COALITION SUPPORT FOR RRT ERBIL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001180

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ECON MOPS PREL IZ KS
SUBJECT: COALITION SUPPORT FOR RRT ERBIL


1. (SBU) This is an action request. Post requests
that the Department issue instructions to deliver the
points in paragraph six to the government of South
Korea both in Washington and in Seoul on the
establishment of a Regional Reconstruction Team (RRT)
in Erbil, Iraq.

--------------
BACKGROUND
--------------


2. (SBU) Building the capacity of the Iraqi
provincial governments is a critical step in ensuring
the continued development of a decentralized and
democratic government that is transparent and
responsive to the needs of its citizens. The melding
of Coalition military and civilian assets is crucial
in expediting Iraqi transition to self-reliance and is
necessary to support a robust engagement at the
provincial level. It is most effective to have
established teams in place and ready to engage as soon
as possible when the new provincial governments are
seated. This will enable assistance during the
critical formative stages and help ensure long-term
success. The Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs)
and Regional Reconstruction Teams assist Iraqi
provincial governments to develop a transparent and
sustained capability to govern, improve security and
promote the rule of law, promote political and
economic development, and provide the provincial
administration skills necessary to meet the basic
needs of the population. The PRT/RRT initiative is
flexible and facilitates integration of development
and reconstruction activities in a province. Eight
PRTs and four RRTs (including Erbil) are planned, with
the possibility that Coalition partners may choose to
establish additional teams in their areas of
responsibility. Four PRTs are currently operating,
with one additional US-led and one Coalition-led PRT
scheduled to open officially in April.


3. (SBU) The Republic of Korea (ROK) Civil-Military
Operations (CMO) forces in the Kurdish region operate
under the direction of the Civil Military Coordination
Center (CIMIC) located at Camp Zaytun. They have
focused on building friendships, Iraqi Security Force
(ISF) development, humanitarian assistance programs
and infrastructure development. In addition, the
CIMIC operates a vocational training center near Erbil
to provide courses in driving, machinery repair, and
computer skills. The Korean International Cooperation
Agency (KOICA) funds major infrastructure projects,
including sewage and water upgrades, within the
Kurdistan Region provinces of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and
Dahuk. KOICA also maintains a grant aid and technical
cooperation program to provide assistance aimed at
building the skills of the Kurdistan Regional
Government (KRG) government officials and promoting
economic development.


4. (SBU) The Koreans have a strong foundation of
civil-military operations and mature relationships
within the Kurdistan Region from which to facilitate
the rapid establishment and integration of a RRT. The
ROK has performed excellent work in reconstruction and
development in the region and has achieved tangible
progress towards enhancing stability and improving the
welfare of the Kurdistan citizens. The Koreans also
have significant PRT experience gained in Afghanistan.


5. (SBU) The U.S. goal is to maximize overall
Coalition partner support and encourage the ROK to
lead an RRT in Erbil, while ensuring we have maximum
flexibility on security-related issues. On March 20,
the National Coordination Team (NCT) Deputy Director
met with the ROK in Erbil. The Koreans expressed
strong interest in supporting an RRT; however, they
also stressed that they must wait on a final decision
from their national government. Post, to date, has
not received notification of a decision from Seoul.

--------------
TALKING POINTS
--------------


6. (SBU) Begin talking points.

-- The Government of Korea has a strong foundation of
civil-military operations and mature relationships

BAGHDAD 00001180 002 OF 002


within the Kurdistan Region from which to facilitate
the rapid establishment and integration of a Regional
Reconstruction Team (RRT).

-- Your government has performed excellent work in
reconstruction and development in the region and has
achieved tangible progress towards enhancing stability
and improving the welfare of the Kurdistan citizens.
You also have significant PRT experience from
Afghanistan.

-- The USG requests the Republic of Korea to consider
participation in the PRT initiative as a full partner
by hosting and supporting an RRT in Erbil for the
Kurdistan Region.

-- The USG encourages the Government of Korea to make
a decision quickly to move ahead with the
establishment of an RRT and provide the necessary work
and housing space at Camp Zaytun. Space could be in
already established Korean facilities or, if not
available, we request an area be designated for the
RRT where the USG could pursue options of placing
trailers until the USAID compound on Camp Zaytun is
completed in late July or August.

-- The USG invites the Government of Korea to assume
the lead for the RRT by providing a civilian team
leader if it so desires, a military co-deputy team
leader (the US would also provide a co-deputy),a
KOICA representative, a civil affairs group, and force
protection personnel. If you opt not to appoint a
civilian team leader, the USG is prepared to do so.

-- The US would provide a Department of State/USAID
officer, an IRMO Provincial Project Manager, an Iraq
Provincial Action Officer (IPAO),a Rule of Law
Coordinator, local governance contractors, and a U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) engineer for each
Kurdish province.

-- The USG believes an RRT in Erbil is necessary to
maintain a close engagement with Kurdistan government
officials and to assist with developing the capacity
of the regional government. Your government is in the
best position to do this due to your experience and
established ties.

-- The USG believes Korean involvement in the RRT
could provide additional private sector development
and commercial enterprise opportunities for the ROK
throughout the Kurdistan Region.

END TALKING POINTS.

--------------
CONCLUSION
--------------


7. (SBU) Post requests that the Department consider
instructing a demarche to the government of the
Republic of Korea at the earliest possible date. We
believe the ROK PRT experience in Afghanistan and
their outstanding working relationship in Erbil with
KRG officials would provide a solid foundation upon
which the RRT could continue to build. The Koreans'
expertise, support, and leadership are critical to
reaching our mutual goal of building a durable
democracy in Iraq.

KHALILZAD