VICE PRESIDENT ABDEL MEHDI: IS MASHHADANI ON THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 002852

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2016
TAGS: PGOV PTER PREL IZ
SUBJECT: VICE PRESIDENT ABDEL MEHDI: IS MASHHADANI ON THE
WAY OUT?


Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad per 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: In an August 6 conversation with the
Ambassador, Vice President Dr. Adel Abdel Mehdi said that
there have been some conversations about removing Mashhadani
as Speaker. He provided a positive assessment of the recent
Maliki visit to the US. Abdel Mehdi warned that the Lebanon
situation could embolden extremists. Regarding security, he
claimed that Shia death squads are a "consequence" of
terrorism rather than an independent threat, and said that
building confidence and trust are key to security. He
emphasized economic development, and in particular the need
to build a new oil refinery. He expressed interest in
visiting Washington soon. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) On August 6, the Ambassador called on Vice President
Dr. Adel Abdel Mehdi (UIA/SCIRI) at Abdel Mehdi's residence.

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Mashhadani on the Way Out?
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3. (C) Abdel Mehdi claimed that the removal of Speaker
Mahmoud Mashhadani is a possibility and that there have been
some private conversations on this. According to Abdel
Mehdi, the Prime Minister has participated in these
conversations. Abdel Mehdi said that SCIRI leader Abdul Aziz
Hakim has privately criticized Speaker Mashhadani's "double
action" of being a member of the government, while
criticizing the very bases for the government. According to
Abdel Mehdi, Hakim feels Speaker Mashhadani should pick one
policy - either be in or out of the government.

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The Maliki Visit
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4. (C) Abdel Mehdi said that he advised the Prime Minister to
avoid the Israel issue in his speech to Congress. He added
that he felt the Prime Minister's press conference and speech
to Congress both went very well. Overall he thought the
visit was "very positive."

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Lebanon
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5. (C) Abdel Mehdi did not repeat in private any of the harsh
rhetoric he has used in public regarding the Lebanon issue,
though he made it clear that he supports "the Lebanese and
the Lebanese government." He said that there should be a
cease-fire and a withdrawal of Israeli forces. He warned
that the current situation is "catastrophic" and, if
continued, will foment extremism throughout the region.

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Shia Death Squads a "Consequence," Not The Problem
-------------- --------------


6. (C) The Ambassador put forth three major threats to Iraqi
security: Al Qaeda, former Baathists, and death squads. To
secure Baghdad, all three need to be dealt with. Abdel Mehdi
replied that the death squads are merely a consequence of the
root cause, which is terrorism. Abdel Mehdi said that the
Iraqi government can easily take care of the death squads,
once the terrorists are defeated. Abdel Mehdi claimed that
SCIRI has no death squads.

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Security Depends on Confidence and Trust
-------------- --------------


7. (C) In response to the Ambassador's query about the
Baghdad security plan, Abdel Mehdi said that the foundation
of security is confidence and trust. Twelve million Iraqis
voted in the election, yet they lack sufficient confidence
and trust in each other to live in peace. He said that the
millions of people who voted need to be mobilized to stop
disorder.

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No Oil Refinery Yet
--------------


8. (C) Abdel Mehdi emphasized economic development as key to
solving Iraq's crisis. He said that many areas of the
country are peaceful and that economic development projects
could be implemented in these places. Abdel Mehdi singled
out the lack of an oil refinery project as a particular
shortcoming. He expressed dismay that no new oil refinery

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has been built after three years of economic aid. He hoped
for signed contracts for an oil refinery and two to three
power generating stations by the end of the year. He said
oil, electricity, and water projects are needed and that if
basic services aren't provided to the people, they will take
up arms against the government.


9. (C) Abdel Mehdi emphasized the stability of the Iraqi
currency as a key factor. He said that if the Iraqi currency
were destabilized, Iraq would have no economy. He also said
that limiting inflation was a concern.

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Visit to Washington?
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10. (C) Abdel Mehdi said there had been some discussion that
he would visit Washington in late August or early September.
The Ambassador replied that it would be better to visit
Washington sometime after the Labor Day holiday, and Abdel
Mehdi was receptive to this suggestion.
KHALILZAD