OCTOBER 1 MCNS MEETING: INTERNATIONAL ZONE

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003688 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/02/2016 TAGS: PREL PTER PINS PGOV MOPS IZ SUBJECT: OCTOBER 1 MCNS MEETING: INTERNATIONAL ZONE INSECURITY REF: BAGHDAD 3587 Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: The October 1 meeting of the Ministerial Committee on National Security (MCNS) focused on potential security threats to Baghdad's International Zone (IZ), resulting in a decision to search all people entering the IZ with potentially compromised blue security badges. MNF-I Commanding General Casey agreed to work with a GOI inter-ministerial security committee charged with reviewing security in the IZ. MCNS members received updates on two items discussed at last week's meeting: a new system for coordinating casualty figures and the move to place Facility Protection Service personnel under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior. Prime Minister Maliki supported efforts to engage tribal leaders. Finance Minister Jabr failed to attend the meeting, resulting in the postponement of the requested briefing on reconstruction finance. END SUMMARY. Threats to the International Zone -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) In a departure from the prepared agenda, PM Maliki opened the October 1 meeting of the Ministerial Committee on National Security (MCNS) by describing a breach of International Zone (IZ) security by the holder of a blue IZ pass. Maliki said that the discovery of this threat revealed that the IZ was not as safe as it once was. Minister of Defense Abdul Qader Jasim agreed, noting that while blue badges used to be rare they now seemed to be everywhere. In response to the threat, the MCNS agreed to authorize the search of all individuals entering the IZ with a blue badge, even if they are with their principals. In addition, MNF-I Commanding General Casey agreed to have Coalition representatives meet with a GOI inter-ministerial security committee to review the badging system, as well as other IZ security issues. ¶3. (S/NF) On a related matter, National Security Advisor Rubaie raised the September 29 arrest of a member of Dr. Adnan Al Dulaimi's security team. Using the case as an example of the inadequate vetting of security team members, Rubaie said that a review of Personal Security Details (PSDs) should be conducted. The Prime Minister agreed that PSDs could be a security threat, noting that with their badges and weapons authority it would be easy for them to enter a meeting and kill a dignitary. Other MCNS members also pointed out that too often PSDs were inadequately trained for their jobs, resulting in a situation where they do nothing to prevent attacks on their principals. Minister of Interior Bolani said that the MCNS had discussed PSD numbers over a month ago; the review suggested by NSA Rubaie would need to look at the more difficult issue of the quality of PSD members. (Note: On October 1, Ambassador Khalilzad and MNF-I CG Casey issued a joint statement detailing the facts of the arrest of Dr. Dulaimi's security team member. The statement emphasized that Dr. Dulaimi was in no way connected with the arrested individual, that Dr. Dulaimi had cooperated with the Coalition Forces, and that the Ambassador and General Casey looked forward to working with Dr. Dulaimi in the future. End Note.) Facility Protection Service Update -------------- ¶4. (S/NF) Interior Minister Bolani said that a committee had been formed to facilitate the transfer of Facility Protection Service (FPS) personnel into the MOI. He said that that the MOI was looking for an appropriate building to rent for offices and that a budget for the upcoming year was being calculated. Bolani estimated that it would take four to five months to accomplish all the tasks associated with the transfer. Casualty Figures Update -------------- ¶5. (S/NF) Minister of State for National Security Shirwan al-Waeli said that his office -- not the National Security Council -- would be responsible for gathering casualty figures and reporting them to the PM's office. Tribal Engagement BAGHDAD 00003688 002 OF 002 -------------- ¶6. (S/NF) Noting that everyday he hears stories about how tribes have adopted a sense of national pride and have killed terrorists, Maliki supported efforts to engage tribal leaders. He said he would soon be meeting with tribal leaders from Diyala. Where's Jabr? -------------- ¶7. (S/NF) As requested by General Casey at last week's meeting (reftel),the meeting's agenda included a briefing on reconstruction finance by Finance Minister Bayan Jabr. Jabr, however, failed to attend the meeting, resulting in the postponement of the briefing. KHALILZAD