ITALIAN AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES RECONCILIATION,

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002266 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/27/2016 TAGS: PREL KDEM IT IZ SUBJECT: ITALIAN AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES RECONCILIATION, COMPACT, TROOP WITHDRAWAL Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Speckhard for reas ons 1.4 (a),(b),and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On June 25, Acting DCM Speckhard met with Italian Ambassador to Iraq Maurizio Melani to discuss national reconciliation, International Compact, Italian troop withdrawal, and PRTs. END SUMMARY. -------------- National Reconciliation -------------- ¶2. (C) At a lunch meeting on June 25, Italian Ambassador Melani expressed pleasure with the GOI's unified approach for developing the plan for national reconciliation. Melani said that a strong stance on amnesty provisions could be taken now; however, future negotiations to incorporate a broader range of political parties could require the inclusion of groups not eligible for amnesty under the current definition. Melani referenced statements made by National Security Advisor Rubaie alluding to subsequent stages of the reconciliation process that would offer greater inclusion of political parties. -------------- International Compact -------------- ¶3. (C) Melani said that he supports the Iraqi notion that the International Compact should address economic, political, and security issues rather than just focus on the economic pieces. Melani also agreed with the proposed timeline of fall/winter as a likely target date to complete the Compact. A/DCM encouraged the Italian Ambassador to reinforce the International Compact with European counterparts, most notably the EU delegation that had arrived in Baghdad that weekend. -------------- Italian Troops and PRTs -------------- ¶4. (C) With the timing of the International Compact estimated to be fall/winter 2006, A/DCM inquired about the impact of Italian troop withdrawal on Italy's future contributions in Iraq. Melani noted that Italian troop withdrawal is expected to be complete by December 2006. According to Melani, the PRT in Dhi Qar could not exist without Italian military presence, but Italy is interested in supporting programs in Baghdad or Kurdistan. Melani said that Italian support likely would be coordinated through NATO or a broader EU mission. One complication is the concern of some Allies over NATO involvement in police programs. Italy had considered funding a police training academy in Nassiriyah, Melani explained, but without a PRT there would be no mechanism to oversee the project. ¶5. (C) A/DCM asked whether the Italians would consider placing advisors within the PRT if the U.S. assumes responsibility (including security) for the PRT. A/DCM also pushed Melani to inquire about alternative ways to support PRTs, but Melani was optimistic. Melani did state, however, that the PRT already had been approved and is commencing projects that would continue over the next six months as troops withdraw. The PRT, Melani assured, would be the last element to go. Melani noted that the Italians would be willing to contribute additional advisory support to capacity-building efforts in Baghdad, especially for health and refugee programs. SPECKHARD