MALIKI TAKING SMALL, UNCERTAIN STEPS ON CORRUPTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002204 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/2016 TAGS: ECON KCOR PREL PINR IZ SUBJECT: MALIKI TAKING SMALL, UNCERTAIN STEPS ON CORRUPTION Classified By: A/DCM Daniel Speckhard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In a June 22 meeting with Charge d'Affaires Speckhard and EconCouns, Prime Minister Maliki requested USG expertise and assistance to help combat corruption in Iraq. The new GOI has declared anti-corruption a top priority, but the PM has yet to focus seriously on the issue. Nevertheless, the PM seemed hopeful and confident that his government can do a better job of coordinating efforts among disparate anti-corruption institutions and boosting adjudication of corruption cases. END SUMMARY. -------------- Ethics Pledge -------------- ¶2. (C) In a June 22 meeting, Charge congratulated Maliki on his announcement of anti-corruption as a major theme for the new government and introduced the EconCouns as the Embassy's lead on anti-corruption. Maliki responded that the new GOI is only one-month old but would benefit from the Embassy's ideas on anti-corruption initiatives. The PM noted that he already has introduced ideas to combat anti-corruption, such as establishing a comptroller in every ministry. The GOI, Maliki asserted, must be serious and take action against offenders, adding that anyone involved in corruption would be either fired or sent to court. ¶3. (C) Maliki said that he has asked each minister to prepare a four-year program for their respective offices and is requiring each minister to sign an ethics pledge and a financial disclosure agreement in front of the press in a few weeks. -------------- USG Assistance and the PM's Anti-Corruption Coordination Unit -------------- ¶4. (C) Maliki expressed surprise to learn that only twelve of several thousand corruption cases sent to the Central Criminal Court of Iraq have been adjudicated. When asked about the anti-corruption coordination unit that Maliki plans to create, Maliki agreed that it must be staffed with technically competent people who possess a background in corruption issues and an interest in working together. Maliki also proposed establishing an anti-corruption coordinating committee that could benefit from USG expertise and training. Establishing this committee, may require legislation, Maliki noted, and it would be publicized through a media campaign to send a message to government officials that the PM is serious about anti-corruption. KHALILZAD