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