VZCZCXRO7377
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK RUEHROV
DE RUEHEG #2210 2901627
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 161627Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0663
INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 002210
SIPDIS
NEA FOR FO; NSC FOR PASCUAL
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/15/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV EPET IZ EG
SUBJECT: FM ABOUL GHEIT ON IRAQ
REF: A. CAIRO 2156
B. BAGHDAD 3239
Classified By: Ambassador Margaret Scobey Reasons: 1.4 (B) and (D)
1.(C) FM Aboul Gheit discussed his visit to Iraq and preliminary plans to re-open the Egyptian embassy in Baghdad during
an October 15 meeting with the Ambassador. Aboul Gheit said that his October 6 trip to Iraq was a success. In
Sulaymaniyah (where he met with President Talabani), he said that he saw a secure, prosperous, clean society that had an
open-minded and liberal approach to life. Aboul Gheit said that "all of Iraq should be like this," and that if this
happens, "the battle in our Arab world will be won." He said that a sizeable Egyptian oil industry delegation will head
to Iraq soon.
2.(C) Aboul Gheit said that the Egyptians had decided to locate the new Egyptian embassy near the American embassy due
to security realities. He claimed that the Iraqis had offered the Egyptians "two beautiful villas with large plots of
land" that would allow the Egyptians to have a presence "equal to that of the Americans." However, Aboul Gheit said that
these properties are in need of refurbishment, and that the costs should be borne by the Iraqis, given that (according
to Aboul Gheit) the GOI had refused to sell the properties to the Egyptians. He indicated that Egypt would pay rent, but
expects a grace period.
3.(C) The Ambassador noted that the USG and Iraq are moving forward on status of forces (SOFA) talks. We anticipate a
strong and negative Iranian response to the finalized agreement, regardless of the terms. Aboul Gheit said that Egypt
would need to see the terms of the agreement. If the agreement met key Iraqi needs, such as a specific time table for
withdrawl - even if in the future - and respect for Iraqi jurisdiction for criminal actions committed by U.S. personnel,
he believed Egypt could be helpful. He asked when we expected the SOFA negotiations to conclude; the Ambassador said
hopefully soon, and said that Arab states' support of the GOI will be critical once the SOFA agreement is finalized.
SCOBEY