US embassy cable - 04ROME4544

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 004544 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/30/2014 
TAGS: PREL, MARR, IZ, IT, NATO, IRAQI ELECTIONS 
SUBJECT: IRAQI DEFENSE MINISTER TELLS ITALIANS THAT 
ELECTIONS SHOULD BE POSTPONED 
 
Classified By: DCM Emil Skodon for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (C) Summary.  In November 29 meetings with Italian 
government officials, Iraq Defense Minister Hazim al Shalam 
expressed security concerns about the upcoming elections in 
Iraq, going so far as to advocate their postponement. 
Italian officials told DCM that Italy will continue to 
support the Iraqi election process, including the choice of 
January 30 as the election date, in accordance with UNSC 1546 
and the decisions of the sovereign Iraqi government.  End 
summary. 
 
2. (C) Achille Amerio, the new Diplomatic Advisor to Defense 
Minister Martino, called DCM at Martino's request to relay 
concerns expressed by Iraqi Defense Minister al Shalam in a 
private conversation with his Italian counterpart on the 
margins of a November 29 official visit to Rome.  Al Shalam 
reportedly told Martino that January 30 was too early to hold 
elections, in his opinion. There was, he claimed, evidence 
of "infiltra4ion" by Iran, and a risk that ballots could b 
manipulated.  Holding elections on the 30th,he said, would 
"play into the hands" of Syriaand Iran.  Al Shalam said that 
he would raise these concerns when he travels to Washington 
ihe meantime, however, ino to speak directly Qpostponing the electi/ only took note 
of al S meeting with the Iraqis, Amerio to relay those 
 ues such as forged ID card$s 
inquiry, Bisogniera``dsponsible for security.  ` that 
Italy's position h@spect to the 
politicashould be based on UNSCp to the sovereign govet the dates for elections.` 
continue to support whatever decision that government makes 
in terms of timing for the elections. 
 
BAGHDAD MINIMIZE CONSIDERED 
 
 
SEMBLER 
 
 
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 2004ROME04544 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL