
individuals were recently captured in SAUDI ARABIA by foreign
forces, a development that might present an opportunity for
such an exchange.
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF USG SUPPORT FOR UN INVOLVEMENT
-------------- --------------
4. (C) Zebari described recent conversations with UNSYG
reiterating the need for the appointment of a senior UN
official to investigate the August 19 bombing. He expressed
frustration at the resistance of the Secretariat to move
forward with the appointment, stating that the USG "must
champion the cause" of an investigation into the incident if
it is to succeed. The FM indicated that the lack of movement
on the appointment "would be seen as a GOI failure", a
development that would be used for political purposes to
attack the PM, as well as the GOI. He further suggested that
the inception of a UN-led investigation would put pressure on
Syria that could help break its alliance with Iran. FM
Zebari said that all security agencies and ministries across
the GOI have unified their investigation into the August 19
bombing. In an effort "not to politicize" the issue of UN
involvement, Zebari stated that this committee would serve as
the contact point for matters related to the appointment of a
senior UN official to lead the investigation.
5. (C) The FM repeatedly expressed disappointment in not
Q 5. (C) The FM repeatedly expressed disappointment in not
finding more USG support for the appointment of a senior UN
investigator in his conversations with USG officials in New
York. He stated that there is a "great deal of confusion" on
the GOI's request and that he did a considerable amount of
"educational work" to brief senior USG officials on the
background of GOI's request. He stated that the GOI was
"preoccupied" with its advocacy for the appointment during
meetings in New York. Zebari added that while the governments
of France, Russia, and Britain expressed varying degrees of
support for the appointment, it is unlikely to materialize
unless the USG "puts its full strength" behind the effort.
The British urged Zebari to "talk to your friends" on the
issue, to communicate that lukewarm USG support had been an
obstacle to expediting movement on the appointment, the FM
reported.
ZEBARI SEES CHAPTER VII AS CRITICAL REGIONAL ISSUE
-------------- --------------
6. (C) Zebari proposed that swift resolution of Iraq's
BAGHDAD 00002762 002 OF 002
Chapter VII status is the "most important issue" it faces
with its neighbors. The FM commented that while the MFA
urges the USG to implement a road map to resolve the
remaining obligations on Iraq under Chapter VII, Iraqi PM
al-Maliki's position on this strategy is "awkward". He
acknowledged the particular importance of resolving UNSCR
833, but based on his conversations with GOK officials at
UNGA, he stated, the GOK position on GOI's compliance with
UNSCR 833 is "unmovable" due to GOK's resistance to
negotiating Iraq-Kuwait maritime boundaries. The FM
expressed that the bilateral discussions were "stuck" because
of this issue, and that moving forward would require broader
involvement. A/DCM responded that the USG would look into
providing some ideas for moving forward with discussions
about UNSCR 833 and other Chapter VII considerations.
MEETINGS WITH TURKEY AND SYRIA
--------------
7. (C) The FM reflected on the September 9 talks in Cairo
and September 17 talks in Istanbul with Syrian FM Mu'allim
and Turkish FM Davutoglu to discuss Iraq-Syrian tensions in
the wake of the August 19 bombing. In his view, "no
constructive proposals were presented by the Turks" for
mediating the tensions. Zebari suggested that the GOI is not
interested in continuing these discussions unless "a third
party" observes and participates in them. Zebari criticized
the Turkish mediation for being too passive. He emphasized
that the GOI "embraces a regional solution", and that the GOI
is awaiting a visit by Turkish FM Davutoglu to Baghdad to
discuss regional issues.
8. (C) Zebari positively described progress on the
Turkey-Iraq Strategic Cooperation Council. He noted that
trade agreements with Turkey are a focal point of Turkey-Iraq
relations at the present time. He stated that Turkish PM
Erdogan will visit Baghdad this week to sign agreements in
the areas of trade, water, agriculture, and security with
Iraqi PM al-Maliki.
MFA SUPPORT FOR VISAS AND PROTECTION OF VIENNA CONVENTION
-------------- --------------
9. (C) A/DCM raised the points outlined in a diplomatic
note sent to the MFA about the September 28 beatings of four
Dynacore PSD employees in an altercation with Iraqi soldiers
at a checkpoint in Baghdad, underscoring the unacceptable
nature of the incident. He urged the MFA to take action to
ensure the prevention of future incidents of a similar
nature. FM Zebari condemned the beatings and responded that
the MFA conducted an independent investigation of the
incident, raising the issue with other GOI ministries.
10. (C) A/DCM also urged FM Zebari to assist American
journalists waiting for visas to enter Iraq after the recent
suspension of visa issuances by the Iraqi Embassy in
Washington. FM Zebari requested the names of these
journalists, and pledged to contact the Interior Ministry to
expedite these cases.
NEW IRAQI AMBASSADORS AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MFA
-------------- --------------
11. (C) Elaborating on diplomatic developments in Iraq, FM
Zebari stated that 57 Iraqi ambassadors convened with GOI
officials on October 12 and will begin a five-to-six week
training course in preparation for their assignments. He
complimented the diverse and highly educated pool of
ambassadors, four of whom are women. He stated that the GOI
has not yet decided on country assignments for the
ambassadors, but pledged to alert USG officials when the
appointments to other Arab countries are made.
12. (C) In the wake of the August 19 bombing, FM Zebari
Q12. (C) In the wake of the August 19 bombing, FM Zebari
stated that the GOI is engaged in reconstruction efforts,
which are running slightly behind schedule. A/DCM responded
that the USG is looking into what actions it can take to
assist with the reconstruction efforts.
HILL