US embassy cable - 05SANAA202

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 000202 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/01/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, KDEM, IZ, YM 
SUBJECT: DFM NOMAN'S REACTION TO IRAQI ELECTION 
 
Classified By: DCM Nabeel Khoury for reasons 1.5 b and d. 
 
1. (C) Summary and Comment. Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa 
Noman discussed the results of the Iraqi election with DCM 
and Pol/Econ Chief on February 1.  Noman shared his personal 
feelings on the election process, calling it a "great 
success."  In previous conversations, Noman had expressed his 
personal views on violence and the political process in Iraq, 
carefully drawing a distinction between his opinions and ROYG 
official policy.  Noman confided his support for sticking to 
the election timetable in the weeks leading up to January 30, 
saying that to do otherwise would hand a victory to the 
terrorists.  The DFM had tried to convince senior ROYG 
officials that insurgents in Iraq were not "resistance 
fighters," but to no avail.  President Saleh, who advised 
visiting General Abi Zaid on January 4 to postpone Iraqi 
elections, has not made a statement since the polls closed. 
Official media coverage on the day of the elections focused 
heavily on a "violence marred election day."  End Summary and 
Comment. 
 
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"A Great Success" 
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2. (C) Noman said he was pleased with the Iraqi elections, 
pointing to less than anticipated violence and 60 percent 
participation of the Iraqi people.  "Personally," said the 
DFM, "the elections represent a big step forward," adding 
that it will be important and interesting to watch what shape 
the new government takes and at what level Sunnis will 
participate in the drafting of the new constitution.  As the 
likelihood will be a significant Shia majority, "I don't find 
it frightening, it's only natural...so what?"  DCM pressed 
Noman for a ROYG demonstration of support for the Iraqi 
people, suggesting that President Saleh or Foreign Minister 
Qirbi issue a statement of congratulations.  Noman nodded, 
but gave no indication that an official statement would be 
forthcoming any time soon. 
 
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Saleh's Pre-Election Statement 
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3. (SBU) Speaking to a crowd in the southern Governorate of 
al-Bayda on January 30, President Saleh said "We hope the 
Iraqi people will democratically elect a new leadership" 
including all ethnic and sectarian groups, adding, a "limp 
election would be a catastrophe."  Saleh has yet to comment 
further since the polls closed.  The official media limited 
its coverage to photos and headlines focusing on violent 
incidents around the country January 30.  On February 2 
government-owned "al-Thawra" daily conceded that the mere 
fact that elections were held "left hope for the success of 
attempts to create a common ground" among the Iraqi people. 
Krajeski