US embassy cable - 05AMMAN8093

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 008093 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2015 
TAGS: PREL, KPAO, IZ, JO 
SUBJECT: JORDAN: KING'S COMMENTS ON IRAQ CONSTITUTION 
 
 
Classified By: CDA David Hale for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
 
1.  (U) Jordan's King Abdullah continued efforts to bolster 
the Iraqi political process in an October 9 
interview with Al-Rai, the leading semi-official 
Arabic-language daily.  The widely circulated independent 
centrist Arabic daily Al Ghad, also covered the basic points 
of the King's interview. 
 
2.  (U) Highlights of the King's statements follow: 
 
--"Arab world" language, de-Ba,athification: "It is true 
that there were some problems regarding the first draft of 
the constitution.  I have seen the amendments that were 
recently introduced, such as the statement that Iraq is a 
founding and effective member of the Arab League and is 
committed to its charter, and is also a part of the Muslim 
world.  I have also seen the amendment on prohibiting the 
trial of members of the disbanded Ba'th party who were not 
among its leaders and who have not committed any crimes, and 
they enjoy protection and equality before the law.  There is 
also the amendment which states that the Arabic and Kurdish 
languages are the two approved languages in the Kurdistan 
area.  Those amendments are undoubtedly positive and a step 
toward encouraging the Sunni Arab brothers to participate 
in the political process and to build modern Iraq." 
 
--Need for Sunni participation, Jordanian efforts: "I have 
learned that other amendments are being discussed at present 
with the various Iraqi groups.  Those amendments could be 
added to the constitution, and could lead to pushing the 
Sunni Arabs toward participation.  I recently held several 
contacts with Kurdish leaders --  and particular the Kurdish 
leader Mas'ud Barzani -- with the aim of supporting Sunni 
demands for adding to the constitution an article stating 
that Iraq is a part of the Arab and Muslim worlds.  Contacts 
are still continuing and, God willing, the will of the Iraqis 
will ultimately triumph and security and prosperity will be 
achieved.  We are convinced that the Iraqis' success in 
building their unified homeland and eliminating the state of 
breakdown in security and the terrorism is a success for us 
and for the entire region." 
 
--Prospects for stability: "Iraq's future depends on the will 
of its people.  It is the Iraqis who decide Iraq's future. 
Today they face a difficult test.  They are more able than 
anyone else to know what they want for the future of Iraq.  I 
as well as the government are in constant touch with the 
Iraqi leaders who represent various political, intellectual, 
and religious trends in Iraq.  Those contacts and meetings 
basically aim to urge everyone to cooperate and increase 
cohesion among the sons of the same people to build a strong 
and unified Iraq, God willing. 
 
3.  (C) Comment: The King's statements are the public portion 
of a broader strategy to lend what support Jordan can to the 
chances for a successful political process in Iraq, as 
requested during the King,s recent meetings with USG 
officials. 
HALE