Diplomatic Cable < Iraq >

[Jay]

МИД РФ Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted​

[Recipient]: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq < Nathan > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation < @LCAlbrechtMOFA.de.gov > [Subject]: Bilateral Relations

Your Excellency, I trust this message finds you well. I am reaching out in the hopes of restoring Russo-Iraqi relations and developing our bilateral relations. With strong historical ties between Iraq and Russia, His Excellency the President has identified the need for stronger relations and hopes that Iraq will reciprocate this energy. Our Ministry is eager to engage in a constructive dialogue with you and finds ways to develop our relations. I hope that we may talk to allow us to facilitate open and transparent communication on matters of common interest. This talk could serve as a platform for discussing political, economic, cultural, and security-related issues. Additionally, we are keen on exploring opportunities for collaborative initiatives in areas such as defense cooperation, energy extraction, and industrial development. We are eager to further Russian investments in Iraq, provide access to Russian equipment, and develop positive relations that will provide peace and security in the Middle East. I look forward to the prospect of working closely with you to build a foundation of trust and cooperation between our nations. Please let me know a suitable time to meet over the phone Best regards, Lucie Albrecht Minister of Foreign Affairs Russian Federation

 

[Jay]

Nathan

 

[Nathan]

Encrypted/Secure​

Ministry of Defence
Baghdad Iraq​

Lucie Albrecht
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Russian Federation

---

"Dear Minister Albrecht,

The Iraqi people thank you for your kind and warm words. As you may be aware, the Iraqi government was a major purchaser of Russian equipment from the previous government, which is something we wish to continue as we battle sectarian violence in the North.

Our next goal will be to develop a strong ocean going navy to develop and maintain security of Iraqi and international waters in the Persian Gulf and further afield. We have a potential funding deal which may interest your navy.

We also look forward to developing stronger economic and political ties. I am able to take your call at your next opportunity.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Dabir Hana​

Minister of Foreign Affairs ​

Jay

 

[Jay]

МИД РФ Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted​

[Recipient]: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq < Nathan > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation < @LCAlbrechtMOFA.de.gov > [Subject]: Bilateral Relations

Dear Minister Hana, The Russian Federation is eager to assist the Iraqi Government in its efforts to drive out terrorism, and sectarian violence, and restore stability in Mesopotamia. If required, I am sure my government can discuss a deployment of Russian combat advisors to assist the Iraqi Army. Additionally, we invite you to request purchases through Rosobornoexport and we are hopeful to factiliate Iraq remaining a strong partner for the corporation. The Russian Federation is prepared to extend support to all areas of Iraq's sovereignty and well-being and I am hopeful to have a frank discussion on those matters. I will set up a call which will include senior members of our defense ministry to help advise us during our discussions on what is feasible and practical. Kind regards, Lucie Albrecht Minister of Foreign Affairs Russian Federation

 

[Jay]

In the halls of the Foreign Ministry, three men, dressed in military attire from the army, one of whom was dressed in the uniform of the naval forces, would walk towards the Minister's office. Her office was dimly lit by the warm yellow lights casting on the burgundy walls, the Foreign Minister greeted the officers who were defense analysts and planners from the Ministry of Defense. The escalating legal challenge was consuming the Ministry as Russia had just submitted an ICJ case to seeking money damages following Thailand's actions.

Once the officers were sat in a conference room, the Minister and her Deputy, Mikhailov Gromyko, would be join them along with several other foreign affairs specialists as they dialed into the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. Once the call was accepted by the Iraqis, the secure line was encrypted and the Minister began to speak.

"Hello Minister Hana, it is a pleasure to speak with you. Unfortunately, I have an urgent matter that has just come up. I apologize for the inconvenience. Deputy Minister Gromyko will take my place instead, he is fully up to date with our conversations. We also have three officers from our Defense Ministry who will be here to help answer any questions you may have. I look forward to a phone call between us at a later date as well." With that, once the Minister heard the response from the Iraqis she would politely leave the room and return to her office.

Nathan

 

[Nathan]

"Minister Albrecht, I am sorry you cannot stay but I am sure our conversation can be productive. I wish you all the best with the court case.

Gentlemen, thank you for recieving us. We have a number of topics we wish to cover but our main one is continuing the supply of Russian equipment to the Iraqi Military, both naval equipment, air defence and air force.

Our first enquiry is to purchase two Il-80s and two Il-96-300PU for government continuity purposes, at a time of civil uncertainty in our country due to Saddam Hussein"

The Minister would sip some tea as he awaits a reply.

Jay

 

[Jay]

[Commander Arslan Kakiev]: "Hello Minister Hana, we would be happy to look into your request to purchase four aircrafts, would your government be looking for being supplied training personnel for maintaining the aircrafts and perhaps an fighter jets to compliment these dual civilian-military aircrafts?

As part of this package however, we would like to discuss the operational security requirements with such a purchase given that these aircrafts remain in active service with the Russian Government and it would be our utmost desire to maintain their technological edge. Additionally it would potentially endanger Russian personnel if their capabilities and design became readily available. Would your government be willing to accept these additional requirements?"

[Deputy Minister Mikhailov Gromyko]: "Additionally Minister, I would be curious to understand the need for continuity concerns and what was decided by your government for their need. If you could go a little bit more into the civil uncertainty and what issues you are facing, it would help us in assessing your request."

Nathan

 

[Nathan]

"We can accept the no selling on terms and conditions. We would also welcome Russian personal to maintain the equipment, and potentially assist with training of new pilots. Our biggest reason for these aircraft is due to a number of uprisings and attacks on Iraqi government sites in recent months, as well as a return of Saddam Hussein. The stronger our continuity of government system is, the more we can resist an attempted coup.

In addition, we would be interested in discussing a potential acquirement of a aircraft carrier, ideally the Admiral Kuznetsov class, complemented by purchasing an aircraft wing of 24 × Su-33, 12 6 × MiG-29K, 12 × Ka-31, 12 × Ka-27"

Jay

 

[Jay]

[Deputy Minister Mikhailov Gromyko]: "Minister Hana, thanks for the insight into the situation in Iraq. Please rest assured my government fully backs your government as the legitimate representative of the people of Iraq. In addition to security assistance my government is ready to play any meaningful diplomatic role in ending this crisis.

Having spent sometime in Iraq in the late 1980s, I am well aware of the beauty of your country, I am eager to see it return to its glory in the Arab World and wider Middle East. If your government would be willing I would be happy to leverage my old contacts in Iraq and with your permission to see if Saddam Hussein would be willing to go into exile in Russia in exchange for some sort of deal. Would your government be interested in such an arrangement? I'll let Commander Kakiev address the security proposals."

[Commander Arslan Kakiev]: "Yes, thank you deputy minister. In addition to these arms and civilian sales I know you brushed on this, but we would be ready to dispatch advisors to support your naval and air development projects. Alongside this I ma sure we can arrange if your government is interested for a contingent of Russian Special Forces to train and assist the Iraqi Armed Forces."

Nathan

 

[Nathan]

"We would prefer to see Saddam died or in a jail. There can be no negotiation with the monster that he is. If your contacts could tell us where he is, we would be able to arrange this.

We would welcome your advisors to Iraq, especially with navy and air development projects. Special forces support would also be welcome. However, we could not allow your forces to take a front line role in Iraq. Please let us know prices for the requested equipment, and we can arrange accordingly.

Further to this, would your government be willing into entering a free trade agreement with Iraq?"

Jay

 

[Jay]

[Commander Arslan Kakiev]: "Russian Advisor can be dispatched in a non-combat capacity focusing on training and capacity building for Iraqi forces. We would, once you are ready to commit to a status of forces agreement, specific confidentiality agreements, and end-use monitoring we will be happy to send advance teams to understand the situation of Iraqi forces.

In the meantime, we would appreciate any information you can send our office of the Iraqi Army and its current structure will be helpful as we plan a training program. As far as the arms sales are concerned, let me turn it over to Deputy Minister Gromyko.

[Deputy Minister Mikhailov Gromyko]: "Yes. As far as a free trade agreement is concerned we are definitely willing, but, we will need to discuss what would be included and the sort. I am sure a trade delegation can be sent to Baghdad to discuss with your government.

On the matter of the full sale, given a large number of proprietary Russian equipment will be used by Iraqi Forces, we have concerns over potential for defections. Iraqi pilots during the Cold War provided foreign adversaries of our government. Aircrafts such as the MiG-17, MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-25s.

We are very much concerned over platforms such as the MiG-29, our command and control aircrafts, and so forth may be compromised. We would like to know the potential steps Iraq can take to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

Lastly, I heard you mention you want to purchase air defense systems as well. I have attached in a fax that will be transmitted to your office that includes the option to purchase the S-300 and Kub-3. If you wish to proceed with it, we provided the per unit price and we will adjust the total price afterwards. Please let me know if this works for you."

Secured Fax Protected & Encrypted Delivered to the Office of Foreign Minister​

Item Name	Il-96
Units requested	2
Amount per unit	$58,122,700.00
Total	$116,245,400.00
Item Name	Su-33
Units requested	24
Amount per unit	$68,750,000
Total	$1,650,000,000.00
Item Name	Mig-29K
Units requested	12
Amount per unit	$20,950,000.00
Total	$251,400,000.00
Item Name	Ka-31
Units requested	12
Amount per unit	$29,000,000.00
Total	$348,000,000.00
Item Name	Ka-27
Units requested	12.00
Amount per unit	$19,920,000.00
Total	$239,040,000.00
Order Total (Excluding Kuznetsov)	$2,604,685,400.00
Order Total (Including Kuznetsov)	$4,704,685,400.00
Item Name	Kuznetsov-class Aircraft Carrier
Units requested	1
Amount per unit	$2,100,000,000
Total	$2,100,000,000
Order Total	2K12 Kub-M3 SAM System
Units requested	N/A
Amount per unit	$18,000,000.00
Total	N/A
Item Name	S-300 SAM System
Units requested	N/A
Amount per unit	$150,000,000.00
Total	N/A

Note: Producer of Il-80 will conduct a price check for export The terms and conditions of Rosobornoexport govern this sale The meeting notes will be considered evidence and carry binding weight

Nathan

 

[Jay]

Nathan

 

[Nathan]

"We will share our orbats with yourselves, but for security reasons cannot given troop numbers or equipment. Our main branches that require training will be the Navy, Army, Territorial Defence Forces and National Guard

We will welcome your trade delegates, we were looking to expand our markets for Petroleum and Gold.

After reviewing the prices quoted, we may need to review our options, We will now be only looking to acquire 12 S-300 SAM systems, 20 2K12 Kub-M3 SAM systems and 2 Il-96. We have since formed a new National Guard which has now assumed responsibility for defence of military bases alongside air force police. We can give you a guarantee that all equipment is safe."

Jay

 

[Jay]

[Commander Arslan Kakiev]: "We look forward to offering whatever assistance we can. In addition please reach out to us with any specific concerns you may have or issues you'd like assistance with."

[Deputy Minister Mikhailov Gromyko]: "Thank you for clarity over the weapons purchase. We've provided an updated list which should've been faxed to you. The total price for what you've asked comes out to $2,218,112,700.00. We've attached the remaining price for the other items if you wish to pick up the offer from where you've left off. As for trade, we can have a trade agreement sent to you for review on those identified options."

Secured Fax Protected & Encrypted Delivered to the Office of Foreign Minister​

Item Name	Il-96
Units requested	2
Amount per unit	$58,122,700.00
Total	$116,245,400.00
Item Name	Su-33
Units requested	$24.00
Amount per unit	$68,750,000
Total	$1,650,000,000.00
Item Name	Mig-29K
Units requested	12
Amount per unit	$20,950,000.00
Total	$251,400,000.00
Item Name	Ka-31
Units requested	12
Amount per unit	$29,000,000.00
Total	$348,000,000.00
Item Name	Ka-27
Units requested	12.00
Amount per unit	$19,920,000.00
Total	$239,040,000.00
Item Name	Kuznetsov-class Aircraft Carrier
Units requested	1
Amount per unit	$2,100,000,000
Total	$2,100,000,000
Order Total	2K12 Kub-M3 SAM System
Units requested	20
Amount per unit	$18,000,000.00
Total	$360,000,000.00
Item Name	S-300 SAM System
Units requested	12
Amount per unit	$150,000,000.00
Total	$1,800,000,000.00
Total Order Purchase Price	$2,218,122,700.00
Order Total (Excluding Purchasing items)	$4,588,440,000.00

Nathan

 

[Nathan]

"Thank you, we will organise the transfer right away.

This equipment will have a great impact on the efficiency of the Iraqi Military. Is there any further defence equipment business to discuss?

We look forward to discussing trade, would Russia be looking to sell Iraq any products in particular?"

 

[Jay]

[Deputy Minister Mikhailov Gromyko]: "Once we have received the approved finances we can begin production on your order." He said as he then looked at the trade table in front of him. "On the matter of trade, my government is very much eager to develop healthy trade relations with Iraq. We hope we can see Iraq be a potential source of importing Russian goods in various sectors, leveraging the strengths of our nation's economy. Our proposal focuses on key export categories where Russia has demonstrated considerable expertise and production capacity. Russia possesses a rich abundance of natural resources, including various metals and minerals.

Our nation has a long history of mining and refining precious metals, high-quality pearls, and other luxury goods we hope to export to the Iraqi Market. We also hope that Iraq will consider importing high-quality iron and steel products for infrastructure development, construction projects, and manufacturing needs from Russia. In addition, Russia is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of fertilizers. Our advanced technologies and efficient production methods ensure the supply of high-grade fertilizers to support Iraq's agricultural sector, enhancing crop yields and food security in light of the food security challenges you face.

We are also interested in offering Iraq advanced machinery, including industrial equipment, power generation systems, and nuclear reactors, to support infrastructure development and industrial growth. On the matter of a nuclear reactor, we would be serious in developing the necessary infrastructure to achieve a civilian nuclear program and provide large amounts of accessible energy to your country.

Furthermore would be interested in offering plastic materials for Iraq to turn into final products such as packaging, construction, and other consumer goods. Lastly, we can provide Iraq with electronic products and other digital services. I hope this is a good overview of the trade relations we would like to have with Iraq.

Nathan

 

[Nathan]

"We accept our importation of metals, pearls and luxury goods. Especially iron and steel and construction materials

Agriculture we will accept your fertilisers and products. We accept advanced machinery and your industrial equipment - especially nuclear reactors. We would be most greatful for your support in constructing a nuclear reactor in the south of the country. Do you also have renewable technology, such as solar and wind?

Do you have any scope to support us to build a new North to South railway and above ground metro in Baghdad?

For your information, the transfer of funds for our order has been completed"
Jay

 

[Jay]

"I am happy to hear about your ambitious energy project. Please be assured Russia is happy to support Iraq and our nuclear energy companies have helped develop nuclear power plants in Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, and Turkey. We are more than ready to help Iraq.

I will be sure to have our energy minister visist Baghdad to discuss this further but if you could tell me the total number of watts you seek to acquire, proposed locations, and funding expectations that would be appreciated. We do have other companies dealing with solar energy which we think would work best in Iraq's case.

I will check in what companies can help you develop a railway in Iraq and I can have the transport minister join the energy minister in their visit to Baghdad to discuss it further.

Lastly, I wanted to update you that Russia has applied a $16.2 million discount for orders of S-300s and Kub air defense systems. We have covered the additional production costs in the hopes of alleviating financial costs to Iraq and assisting you to adequately defend your air space."

Nathan

 

[Nathan]

"Great we look forward to receiving your support and we look forward to meeting your energy minister. Iraq is currently going through the process of a new election of our President and Parliament, so we will invite the president-elect's team when it is confirmed to join the talks.

If you can get the trade agreement finalised, we can send it too parliament for ratification.

We thank you for your discount, we hope that in future we can make contact again to continue the purchase of the aircraft carrier and the required air wing."

Jay

 

[Jay]

"I am glad to hear. It is our hope as well to see Iraq be a strategic partner to Russia once again. Is there anything else that you would like for us to discuss today Minister?"

Nathan