SEPTEMBER 24 MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003587 SIPDIS SIPDIS, NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2016 TAGS: IZ PREL PGOV PTER PINS MOPS SUBJECT: SEPTEMBER 24 MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY REF: BAGHDAD 3553 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Daniel Speckhard for reasons 1.4 (b) a nd (d). ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: At the September 24 meeting of the Ministerial Committee on National Security (MCNS), participants described their efforts to consolidate and check casualty figures, discussed the need to have combined MoD/MoI checkpoints, and heard about initial plans to bring Facility Protection Service personnel under the direction of the MoI. In addition, Interior Minister Bolani briefed on his successful participation in a regional interior ministers' conference. General Casey closed by asking for a briefing on GOI efforts to release funds for reconstruction projects in Tall Afar, Anbar, and Samarra at the next MCNS. END SUMMARY. Update on Reporting Casualty Figures -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) Following up on September 17 discussion of casualty figures (reftel),the Ministerial Committee on National Security (MCNS) was briefed on plans to have the data consolidated (at least temporarily) by either the National Security Council or the Office of the Minister of State for National Security. The Prime Minister's office would be responsible for releasing the data. Baghdad Security Plan: Checkpoints -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) With the Baghdad Security Cordon in place, Interior Minister Bolani said there should be a reduction in the number of internal roads closed, arguing that these roadblocks "are not stopping terrorists -- just traffic." He suggested mobile patrols could replace some of the fixed roadblocks. ¶4. (S/NF) After Bolani noted that checkpoints were currently distributed between MOI and MOD, PM Maliki said that each checkpoint should have both MoD and MoI personnel, as well as some intelligence personnel. He argued that having combined checkpoints would reduce instances of checkpoints being used as cover to kill or kidnap people. Maliki also said that there should be stricter monitoring of checkpoints, suggesting that a joint coordination center reporting to the MOI should be tasked with this problem. Facility Protection Service -------------- ¶5. (S/NF) Minister of State for National Security al-Waeli and his deputy briefed the MCNS on initial ideas for moving Facility Protection Service (FPS) personnel and budget under the MOI. They said that the GOI would need a 70-80 room building for offices. In addition, new uniforms and vehicles would be needed to standardize the FPS and differentiate it from other forces. They proposed that those over forty not be transitioned to the new force, arguing instead that other ministry jobs should be found for them. Maliki pressed for information on how the new consolidated force would be distributed. Interior Minister Bolani said the distribution would depend on the tasks the FPS was assigned. The PM believed FPS reform should be a priority as, on the one hand, they have been made in some cases a significant security problem (e.g., committing crimes, used by militias) and, on the other hand, could be put to productive use in protecting oil and electricity infrastructures. Interior Ministers' Conference -------------- ¶6. (S/NF) Bolani said the regional Interior Ministers' meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia had been useful, with participants signing a protocol on fighting terrorism. Jordan suggested forming a regional anti-terrorism center and agreed to let Iraq send severe medical cases to its police hospitals. Kuwait agreed to host the next meeting of the group, scheduled for September 2007. Bolani opined that PM Maliki's visit to Saudi Arabia had helped pave the way for positive results at the conference. AOB: Money for the Provinces -------------- BAGHDAD 00003587 002 OF 002 ¶7. (S/NF) MNF-I Commanding General Casey said that the GOI needed to make good on promises on reconstruction money to three areas: Tall Afar, Anbar, and Samarra. He asked that the Finance Minister be tasked with briefing on this subject at next week's MCNS meeting. The PM agreed. KHALILZAD