MASHADANI CONFIRMS PARLIAMENT TO STAY IN SESSION

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002154 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2026 TAGS: PGOV KDEM IZ SUBJECT: MASHADANI CONFIRMS PARLIAMENT TO STAY IN SESSION DURING JULY WITH ACTIVE AGENDA Classified By: Political Counselor Margaret Scobey for Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). ¶1. (C) In a June 22 meeting with PolCouns, Council of Representatives (CoR) Speaker Mahmoud Mashadani confirmed that the CoR would extend its session throughout July and adjourn August 1 for a month recess. He noted that July would have an active legislative agenda, emphasizing the Investment Law and the General Services Law as priorities. Mashadani said that he would lend full support to the Human Rights, Womens' Affairs, Family and Childhood Issues, and Complaints Committees. He added that the Complaints Committee, which is charged with receiving citizens' opinions, complaints, and proposals, should have outposts throughout Iraq to create a link between decision makers and constituents. ¶2. (C) Mashadani expressed support for a change in discourse among Iraqi politicians calling for a timetable for MNF-I withdrawal. He argued instead that Iraqis (and the CoR in particular) should hold the Iraqi government responsible for setting a timetable for strengthening the Iraqi Security Forces and enabling them to provide security, making an eventual MNF-I withdrawal feasible. ¶3. (C) Mashadani referred to Vice President Tarik al-Hashimi's version of the National Reconciliation and Dialogue Plan, and its reference to "legitimate resistance", stating that it has the support of the Leadership Council and that it represents an attempt to bring Sunni and Shia hardliners into the political process. ¶4. (C) Most likely in response to an intense CoR debate June 21 provoked by Shia Coalition allegations that the Speaker had announced Ayad Allawi's appointment June 20 as the CoR,s "High Representative," Mashadani expressed to PolCouns his interest in appointing an official spokesperson. He said that he was considering a close friend, a dual national AmCit currently residing in the U.S., who he believed would be the ideal bridge to the outside media and to the USG. KHALILZAD