TARIQ 'AZIZ - IRAQ

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 05381077
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: March 16, 2022
• Document Release Date: March 31, 2016
• Case Number: F-2015-01885
• Publication Date: December 11, 1990

Approved for for Release: 2016/02/10 C05381077
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Tariq `AZIZ
(Phonetic: ahZEEZ)
Deputy Prime Minister (since 1979);
Member, Revolutionary Command Council
(since 1977); Minister of Foreign
Affairqsince 1983)
Addressed as; Mr. Minister
Tule! 'Aziz
his
mastery ot tenglisn and diplomatic demeanor
should not be construed as pro-Western sentiment.
he will
do Saddam's bidding whatever the task.
IRAQ
formulating foreign policy before the invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990. We believe his
importance has since waned. Although he has publicly exhibited a hardline position, he may
have privately opposed the invasion, His close
identification with efforts to improve ties to the United States in the 1980s may have further
eroded his standing
Throughout his career, 'Aziz has advocated a more conciliatory foreign policy. For
example, he led the Iraqi delegation to the Iraq-Iran peace talks and is the official most
closely associated with Iraq's postwar attempt to join the international community. He
consistently worked to improve relations with the United States before their official
reestablishment in 1984. 'Aziz was a chief advocate of Egypt's reintegration into the Arab
fold. He has supported a negotiated settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict and urged the
PLO to adopt moderate position!
As a member of Iraq's small Christian community, 'Aziz cannot take power in Muslim-
dominated Iraq and does not pose a threat to Saddam. His party credentials are impeccable.
He participated in the 1968 coup that brought the Ba`th Party to power. As Minister of
Information during 1974-77 and then as a member of the Revolutionary Command Council
and the party's Regional Command, he helped Saddam undermine then President Ahmad
al-Bakr Saddam made 'Aziz Deputy Prime Minister after
Bakr's ouster in 1979 and added the Foreign Ministry to his responsibilities in 1983
'A717 WAC hfltrl in 1916
Aziz and his wife,,Violette, have at least two children.
LDA M 90-17061
II December 1990
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, Approved for Release: 2016/02/10 C05381077