Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10BERLIN150
2010-02-03 10:58:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Berlin
Cable title:
GERMANY SHARES U.S. CONCERNS ON BA'ATHIST
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C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 000150
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/19/2020
TAGS: IZ PGOV PROP GM
SUBJECT: GERMANY SHARES U.S. CONCERNS ON BA'ATHIST
EXCLUSION IN UPCOMING IRAQI ELECTIONS
REF: STATE 5980
Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER-COUNSELOR GEORGE GLASS, REASONS, 1.4
(B) AND (D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 000150
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/19/2020
TAGS: IZ PGOV PROP GM
SUBJECT: GERMANY SHARES U.S. CONCERNS ON BA'ATHIST
EXCLUSION IN UPCOMING IRAQI ELECTIONS
REF: STATE 5980
Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER-COUNSELOR GEORGE GLASS, REASONS, 1.4
(B) AND (D)
1. (C) On January 29, poloffs delivered reftel demarche
regarding the recent exclusion of Ba'athists in Iraqi
elections to MFA office director for Iraq, Klemens Semtner.
Semtner said that Germany shares our concerns and noted that
the German Ambassador to Iraq had already flagged this issue
during a meeting with President Talabani in mid-January.
Semtner added that the German Ambassador repeated these
concerns to Iraqi Vice President Hashimi on January 23.
2. (C) Semtner underscored Germany's desire to walk a fine
line out of fear that Iraqis could complain of interference
in domestic affairs -- or perceive advocacy on behalf of
specific individuals. Nevertheless, he said that German
officials continued to point out their concerns about the
timing of the IHEC decision and the effects it could have on
Sunni involvement in the elections. Semtner further pointed
out that Germany does not see the IHEC decision through the
lens of Sunni/Shia tension but, instead, as a
Baathist/Secularist issue.
3. (C) Semtner noted that the EU consensus on this issue is
that member states will engage bilaterally with the Iraqis.
The ultimate goal, he said, is to promote a transparent
process that is inclusive of all Iraqis.
Murphy
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/19/2020
TAGS: IZ PGOV PROP GM
SUBJECT: GERMANY SHARES U.S. CONCERNS ON BA'ATHIST
EXCLUSION IN UPCOMING IRAQI ELECTIONS
REF: STATE 5980
Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER-COUNSELOR GEORGE GLASS, REASONS, 1.4
(B) AND (D)
1. (C) On January 29, poloffs delivered reftel demarche
regarding the recent exclusion of Ba'athists in Iraqi
elections to MFA office director for Iraq, Klemens Semtner.
Semtner said that Germany shares our concerns and noted that
the German Ambassador to Iraq had already flagged this issue
during a meeting with President Talabani in mid-January.
Semtner added that the German Ambassador repeated these
concerns to Iraqi Vice President Hashimi on January 23.
2. (C) Semtner underscored Germany's desire to walk a fine
line out of fear that Iraqis could complain of interference
in domestic affairs -- or perceive advocacy on behalf of
specific individuals. Nevertheless, he said that German
officials continued to point out their concerns about the
timing of the IHEC decision and the effects it could have on
Sunni involvement in the elections. Semtner further pointed
out that Germany does not see the IHEC decision through the
lens of Sunni/Shia tension but, instead, as a
Baathist/Secularist issue.
3. (C) Semtner noted that the EU consensus on this issue is
that member states will engage bilaterally with the Iraqis.
The ultimate goal, he said, is to promote a transparent
process that is inclusive of all Iraqis.
Murphy