US embassy cable - 04MUSCAT2188

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 002188 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NEA/I, NEA/ARPI 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2009 
TAGS: PREL, ECON, ELAB, IZ, MU, Labor, International Relations 
SUBJECT: A WARNING FROM MOM 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III. 
Reason: 1.4 (b). 
 
1. (U) On December 14, Oman's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) 
published an announcement warning citizens about employment 
in Iraq.  The informal translation of the announcement is as 
follows (begin text): 
 
The Ministry of Manpower has noticed the increase in 
employment offers in the brotherly Republic of Iraq through 
published advertisements in the press and employment offices. 
 In view of the current security situation witnessed in the 
Iraqi scene, the Ministry of Manpower calls upon Omani 
citizens not to be carried away by such monetary temptations 
offered to them in return for enrollment for employment in 
Iraq, in avoidance of the threats they might face until 
security and stability prevail over brotherly Iraq, God 
willing.  (End text.) 
 
2. (U) On December 15, coincidentally, Omani headlines were 
devoted to the results of the previous day's Cabinet meeting, 
chaired by Sultan Qaboos.  The Sultan was reported as having 
expressed hope in the meeting that "the efforts of the 
interim Iraqi government and other parties concerned would 
succeed in achieving stability for the brotherly Iraqi 
people." 
 
3. (C) Iraqi Ambassador-designate Abdul Rasul al-Wash told 
Pol/E Chief December 15 that he was somewhat disappointed 
with the Manpower Ministry's warning, but found the 
sentiments entirely understandable given the prevailing 
security situation in his country.  He pointed out, after 
all, that the State Department similarly warns U.S. citizens 
from traveling to Iraq.  Al-Wash confirmed that the Omani 
government did not consult with him before issuing the 
warning, but observed that he had not yet formally presented 
his credentials. 
BALTIMORE