Cablegate: Iraq Takes Steps to Build Its Civic Relationship

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS WARSAW 001267

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR EUR/NCE TARA ERATH AND MICHAEL SESSUMS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID ECON PREL IZ PL
SUBJECT: IRAQ TAKES STEPS TO BUILD ITS CIVIC RELATIONSHIP
WITH POLAND

REF: 2004 WARSAW 5583

1. (SBU) During a meeting on other issues, the Iraqi
Ambassador to Poland, Hussein Shialtagh, commented that the
Iraqi Embassy in Poland is trying to build closer military,
commercial, and civic relations with Poland. He said that
while the military relationship is already quite robust due
to Poland's presence in Iraq and the success of some Polish
defense companies, a strong civic relationship between the
two states has not yet developed. Shialtagh said that he
believes increased civic and commercial ties between Iraq and
Poland would help the Polish government justify greater
military and security ties with Iraq. To this end, the Iraqi
Embassy is trying to develop several programs with Poland.

2. (SBU) Foremost among these is a proposal to establish a
scholarship program for Iraqis to study in Poland. Shialtagh
said that he and the rector of Warsaw University, Piotr
Weglenski, recently discussed creating 400 scholarships for
Iraqi students. Shialtagh hopes to establish the program
this spring for possible enrollment by Iraqis this fall. He
privately lamented, however, the lack of Polish funds for
such a program and doubts that the Iraqi government can fund
such a program.

3. (SBU) Shialtagh said he is trying to bring Iraqi NGOs to
Poland in order to observe the expected upcoming Polish
elections in June. Shialtagh believes that doing so would
not only help the Iraqis better understand how a free and
fair election is held, but it would also have a positive
effect on Polish attitudes toward Iraq by showing Poles that
they serve as an example for Iraq. Such a program could also
create opportunities for further cooperation between Polish
and Iraqi NGOs. Shialtagh suggested that USAID might fund
such a program.

4. (SBU) Shialtagh also commented that he would like to see
the proposed international conference on the needs of the
Iraqi disabled take place in Poland (reftel A). The Iraqi
public would warmly receive such a conference, and it would
further illustrate to Iraqis the positive role that Poland
has played in Iraq's reconstruction. He has not yet heard
any formal word from Poland concerning whether the GOP will
host the conference.

5. (SBU) Comment. Although Shialtagh's proposals could be
effective in creating immediate positive public relations
benefits for the Polish-Iraqi bilateral relationship, both
the Iraqi embassy and the GOP seem short on funds, which will
hinder the realization of his ideas. End comment.
ASHE

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2005WARSAW01267 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

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