MALIKI ASKS FOR NATO GENDARMERIE TRAINING

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 004191

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NOFORN
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E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/08/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS NATO IZ
SUBJECT: MALIKI ASKS FOR NATO GENDARMERIE TRAINING

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel V. Speckhard for reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C/NF) In a November 2 meeting with Ambassador Khalilzad,
PM Maliki said that he had signed a letter that morning
requesting that NATO provide gendarmerie training to the
Iraqi National Police under the auspices of the NATO-Training
Mission in Iraq (NTM-I). National Security Advisor Rubaie
provided us a copy of the letter, which we e-mailed to USNATO.


2. (SBU) Text of PM Maliki's letter to NATO Secretary General
de Hoop Scheffer:

Republic of Iraq
Nori K. Al Maliky
Prime Minister

Dear Mr. Jaap de Hope Scheffer
Secretary General - NATO

SIPDIS

On behalf of the Government of Iraq, I would like to thank
NATO for its valuable assistance in helping to train our
security forces. This assistance has been vital in helping
my government move forward in its goal of achieving stability

in Iraq.

Nevertheless, we recognize that Iraqi security forces need
additional assistance to become self sustaining. For example
we have identified an urgent need for the improvement of our
National Police Force into a Paramilitary Police Force. This
force will play an important role in my government's efforts
to defeat the extremists and terrorists that are trying to
undermine Iraq's new and fragile democracy.

In July, Foreign Minister Zebari wrote to you requesting
NATO's assistance in the development of this force. I am
writing now to emphasize the importance of our request.

We particularly ask that NATO agree to provide leader
training for Iraqi National Police commanders, staff
officers, and senior noncommissioned officers on planning and
execution of mission that bridge the gap between routine
police action and military operations. We also would be
particularly grateful if this training could be provided
under the auspices of the NATO Training Mission in Iraq and
to take place inside our country and led by NATO member
states with gendarmerie-like forces of their own.

This is consistent with existing United Nations Security
Council Resolutions. UNSCR 1546 specifically requested the
international community, including NATO, to assist the
Government of Iraq in its efforts to build the Ministry of
Interior institutions necessary for the maintenance of law,
order, and security, including combating terrorism.

My government is committed to assuming that responsibility
sooner rather than later. But to achieve this goal, we need
NATO's continued assistance in training the security forces
that we require.

Please except, Excellency, the assurance of my consideration.

Signed

Nori K. Al Maliky
Prime Minister of Iraq
END TEXT
KHALILZAD