Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BAGHDAD370
2009-02-12 16:08:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
IRAQ: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION
how-toVZCZCXRO0609 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #0370 0431608 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 121608Z FEB 09 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1675 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE PRIORITY RUEHPS/AMEMBASSY PRISTINA PRIORITY 0006
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 000370
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/11/2019
TAGS: PREL AORC KV IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION
REF: STATE 11928
Classified By: Classified by Senior Advisor Gordon Gray for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
(C) Drawing on reftel points during a February 12 meeting
with Deputy Foreign Minister Hamoud, Senior Advisor Gray
urged the GoI to join the international community and extend
diplomatic recognition to Kosovo promptly. Hamoud said Iraq
preferred to maintain a position that was "neutral between
Kosovo and Belgrade," as Iraq did not want to adversely
affect its relationship with Serbia. He added that Iraq
would follow the consensus of the Arab League or an Islamic
group (such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference).
"Iraq does not want to go it alone," Hamoud said. Hamoud
advised us to make an effort to have the recognition of
Kosovo placed on the agenda of the upcoming Arab League
ministerial in Cairo in early March. He said that Foreign
Minister Zebari would support the U.S. position. "We are
convinced. It is their right for independence. It is up to
the people; but we do not want to take a unilateral stand,"
he concluded.
CROCKER