AMBASSADOR AND INTERIOR MINISTER DISCUSS JILL

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 000203 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2016 TAGS: PREL PINS MARR IZ SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND INTERIOR MINISTER DISCUSS JILL CARROLL, PLOT AGAINST HAKIM, AND FRENCH JOURNALIST LAWSUIT Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for reasons 1.4 (a),(b) and (d). 1.(S/NF) SUMMARY: Minister of Interior Bayan Jabr told the Ambassador January 22 that he believes the kidnappers of Jabr's recently released sister, The Revenge Brigade, also are responsible for the kidnapping of U.S. journalist Jill Carroll. Jabr reported that Ministry of Interior (MOI) forces had captured the Emir of the group that had held his sister, and MOI is working to develop leads through the Emir that hopefully will lead to the safe return of Carroll. Jabr also reported that the vehicle involved in Carroll's kidnapping had been recovered and turned over to the FBI. In addition, Jabr indicated that he believes someone in Adnan al-Dulaymi's office is involved in the kidnapping scheme. Jabr dispelled news reports from Reuters that fifty people were arrested in connection with assassination plots against Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, and he agreed to drop the civil charges he initiated against a French journalist who inaccurately reported statements made by Ambassador about Jabr. END SUMMARY. -------------- JILL CARROLL INVESTIGATION -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) In a January 22 meeting with Ambassador, Minister of Interior Jabr reported that the Revenge Brigade, which was responsible for the kidnapping and ultimate release of his own sister, is associated with the gang that kidnapped U.S. journalist Jill Carroll. Jabr's knowledge is based on his interrogation of the Emir of the Revenge Brigade, who is in MOI custody. (NOTE: Embassy is aware of a video received by Al Jazeera in which the Revenge Brigade claimed responsibility for kidnapping her and issued demands. Embassy is working to procure a copy of the video, which never was aired. END NOTE.) The Revenge Brigade Emir reported his dealings with the gang involved in Carroll's kidnapping and also conveyed that this group recently rented a residence near Adnan al-Dulaymi's home. (NOTE: When Carroll was kidnapped, she had just left the office of (but had been unable to meet with) Dulaymi, a leader of the Sunni Tawaffuq coalition, who she believed had agreed to receive her. END NOTE.) The Emir told Jabr he would assist in leading authorities to Carroll if Jabr agreed to obtain the release of the Emir's two brothers, who are in Coalition detention. Jabr said he could make no promises but urged the Emir to cooperate. Ambassador encouraged further dialogue with the Emir and requested that Jabr press the Emir to demonstrate that Carroll is still alive through such means as a telephone call. Jabr agreed and confirmed that MOI forces are working closely with Embassy and MNF-I officials. ¶3. (S/NF) Jabr also reported that MOI forces are following other leads. Thus far, MOI forces have identified two neighborhoods where Carroll may be held - both of which are near Adnan al-Dulaymi's house. Jabr's forces also have three houses that appear to be used by the kidnappers under surveillance near Dulaymi's, he said. Jabr stated that he also has directed his intel office to discuss the day of the kidnapping with two of al-Dulaymi's staff members who could have been involved in setting up the meeting between Carroll and al-Dulaymi. MOI forces also have tracked the registration of a car abandoned at the scene by the kidnappers to a person in Fallujah, Jabr reported. Jabr added that he has sent police to Fallujah to investigate further and, if possible, raid the home of the owner of the vehicle. Jabr, relating his sister's experience with the Revenge Brigade, said he believes that Carroll is safe and that he hopes she will not be harmed. -------------- PLOT AGAINST ABDUL AZIZ AL-HAKIM? -------------- ¶4. (C) Ambassador raised with Jabr his concern for the safety of SCIRI leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, based on a recent conversation with Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, who relayed a report that fifty suicide bombers were targeting Hakim for assassination. Reuters subsequently reported that these fifty individuals had been arrested, which Jabr said was not correct; no such arrests have been made. The Ambassador and Jabr agreed that the person who planted the incorrect story may have intended to put Hakim at ease and lure him out for attack and that the source of the Reuters story should be checked. -------------- SUIT AGAINST FRENCH JOURNALIST -------------- ¶5. (C) Ambassador brought up Jabr's recent lawsuit against a French journalist who reported, incorrectly, soQ comments Ambassador had made regarding the Ministry of Interior and Jabr. Jabr had decided to initiate a suit against the reporter for defamation. Ambassador relayed to Jabr the request of the French Charge that Jabr reconsider and drop his suit. Ambassador stressed that journalists do make mistakes and that it is not wise or worth the trouble to take lQal action every time such an incorrect report is published. Jabr agreed and directed his special assistant to take the necessary steps to drop the charges. KHALILZAD