PRT ROLLOUT IN KIRKUK: LOCAL LEADERS FOCUS ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 004446 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/30/2015 TAGS: PGOV KDEM IZ SUBJECT: PRT ROLLOUT IN KIRKUK: LOCAL LEADERS FOCUS ON ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Michael ¶J. Adler for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Embassy and MNF-I personnel unveiled the concept of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) on October 24 to the Kirkuk Governor, Provincial Council Chairman and members of the Provincial Reconstruction and Development Committee (PRDC). Although thankful for the support, Kirkuk leaders focused on the need for additional resources to complete high priority projects. ¶2. (C) IRMO Director Ambassador Dan Speckhard stressed that the USG wants to intensify its engagement with the provinces, with the PRTs as the principal mechanism. This integrated effort with MNF-I aims to increase the capacity of the provincial and local governments. ¶3. (C) Kirkuk Governor Abdurrahman Mustafa and Provincial Council Chairman Rizgar Ali both expressed their appreciation for USG support, but stressed that this was not enough. The governor added that democracy itself is not sufficient for the citizens of Kirkuk; they need services. They highlighted the shortage of electricity, water/sanitation, fuels, and medicines, as well as problems with the central government in Baghdad. ¶4. (C) Comment. While Kirkuk provincial officials appreciate the additional technical assistance and capacity building that the PRT will provide, they will remain focused on funding for infrastructure projects that can deliver electricity, water, and fuels. Satterfield