US embassy cable - 05NEWDELHI3479

C O N F I D E N T I A L NEW DELHI 003479 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/10/2015 
TAGS: PREL, EAID, IZ, IN, India-Iraq 
SUBJECT: INDIA CONGRATULATES NEW IRAQI GOVERNMENT 
 
REF: NEW DELHI 3402 
 
Classified By: PolCouns Geoffrey Pyatt, for Reasons 1.4 (B, D) 
 
1.  (SBU) In its first official statement about Iraq since 
the January 30 elections, on May 7 the GOI released a summary 
of PM Manmohan Singh's message to Iraqi PM Al-Jaafari, which 
welcomed the formation of the new transitional government and 
offered to assist the country's reconstruction in areas of 
mutual interest (text in para 3).  The MEA did not release a 
copy of the letter, and the Iraqi Charge told PolMilOff on 
May 9 that he had not seen it, but welcomed the sentiment it 
contained. 
 
Comment 
------- 
 
2.  (C) This is a small, but positive step.  With the 
exception of references to Iraq in some of the Foreign 
Minister's recent press appearances, the GOI has been quiet 
about Iraq since the January elections.  We believe the 
Charge's April 30 demarche to MEA Joint Secretary (Americas) 
S. Jaishankar played a role in the statement, especially in 
light of the MEA Gulf Division's subsequent comment that it 
was unlikely the GOI would issue a formal statement 
congratulating the new government (Reftel).  In the context 
of continuing hesitation about Iraq among India's political 
parties, the Prime Minister's move toward Al-Jaafari can also 
be viewed as a positive gesture toward the US.  End Comment. 
 
3.  (U) Begin GOI text: 
 
Press Statement on the Formation of the Iraqi Transitional 
Government (7 May 2005) 
 
The Government of India welcomes the formation of a new 
transitional government in Iraq headed by Prime Minister Dr. 
Ibrahim Al Jaafari. 
 
The Prime Minister has sent a message of congratulations to 
Dr. Jafaari, wishing the people of Iraq success in their 
efforts towards building a peaceful, stable and prosperous 
Iraq.  In keeping with India's long tradition of close 
political, economic and cultural ties with Iraq, the Prime 
Minister conveyed that India values and would like to further 
strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two countries 
and peoples, and would be happy to assist in the 
reconstruction of Iraq and cooperate in areas of mutual 
interest.  End GOI text. 
 
4.  (U) Minimize considered. 
BLAKE