IRAQ'S PARLIAMENT IN WINTER: SECURITY, LOGISTICS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 004315

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2016
TAGS: PGOV KDEM IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ'S PARLIAMENT IN WINTER: SECURITY, LOGISTICS
LIMIT WORKING HOURS


(U) Classified by Deputy Political Counselor Charles O.
Blaha, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: Since Iraq,s Council of Representatives
(CoR) returned from recess at the end of October, sessions
have averaged 3-4 hours a day. This is due to difficulty
assembling a quorum; the combination of less daylight and
security concerns; and poor work habits. In addition to the
short hours, the CoR is following a one week on/one week off
schedule. EmbOffs are urging the CoR to meet more frequently
and not recess before completing priority legislation. End
Summary.

Sessions Do Not Begin on Time
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2. (SBU) Since the CoR's inception, convening sessions at the
announced time (usually 10:00 am or 11:00 am) has been
difficult. The CoR leadership has encouraged members to be
early and on time for sessions, but rarely has the CoR had a
quorum (138 members) present to allow sessions to begin on
time. In fact, the CoR has started its six November sessions
at around 11:30 am.


3. (C) There are several reasons for the inability to start
sessions on time. CoR committees often hold meetings before
the sessions. Some CoR members, particularly those who do
not live in the International Zone (IZ),have difficulty
arriving on time due to the diversions and detours and long
waits at the IZ checkpoints. Some CoR members simply do not
take the work seriously.

Less Daylight and Security Concerns
--------------


4. (C) A significant number of CoR members live outside the
IZ, must arrive home before dark due to security concerns,
and therefore must leave the CoR earlier on short winter
days. These short sessions will likely continue until the
spring, when days get longer, or until more CoR members
reside in the IZ. In the winter, darkness falls at around
4:30 pm; non-IZ residents start to leave about 3:30.


5. (SBU) In addition, the CoR must break early enough to
allow its members to have lunch -- an almost sacred tradition
at the CoR. Sessions are rarely able to resume if members
break for lunch, particularly with the short days (none of
the November sessions have successfully reconvened after
lunch -- most are adjourned before lunch).


6. (SBU) The CoR is scheduled to recess at the end of
December. The CoR currently follows a de facto one week
on/one week off schedule. If the CoR continues this
schedule, there will be approximately 18 more sessions before
the end of the year.


7. (C) Comment: The CoR has a full legislative agenda.
Iraq's Constitution stipulates that the CoR cannot go into
winter recess until it has passed the national budget; the
CoR has yet to receive the budget from the central
government. The CoR should also complete work on the
Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) law, provincial
powers, and setting a provincial election date. EmbOffs are
urging the CoR to meet more frequently and not to recess
before dealing with priority legislation. End Comment.
KHALILZAD