US embassy cable - 05CAIRO8016

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 008016 
 
SIPDIS 
 
BAGHDAD FOR LITT, MNF-I MG BARGEWELL 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/18/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, EG, IZ, Arab League, Iraqi 
SUBJECT: ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL MOUSSA TO IRAQ: 
ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON VISIT 
 
REF: CAIRO 7963 (NOTAL) 
 
Classified by ECPO Minister Counselor Michael Corbin for 
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1.  (C) Arab League Secretary General intends to travel to 
Iraq October 20-22 to spearhead renewed Arab engagement on 
Iraq's political process (reftel).  Moussa requested any 
technical assistance that Embassy Baghdad or Embassy Cairo 
was able to offer on travel and other logistics regarding the 
visit.  Below are additional details provided to the Embassy 
October 17 by Moussa's Chief of Staff Hesham Youssef which 
update original plans discussed in reftel.  Post appreciates 
the ongoing coordination with Embassy Baghdad on this topic. 
 
2.  (C) Youssef told Emboff that the delegation would consist 
of 39 people (11-12 Arab League working staff, 10-11 Arab 
League security, and 16 journalists).  Additionally, a 2-3 
person Arab League advance team would arrive in Baghdad from 
Amman October 18 to begin liaison with the GOI.  Youssef said 
that Moussa and delegation were no longer planning on a 
Bahraini charter flight, but would rather use "Digla" 
Airlines -- an Iraqi-owned company based in Egypt that is 
already flying regular, twice-weekly flights between Cairo 
and Baghdad.  After delivering the delegation to Baghdad, the 
aircraft would fly to Irbil and wait there for additional 
in-country travel, as well as the return flight to Cairo. 
Youssef did not know the make or model of the Digla aircraft 
but pledged to provide Post with this information if required. 
 
3.  (C) Describing Moussa's present itinerary, Youssef shared 
the following:  Moussa and company would depart Cairo early 
Thursday, October 20 for Baghdad, and conduct meetings with 
Iraqi government officials all day Thursday.  Moussa intends 
to meet President Talabani, Prime Minister Jafari, and senior 
Ministers, among others.  Moussa and delegation are planning 
to spend the evening at the Mugamma al Wuzarra next to the 
Green Zone.  On Friday, Moussa is planning meetings with the 
Muslim Ulema Council and SCIRI leader al Hakim in Baghdad at 
locations yet to be determined.  Moussa intends to conduct 
post-Iftar meetings Friday evening at the residence of Iraqi 
Foreign Minister Zebari, including a possible meeting with 
U.S. Ambassador Khalilzad.  Early morning Saturday, Moussa 
intends to travel to Najaf, either by helicopter or by 
motorcade, for meetings with Sistani and Sadr.  Youssef 
shared that the United Nations was unable to provide 
transportation for this movement, but that the GOI was making 
necessary preparations.  Returning to Baghdad from Najaf, 
Moussa will fly to Irbil via the Digla charter flight later 
Saturday to meet Kurdish leader Barzani.  Depending on a 
possible post 6 p.m. flight curfew, Youssef said, Moussa may 
stay the night at Barzani's residence, or return direct to 
Cairo via the Digla charter. 
 
4.  (C) Comment:  Post appreciates Baghdad's assistance and 
coordination on this subject, and welcomes additional 
suggestions on how best to help facilitate Moussa's visit. 
End comment. 
 
 
RICCIARDONE