PRT SALAH-AD-DIN: SUNNI TRIBAL SHEIKS DEMONSTRATE IN SUPPORT OF SOFA

UNCLASSIFIED,FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY UNCLAS BAGHDAD 003674 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PTER, PINS, IZ SUBJECT: PRT SALAH-AD-DIN: SUNNI TRIBAL SHEIKS DEMONSTRATE IN SUPPORT OF SOFA 1. (U) This is a PRT Salah-ad-Din reporting cable. It is sensitive but unclassified; protect accordingly. Not for internet distribution. SUMMARY ------- 2. (SBU) Sunni tribal sheikhs from across Salah-ad-Din (SaD) province staged a peaceful demonstration in support of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) on November 19 in downtown Tikrit. The demonstration underscores the support of Sunni leaders in SaD for a continued U.S. presence, which they view as a guarantee of their security and political influence. END SUMMARY. 3. (SBU) On November 19, a variety of influential Sunni tribal leaders from across Salah-ad-Din province staged a peaceful demonstration in support of the SOFA. The organizers of the protest included Sheikh Hamad Salim Al-Jabouri (Tikrit Sons of Iraq (SOI) leader), Khaled Falayeh As-Samarra'i (Samarra Sheikhs Council), and Sheikh Ahmad Rajib Al-Duleimi (Awakening Chairman Tikrit). Sunni tribal representatives from Sharqat, Balad, Al-Dawr Samarra, and Bayji also participated in the demonstration. 4. (SBU) The demonstration march started at 0900 local time at the Farmers Union Building in downtown Tikrit and proceeded to the Governorate Building. According to PRT contacts, approximately 500 people participated in the demonstration. Protesters chanted slogans, such as "Na'am, na'am itifakiya amniya" ("yes, yes for the security agreement"). The protesters carried banners calling for the quick approval of the agreement by the Council of Representatives and affirming their support for Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki's efforts to conclude the agreement with the U.S. 5. (SBU) COMMENT: The SaD Sunni tribal sheikhs view the U.S. presence in Iraq as a guarantee of their security and influence and support the SOFA for that reason. The prospect of a premature U.S. withdrawal is of special concern for SOI and other leaders who have supported CF. END COMMENT. CROCKER