MALIKI ASKS FOR NATO GENDARMERIE TRAINING

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