POLISH COALITION SUPPORT FOR PRT IN QADISIYAH

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001290 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV ECON MOPS PREL IZ PL SUBJECT: POLISH COALITION SUPPORT FOR PRT IN QADISIYAH ¶1. (U) This is an action request; please see para 6. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: Post requests the Department to demarche the Government of Poland regarding the Poles' role in leading a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Qadisiyah. The Poles' experience in the region makes them the optimal choice to lead the PRT, and their established working relationships and expertise in the area is crucial to achieving our goal of building a durable democracy in Iraq. Proposed talking points appear in para 7. END SUMMARY. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶3. (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 to expediting the Iraqi transition to self-reliance and is necessary to support 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 will help ensure long- term success. ¶4. (SBU) The PRTs assist Iraqi provincial governments to develop a transparent and sustained capability to govern; promote increased security and rule of law; promote political and economic development; and provide the provincial administration necessary to meet the basic needs of the population. The PRT initiative is flexible and facilitates integration of development and reconstruction activities in a province. Fifteen PRTs and one Regional Reconstruction Team (RRT) are planned, led by the U.S., Coalition partners, and a few Iraqi-staffed offices. Four PRTs currently are operating, with one additional U.S.-led and one Coalition-led PRT scheduled to open officially in April. ¶5. (SBU) Polish Coalition Forces operate from Camp Echo in Qadisiyah. They host the regional communication servers for the South Central division area; maintain a helicopter medevac; and provide quick reaction force (QRF) capability at Camp Echo. In several conversations with Emboffs, Polish civilian and military leaders have indicated an interest in supporting a PRT. In late February, at a Coalition coffee meeting sponsored by Ambassador Khalilzad, Polish Ambassador Krystosik announced Poland's intent to sponsor a PRT in Qadisiyah. On April 11, Polish Commander MG Gruska was enthusiastic in his discussions with the National Coordination Team (NCT) Deputy, although Gruska stressed that any final decision must be reached between Warsaw and the USG. ¶6. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Post requests that the Department demarche the Government of Poland in Washington and Warsaw at the earliest possible date. Proposed talking points for this demarche are included in para 7. END ACTION REQUEST. -------------- TALKING POINTS -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Proposed talking points: -- The Government of Poland has a strong relationship in Qadisiyah from which to facilitate the rapid establishment and integration of a PRT. Your government has performed excellently in the region and has achieved commendable progress towards enhancing the stability of the province and improving the welfare of Qadisiyah's citizens. -- The USG requests that the GOP consider participation in the PRT initiative as a full partner by hosting and supporting a PRT for Qadisiyah Province at Camp Echo. -- The USG encourages the GOP to make a decision quickly to move ahead with the establishment of a PRT BAGHDAD 00001290 002 OF 002 and provide the necessary work and housing space at Camp Echo. -- The USG invites the GOP to assume the lead for the PRT by providing a civilian team leader if it so desires, a military co-deputy team leader (the U.S. also would provide a co-deputy),a quick reaction force, movement security personnel, a civil affairs element, and medical support. If you opt not to appoint a civilian team leader, the USG is prepared to do so. -- The U.S. would provide a Department of State/USAID officer, Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO) Provincial Program Manager (PPM),Iraq Provincial Action Officer (IPAO),Rule of Law Coordinator, local governance contractors, and engineer. -- A PRT in Qadisiyah is vital to continuing the work your government has already begun in the province. A PRT will assist with further developing the capacity of the provincial government, and your government is in the best position to do this due to your experience and established ties. END TALKING POINTS. KHALILZAD