AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH TURKISH IRAQ COORDINATOR

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000643

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2016
TAGS: IZ KCRM MOPS NATO PARM PGOV PINR PREL UK
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH TURKISH IRAQ COORDINATOR


Classified By: AMBASSADOR ZALMAY KHALILZAD, REASONS 1.4 (C) (D).


1. (S//REL MNFI) SUMMARY. Turkey's Iraq Coordinator, Amb.
Oguz Celikkol, visited Baghdad February 24-25 where he met
separately with Pres. Talabani, PM Jaafari and the
Ambassador. Topics discussed were the Golden Mosque
bombing, Sadrists, Iranian influence, formation of the
Iraqi government, Kurdish issues and PRTs. END SUMMARY


2. (S//REL MNFI) Turkey's Iraq Coordinator, Amb. Oguz
Celikkol, visited Baghdad February 24-25 where he met
individually with Talabani, Jaafari and the Ambassador. In
his Feb. 25 meeting with Celikkol, the Ambassador began by
reviewing the current political/security situation
following the Golden Mosque attack. He told Celikkol we
are not out of danger yet, but listed a number of positive
steps the ITG has taken (curfew, formation of an
investigative committee, weapons ban, etc.). The
Ambassador added Jaysh al Mahdi (JAM) is still an issue.
The Sadrists sometimes say the right things publicly, but
not privately. He noted our continuing concern about JAM,
and the outstanding warrant against Muqtada al-Sadr.


3. (S//REL MNFI) This led to discussion of Sadr's proposed
visit to Turkey. Ambassador weighed in against such a
visit, and hoped the GOT will take that into account. The
Ambassador asked Celikkol to reflect in light of
developments with Sadr in the past month, especially the
indications of Iranian arrangements with Sadr, which we
view negatively. He added that Abd-al-Aziz al-Hakim feels
"jilted" by Iran over the process by which Jaafari was
voted as the UIC's PM candidate. Some see Iran as trying to
build a "Lebanon-like" Shi'a arrangement, with Hakim as
Nabih Berri (Amal Movement) and Sadr as Nasrallah (Lebanese
Hizballah). We are considering the position we should take
vis--vis Sadr, but Jaafari must contain the Sadrists'
irresponsible behavior, since they are his political allies
now. We are also weighing in with Saudis, who seem to see
Sadr as a "moderate," and we are advising Riyadh against
giving him assistance. Celikkol stated that GOT has
approved the Sadr visit in principle, but with no date.
This decision was taken within the context of GOT policy to
meet all sides of the political spectrum in Iraq; they will
hear from him directly - but will not receive him beyond
the Foreign Minister level, according to Celikkol. GOT
will give him the right message, and will be in touch with
AmEmbassy Ankara. Celikkol also noted the Jaafari visit
has been arranged for Feb. 28. Celikkol reiterated the
GOT's offer to host further Iraqi political meetings in
Turkey if that would be useful.


4. (S//REL MNFI) Turning to Iraqi government formation, the
Ambassador talked about the need for national unity, and
efforts to overcome mistrust among ethnic and sectarian
groups. One vehicle is setting up baskets of ministries
each headed by a DPM, so that several diverse groups
participate in the sector (e.g., security, finance/oil,
public services) rendering government operations more
transparent to all. He noted misunderstandings about the
USG position on who leads MOI and other ministries -- our
view is that leaders must not have militia ties or
sectarian loyalties (as opposed to not being of a
particular faith or sect). We are investing a lot of money
in MOI and MOD, and expect a positive return. Celikkol
asked about a proposal to create a national security
advisory council. The Ambassador replied that the Shi'a at
first opposed this suggestion, but now agree that it could
have a coordinating or advisory role. Celikkol also
expressed the GOT's readiness to provide training for ISF,
especially police training.


5. (S//REL MNFI) Celikkol then provided readouts of his
meetings with Talabani and Kurdish leader Barzani. He had
told Barzani he would visit Irbil to continue discussions.
Celikkol said Talabani gave him some hope for the future,
saying that there was too much push
now for a Kirkuk referendum. Rather it should be delayed
and needs a broader consensus on issues. Celikkol asserted
that this matched Turkey's position. The Ambassador noted
our position that there is time before resolving Kirkuk,
but that he told Talabani of our displeasure with certain
maps and unilateral steps we had seen. Celikkol said he
intended to raise Kirkuk with Barzani in these terms,
especially to give time for consensus to build.


6. (S//REL MNFI) The Ambassador asked about PKK

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developments. Celikkol said he will continue discussions
with Barzani on the PKK, but that the Kirkuk issue is more
important and more difficult. He noted that Kirkuk could
be a trigger for violence as Samarra was. PKK is a
bilateral issue that could be settled more easily. The
Ambassador referred to possible steps such as negotiating a
cease-fire, and said Talabani was favorable. The Ambassador
added that, together with Talabani, he hoped to talk with
Barzani in coming days.


7. (S//REL MNFI) Celikkol noted the GOT was working to
assist in supplying additional electricity to northern
Iraq. Once the GOT irons out some domestic legal issues
regarding privatization (NFI),the intention is for a
Turkish company to provide around 1200 MW of electricity to
Iraq and to invest in Iraq's power grid.


8. (S//REL MNFI) The Ambassador raised the Consulate
General Mosul visit in January, and offered that he thought
it went well. Celikkol readily agreed. The Ambassador
noted it is a good thing to set up a CG there, but advised
that Turkey must ensure it is resourced properly.


9. (S//REL MNFI) Turning to Provincial Reconstruction Teams
(PRT),the Ambassador asked about Turkish interest in
contributing to a PRT. Celikkol assured us the GOT is
strongly interested in going wherever the USG wants them.
The Ambassador expressed his thanks for their support and
flexibility, noting Turkey would bring a lot to the table
and offered to put our experts in touch.
KHALILZAD