INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Schroeder Calls for More Arab Support for Iraq

Published: Wed 6 Oct 2004 04:23 PM
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS FRANKFURT 008667
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PINR PTER GM IZ
SUBJECT: Schroeder Calls for More Arab Support for Iraq
1. SUMMARY: In widely-publicized remarks at the Frankfurt
Book Fair -- dedicated this year to the Arab world -- German
Chancellor Schroeder reiterated German support for the war
on terror and for stability in Iraq, calling on Arab states
(specifically the Arab League) to take a more active role in
Iraq. END SUMMARY.
UNITED AGAINST TERROR
---------------------
2. At the opening ceremony of the Frankfurt book fair
October 5 -- where the "Arab World" is this year's guest of
honor -- chancellor Gerhard Schroeder spoke about the West's
approach to terrorism, the Arab world, and Iraq. He said
terrorist attacks are a "call to battle" for the civilized
world and one of the greatest threats to the international
community, but noone should equate the war against terror
with a "clash of civilizations." Schroeder emphasized that
economic development and human rights are key elements to
counter the terrorist threat in the Muslim world. He
declared that the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians
can only be solved politically and not militarily.
ARAB STATES SHOULD DO MORE ON IRAQ
-----------------------------------
3. On Iraq, Schroeder said: "In Iraq, the security and
stability of the whole region are at stake. Germany will
continue to contribute to the stabilization and
reconstruction of Iraq. When evaluating the conflict, the
focus should not be on "who was right" -- this question is
already part of history, though an important one -- but
rather on our common responsibility for stability and
democracy in the region. This can only be realized when we
are able to bring peace to Iraq. In cooperation with the
United Arab Emirates, we are training Iraqi police and
military personnel ... to enable the people of Iraq to
guarantee safety and security. I believe only in this way
can the conflict be solved. But Arab states must also use
their traditionally close relations with the Iraqi people to
enable peace and guarantee economic development .... I
think the Arab League has in this respect a very important
role to play." NOTE: Arab League Secretary General Amre
Moussa was present at the ceremony, but spoke primarily on
cultural issues. END NOTE.
BODDE
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