US embassy cable - 05AMMAN75

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 000075 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/04/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, IZ, JO 
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSION FOR 
IRAQ ELECTIONS 
 
REF: SECSTATE 274965 
 
Classified By: CDA David Hale for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
1.  (C)  Poloff on December 30 discussed reftel demarche with 
Walid Obeidat, responsible for the Iraq portfolio in Foreign 
Minister Mulki's private office.  Obeidat expressed 
appreciation for the background on the International Mission 
for Iraq Elections (IMIE).  Although the GOJ has not taken an 
official position on the matter, he expected that Jordan 
would not send monitors to observe the elections in Iraq. 
Citing "sensitivities" about Jordanians' participation 
(presumably a reference to the concern that neighboring 
countries, including Jordan, would not be perceived by Iraqis 
as "independent" monitors), he expected Jordan to focus on 
logistical support for the effort.  He said he has inquired 
with colleagues in other ministries about the matter and 
promised to get back to us when he had more information about 
Jordan's precise plans regarding the IMIE. 
 
2.  (C)  Separately, Poloff contacted Canadian DCM Mark 
Glauser about preparations underway to support election 
monitoring activities from Jordan.  He confirmed that the 
Canadians have been in contact with the GOJ and UN 
representatives about facilitating IMIE support activities in 
Amman.  Glauser said they had not received the formal "green 
light" from the Jordanian Prime Minister, but expected it 
soon.  He hoped to have more information after a meeting with 
GOJ officials later this week.  In anticipation of a positive 
response, he said the Canadian Embassy is working on 
logistical requirements as conveyed from Ottawa, including 
securing office space.  Once they have official GOJ approval, 
Glauser expected things to fall into place very quickly, and 
promised to keep us apprised of developments. 
 
3.  (U)  Baghdad minimize considered. 
HALE