HAKIM LARGELY AGREES WITH AMB,S GOVERNMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000281

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/30/2016
TAGS: PGOV PINS PNAT IZ
SUBJECT: HAKIM LARGELY AGREES WITH AMB,S GOVERNMENT
FORMATION PLANS

REF: BAGHDAD 195

Classified By: AMBASSADOR ZALMAY KHALILZAD FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D).


1. (C) SUMMARY: In a January 25 meeting, the Ambassador told
SCIRI head Abdul Aziz al Hakim that he is focused on three
areas of government formation: composition, structure, and
program. Hakim told the Ambassador that he agrees largely
with the Ambassador's plans for government formation. Hakim
said UIC 555 will have a plan for the beginning of the next
government's term, and he concurred that government
ministries must be run competently and efficiently. Hakim
told the Ambassador that agreement with political figures,
including Ayad Allawi, would be needed to form a National
Security Council. When Hakim raised concerns about the
security situation in Iraq, the Ambassador lauded the Iraqi
Security Forces (ISF) for having improved their ability to
coordinate efforts with MNF-I. He also informed Hakim that
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani will
come to Baghdad January 28 for government formation
negotiations. Throughout the meeting, Hakim was in an
agreeable mood and seemed well informed about the
Ambassador's plans for Iraqi government formation. The
meeting saw no major points of contention between the
Ambassador and Hakim. END SUMMARY.

--------------
Laying Out a Road Map
--------------


2. (C) In a January 25 meeting, the Ambassador told Hakim
that the next Iraqi government should have a 100-day program
to give the new government direction. Such a program, the
Ambassador added, would be a way to hold the government
accountable to the people. Hakim largely agreed, although he
said the program that UIC 555 develops may be for a period
longer than 100 days. Hakim noted that he is prepared to
discuss such issues with KDP leader Masoud Barzani when he
comes to Baghdad on January 28.

--------------
The Ministries
--------------


3. (C) The Ambassador said the government ministers should be
technocrats, and -- if it is necessary to dole out political
favors -- the party faithful could be minister-advisors. The
Ambassador referred to the Sadrist Minister of Health as an
example of the type of ineffectual minister the GOI should
not have. The Ambassador added the security ministries
especially need to have non-partisan, non-sectarian
leadership that is widely accepted. Hakim agreed,
emphasizing that anyone who supports terror is unacceptable
to lead a ministry. He added that the criteria for such
positions have yet to be decided.


4. (C) The various ministries, the Ambassador recommended,
should be grouped into three compartments: economics,
security, and services. Each compartment, he elaborated,
should be led by a Deputy Prime Minister or a special
representative of the Prime Minister. Hakim agreed but added
there may be a fourth basket dealing with social issues such
as martyrs.

--------------
The National Security Council
--------------


5. (C) Stressing the need to "work within the rules," Hakim
agreed with the Ambassador that a National Security Council
is needed. Such a body, Hakim said, could bring together the
President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, the leader
of the Kurdish region, and other Iraqi leaders to discuss big
issues facing Iraq. This body would not work on day-to-day
operations of the country, the Ambassador said, but could
embody national unity. This body could be simply an advisory
committee, or it could be a legal body that has veto power
over the Prime Minister's government. Barzani, the
Ambassador noted, favors a robust National Security Council
that is more than just an advisory body.

--------------
The Need For a Strong Government
--------------


6. (C) Hakim agreed with the Ambassador that the next PM
should show strong leadership and should be able to account
for the whereabouts of the ministers. The Ambassador
stressed that the ministers do not work for political leaders
but for the Prime Minister.

BAGHDAD 00000281 002 OF 002



--------------
Hakim's Security Concerns
--------------


7. (C) Hakim mentioned he is concerned about the security
situation in Iraq. The Ambassador said he has spoken with
Minister of Interior Bayan Jabr, who is satisfied with the
level of MNF-I and Ministry of Interior cooperation. The
Ambassador said close ties also have been achieved with the
Ministry of Defense.

--------------
Comment
--------------


8. (C) COMMENT: During the meeting Hakim seemed unusually
well-tempered and non-confrontational. He seemed well
informed about the direction of government formation
discussions on the part of other Shia and Kurdish leaders.
END COMMENT.
KHALILZAD