US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT5030

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 005030 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR NEA/ARPI; LONDON FOR TSOU; PARIS FOR ZEYA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/05/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, KDEM, KU, IZ 
SUBJECT: PARLIAMENT SPEAKER PLEASED WITH PREPARATIONS FOR 
IRAQ'S DECEMBER 15 ELECTIONS; WELCOMES VICTORY STRATEGY 
 
REF: STATE 216314 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) 
 
1.  (C)  Summary:  During a December 5 meeting, Kuwait 
National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi told the 
Ambassador he was pleased with Iraqi preparations for 
December 15 elections and was convinced the Iraqi people 
intended for the process to be free and fair.  Al-Khorafi 
reported Iraqi concerns about U.S. involvement in the process 
and said he agreed that some distance was necessary.  The 
Ambassador restated the U.S. wanted a transparent process in 
which all Iraqis participated, and shared with the Speaker 
the National Strategy for Victory in Iraq.  Al-Khorafi 
stressed the supportive role to be played by Iraq's neighbors 
and said he had encouraged Iraqi officials to consult with 
regional capitals.  End Summary. 
 
Iraqis are Ready for Elections 
------------------------------ 
 
2.  (C)  During a December 5 meeting, Parliament Speaker 
Jassem Al-Khorafi told the Ambassador that based on his 
meetings with visiting Iraqi delegations, he was convinced 
Iraqi political groups were determined to hold fair, 
transparent elections on December 15.  Al-Khorafi noted 
concerns about "U.S. influence and support for certain 
candidates," saying the Iraqis do not want any "U.S. 
interference" in the electoral process. Al-Khorafi added his 
personal comment that the U.S. does not always "practice what 
it preaches" so some distance from the December 15 balloting 
is merited. 
 
3.  (C)  Continuing his comments on preparations for the 
elections, he said, "we're reaching the end and they (the 
Iraqi people) are all hopeful."  He expressed his "pleasant 
surprise" that all groups were involved in the electoral 
process and said they really were doing their best.  He was 
pleased that the groups were also preparing to negotiate 
political participation if they do not achieve their 
electoral goals. 
 
Timing was Right for Release of National Iraq Strategy 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
4.  (C)  The Ambassador disputed Al-Khorafi's 
characterization of U.S. involvement in the Iraqi elections. 
He acknowledged the difficulty of the process and the 
complications resulting from some sectarianism among the 
security forces.  Nonetheless, he emphasized the U.S. sought 
to ensure a fair process in which all voices were heard.  He 
further reviewed for the Speaker the National Strategy for 
Victory in Iraq, leaving with Al-Khorafi a copy of the 
President's November 30 speech and a copy of the strategy 
(reftel).  Al-Khorafi said the President's speech came at the 
right time, adding that it sent a good, strong message on the 
U.S. intention to see Iraq "through until the end."  He added 
the UK Prime Minister Blair's speech was also needed. 
 
Listen to Iraq's Neighbors 
-------------------------- 
 
5.  (C)  Commenting on regional support for the Iraqi 
Transitional Government, Al-Khorafi advised the Ambassador 
that the U.S. should not depend on the Arab League.  He was 
critical of the recommendation from the recent AL meeting in 
Cairo to meet in February in Iraq, saying, "we all know the 
meeting should have been held in Iraq."  The Ambassador 
stressed the importance of the support of Iraq's neighbors 
and Al-Khorafi concurred, urging the U.S. to heed the 
concerns of neighboring states.  Al-Khorafi also mentioned 
the advice he had given Iraqi leaders, reporting that he 
emphasized to Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari that stability 
in Iraq would promote stability in Iran.  He also encouraged 
the FM to travel to Saudi Arabia and meet with King Abdullah 
so that information on Iraq had a source other than Saudi FM 
Prince Saud. 
 
********************************************* 
Visit Embassy Kuwait's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ 
 
You can also access this site through the 
State Department's Classified SIPRNET website 
********************************************* 
LEBARON