CHARGE MEETS WITH PM'S CHIEF OF STAFF NOVEMBER 14

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 004239

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2016
TAGS: EG IZ PGOV PREL SA UN
SUBJECT: CHARGE MEETS WITH PM'S CHIEF OF STAFF NOVEMBER 14


Classified By: Charge d,Affaires Daniel Speckhard, reasons 1.4 (b) and
(d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: In a November 14 meeting with Charge, PM
Chief of Staff Dr. Tariq Abdullah said the PM would review
the draft U.S. letter to the UNSC on UNSCR renewal later in
the day. According to Dr. Tariq, the PM's cabinet reshuffle
may not happen for a month; the PM is still in the process of
getting and reviewing possible candidates to replace some
current ministers. Dr. Tariq requested that the USG continue
to keep the GOI informed about contacts with ex-Baathists and
asked for U.S. assistance in opening up working-level
channels to the Saudis. END SUMMARY.

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PM Delegation to U.S., UNSCR Letter
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2. (C) Charge offered condolences for the mass kidnapping at
the Ministry of Higher Education and pledged strong MNF-I
support for efforts to recover the hostages and bring the
perpetrators to justice. He asked Dr. Tariq about a phone
call the Embassy received the morning of November 14
proposing a three-person delegation of PM's advisors visit
Washington in the near future, noting that this is a time of
great political activity in the U.S. Dr. Tariq said the goal
of the trip was to build on the PM's desire to strengthen
communication with Washington and to exchange views. Charge
said we welcomed the goal and we would pass the request to
Washington.


3. (C) Charge asked whether the GOI had any objection to the
draft text of the USG letter to the UNSC on UNSCR rollover.
Dr. Tariq said he needs until the evening of November 14 to
finish reviewing the USG draft with the PM (NOTE: In a
separate discussion, NSA Rubaie said the GOI would likely ask
for a reference to the intention for an agreement on further
defining the authorities and responsibilities of the two
sides. END NOTE).

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Possible GOI Cabinet Changes
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4. (C) Charge asked about reports that the PM is preparing
to reshuffle his cabinet. Dr. Tariq said the PM had found
some ministries "not up to par" and is seeking to replace
ministers to make the government more efficient. Almost all
political blocs have agreed to the need for changes,
according to Dr. Tariq. As opposed to past practices, the PM
wants blocs to submit several names as candidates for
replacements, and the PM is reserving the right to reject
them all if they are not competent.


5. (C) The PM will form a committee to review candidates'
qualifications and possibly interview them, and seek the
committee's opinion in making a final decision. Dr. Tariq
thinks the process may take as long as a month.

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High Level Working Group
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6. (C) Charge asked Dr. Tariq to confirm that GOI national
Security Advisor Rubaie would be available in the coming
weeks to move forward the High Level Working Group and avoid
extensive out-of-country travel. Charge pointed out this is
a priority for President Bush and PM Maliki.

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De-Baathification
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7. (C) On de-Baathification, Dr. Tariq said that the PM
wants a de-politicized process based on the South African
model, with prosecution of only the most egregious crimes.
However, Dr. Tariq noted the process is in the Council of
Representatives' (CoR's) hands.

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USG Contacts With Ex-Baathists
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8. (C) Charge asked for further insight into recent concerns
expressed by the PM to General Abizaid over U.S. contacts
with ex-Baathists. Dr. Tariq said Iraqi politicians
themselves had in fact recently called for dialogue with
ex-Baathists, and a group of ex-Baathists had sent a letter
to the GOI recently asking for dialogue. However, some
ex-Baathists are boasting that they have "an open channel" to
the USG and therefore do not need to talk with the GOI; this
is what concerns the GOI. Dr. Tariq asked only that the USG
keep the GOI informed about such contacts.

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9. (C) Charge told Dr. Tariq the USG considers that the GOI
must be at the center of any reconciliation process. Charge
noted that the Ambassador had recently sought the PM's
approval before agreeing to talk with a group of former
Baathists. The USG is mindful of GOI sensitivities and will
continue to work closely with GOI on this issue.

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Iraqi's Relations with Neighbors
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10. (C) Dr. Tariq said the PM would like to visit Egypt and
Saudi Arabia. The PM is interested in receiving an
invitation from Egypt. With respect to Saudi Arabia, Dr.
Tariq emphasized that they need to understand that failure to
strengthen the GOI would work in Iran's favor.


11. (C) Dr. Tariq speculated that while the high-level
visits have symbolic value, working-level contacts are more
productive to building an effective relationship. He said
they were thinking of sending a delegation, perhaps one the
Chief of Staff would lead, to Saudi Arabia before the PM.
Dr. Tariq asked for us help in opening a working-level
channel, particularly to Saudi intelligence and security
officials.
Speckhard