IRAQ: FIRST TRANSITION TO PROVINCIAL IRAQI CONTROL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 STATE 109375

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/27/2031
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL NATO IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ: FIRST TRANSITION TO PROVINCIAL IRAQI CONTROL

REF: A. BAGHDAD 3731 (05)

B. BAGHDAD 3853 (05)

C. BAGHDAD 2046

D. BAGHDAD 2114

Classified By: NEA DAS ROBERT F. GODEC FOR REASONS
1.4. A, B, AND D.


1. (U) This is an action request, see para. 4.


2. (C) Iraq Prime Minister Maliki's June 19, 2006
announcement of the transfer of security responsibility from
the Multinational Force-Iraq (MNF-I) to Iraqi civilian
authorities in Muthanna province is the first of its kind.
The Department wishes to emphasize for posts and host
governments the positive message of progress for Iraq and its
people that this event deserves, but without unnecessarily
raising expectations of troop withdrawals or timetables.


3. (C/REL-MNF-I) The following background can be drawn upon
if necessary when delivering points in para. 5.

--------------
The Transition Process
--------------
The U.S.-UK-Iraqi Joint Committee to Transfer Security
Responsibility (JCTSR) was formed to develop and agree upon
the conditions necessary to progressively transfer
responsibility for security and domestic order to the
Government of Iraq (GOI) and capable Iraqi Security Forces
(ISF) (REF A).

The JCTSR decided upon four criteria by which to judge a
province's eligibility for transfer (REF B):

-- current and projected levels of insurgent activity
-- current readiness and capabilities of ISF
-- capabilities of provincial governments
-- ability of MNF-I to reinforce ISF when necessary

JCTSR assessments of provinces for eligibility to transfer
began in April 2006, and the May 2006 assessment concluded
that Muthanna met the four necessary conditions (REF C). The
Ministerial Committee for National Security (MCNS--which
includes General Casey, Amb. Khalilzad, the UK Ambassador and
security members of the Iraqi cabinet) approved the
recommendation for the transfer of responsibility for
Muthanna (REF D) and PM Maliki announced the transfer on June

19.

--------------
The New Security Arrangements
--------------
The transfer of security responsibility to Iraqi control in
Muthanna means a new security arrangement between the ISF
(both army and police) and the MNF-I.

Two key documents define these relationships:

The "Security Authorization" is an agreement between the
Prime Minister and the Governor of Muthanna and addresses
federal and provincial equities in the security relationship.


The "Implementing Arrangement" is an agreement between GOI
and MNF-I and defines the national-level command and control
relationships which will take effect after Iraqi authorities
assume full responsibility for security.

Each transition will be tailored to each province. For
example, a transitioned province which hosts a Provincial
Reconstruction Team will by definition have a larger standing
complement of MNF-I than a province like Muthanna.

--------------
Press Rollout and Themes
--------------


4. (U) If Embassy wishes to make a statement it may draw from
the following text:

BEGIN TEXT

On June 19 Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced
that security responsibility for Muthanna Province in
southern Iraq will transfer from the Multi-National Forces

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(MNF-I) to the civilian-controlled Iraqi Security Forces.
Muthanna is the first province to be designated for such a
transition.

The announcement by PM Maliki of a joint decision between the
Iraqi government and MNF-I represents the progress made in
developing the province's ability to govern and to take the
lead in providing security. The transition decision also
reflects a joint assessment of the overall threat situation
in Muthanna, and MNF-I's readiness to support the ISF in its
security lead role as necessary.

This transition of security responsibility in Muthanna
demonstrates the progress Iraq is making towards
self-governance with the assistance of the international
community. Australia, Japan and the UK have served in
Muthanna as models of international cooperation, providing
economic and humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq as
well as security and stability. As Iraq develops and its
needs continue to evolve, so too will the nature of
international assistance to Iraq in Muthanna and elsewhere.

Other provinces in Iraq will undergo similar transitions when
conditions warrant. The international community will
continue to work closely with the Government of Iraq to
achieve a constitutional, democratic, and pluralistic Iraq
which guarantees the rights of all citizens.

END TEXT

The text of Prime Minister Koizumi's 20 June Statement
provides a good summary of the accomplishments of Japan's
humanitarian efforts in Iraq:

BEGIN TEXT OF JAPANESE STATEMENT

Statement by the Prime Minister of Japan on the Redeployment
of Ground Self-defense Force Troops from Samawah

June 20, 2006

The Japanese Government decided today that it will redeploy
the Ground Self-defense Force (GSDF) troops that have been
engaged in humanitarian and reconstruction activities in
Samawah, Iraq, since the beginning of 2003, based on the
Special Measures Law for Humanitarian and Reconstruction
Assistance for Iraq, judging that the objective of the GSDF's
activities were now fulfilled. In addition, Japan decided to
provide support for the UN's activities and the ongoing
activities of the MNF, and has reached a decision to newly
provide air-lift support to Baghdad and Erbil. In addition,
after the redeployment of GSDF, Japan will be providing
assistance with a focus on the improvement of economic
infrastructure through Yen loans, in coordination with the
Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) to be organized by the
Multi-National Forces (MNF-I).

The international community has been unified in providing
support for Iraq's reconstruction in order to assist the
Iraqi people's efforts to reconstruct and rebuild their
country. Japan for its part, has been steadily assisting
Iraq by combining the contribution by SDF personnel and
Official Development Assistance (ODA),as a responsible
member of the international community.

With such support by the international community, the Iraqi
political process has shown concrete progress. In December
last year, the National Assembly elections were conducted.
More recently the new Iraqi Government was established. The
process of transferring security responsibility to Iraq is
moving forward. As seen in such developments, Iraq has taken
the first full step to self-sustained reconstruction under
the leadership of a democratic government.

In Al-Muthanna Province two and a half years of efforts by
the GSDF troops in a wide range of areas including medical
services, water provision and repair work on public
infrastructure such as schools and roads, as well as Japanese
ODA, have yielded visible results including rehabilitation
and improvement of local infrastructure and creation of job
opportunities. For example, all residents have gained access
to basic medical care. In Samawah Maternity and Children's
Hospital, post-delivery mortality rate of newborns decreased
to about one third of the rate in the first half of 2002.
Improvements have been achieved in provision of water and
educational environment. On employment, Japanese assistance,
including repair work on public facilities by the SDF and job
opportunity creation projects through ODA, created a maximum
of approximately 6,000 job opportunities per day, and a total
of 1.56 million job opportunities. Furthermore, with

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Japanese ODA, construction work has started on a major power
plant in Sa
mawah. Once this plant is completed, a leap will be achieved
in provision of electricity. In addition, the Government of
Japan intends to continue providing reconstruction assistance
to this region of Iraq, such as construction of bridges in
Samawah, and irrigation projects in Al-Muthanna Province.
Such reconstruction assistance projects have lead to high
appreciation and confidence by the Iraqi Government and the
local people.

It is time that the bilateral relationship between Japan and
Iraq be transformed to a broader relationship with stronger
political and economic relations. The Government of Japan
will endeavor to ensure that the results of Japan's
reconstruction assistance provided thus far will take root
and will work to foster a broad and long-term partnership
with Iraq.

The Iraqi Government fully agrees with Japan's basic policy
towards reconstruction assistance for Iraq as mentioned
above. The Government of Japan takes this opportunity to
express its gratitude to the people and government of Iraq
that have warmly welcomed the GSDF troops as well as the
relevant countries that have cooperated with the GSDF in
Samawah, including the UK, Australia, the Netherlands and the
US.

I ask for the Japanese people's understanding and support
concerning the above-mentioned decision by the Government of
Japan.

END TEXT OF JAPANESE STATEMENT

BEGIN TEXT OF AUSTRALIAN STATEMENT (ABRIDGED)

Prime Minister
The Hon John Howard MP
Ministerial Statement to Parliament on the Australian Defence
Force commitment to southern Iraq
22 June 2006

(

This is an important step towards the Iraqi Government taking
control of the country's security situation. Al-Muthanna is
the first province to be transferred entirely to Iraqi
Provincial Control.

That this step can be taken is due in no small measure to the
hard work, bravery and commitment of the Australian Defence
Force (ADF). It also reflects the Australian Government's
determination to help the Iraqi people secure a better future.

Since May 2005, Australia's Al-Muthanna Task Group has
trained about 1,650 Iraqi soldiers of the National Iraqi
Army's 2nd Brigade. This Brigade is already conducting
security operations in Al-Muthanna and it contributed to the
success of the December 2005 elections. In conjunction with
other Iraqi security forces, these soldiers will now assume
primary responsibility for security within the Al-Muthanna
province.

The second key role of Australia's Al-Muthanna Task Group has
been to provide a secure environment for the Japanese Iraq
Reconstruction Support Group conducting a range of important
rehabilitation projects in Al-Muthanna.

These projects have included the provision and technical
support to four hospitals; the rehabilitation of
approximately 30 health clinics and 35 schools; and the
completion of dozens of other infrastructure projects.

Following the Iraqi Prime Minister's announcement on security
arrangements in Al-Muthanna, and in accordance with the
prospective completion of Japan's reconstruction mission in
the province, the Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi
has announced that his country's contingent in Al-Muthanna
will be withdrawn.

The ADF will continue to provide security for the Japanese
engagement until they have completed the final elements of
their mission, which is likely to occur by the end of July.

(

There is still a job to do in assisting the Iraqi authorities
in meeting their security challenges. There remains a need
for strong and continued support from the international
community.

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After careful consideration by the National Security
Committee, the Government has decided that Australian forces
will take on a new role to support the Iraqi Government and
security forces.

Planning for this role has been done in consultation with our
Coalition partners and with the Iraqi Government.

The ADF contingent will relocate from its current base at
Camp Smitty near As Samawah in Al Muthanna province to the
Coalition Air Base at Tallil, located some 80 kilometers to
the south east in the neighboring province of Dhi Qar.

From its base in Tallil, the ADF will contribute to coalition
operations in South East Iraq under the banner of Operational
Overwatch-the Coalition effort to support the handover of
primary responsibility for security to Iraqi authorities.

(

The force will also include an ADF Training Team of
approximately 30 personnel. Since the beginning of this
month, the Training Team has been training and mentoring
Iraqi instruction personnel at the Iraqi Army Basic Training
Center at Tallil Air Base. We are also making a small
training contribution at the Counter Insurgency Academy in
Taji, north of Baghdad.

(

As part of this engagement, we will also continue the ADF
program of reconstruction assistance. This has so far
delivered many valuable improvements to services and
infrastructure for the local community in critical areas such
as transport, health, veterinary and agricultural services
and utilities.

(

Australia will not be hostage to a particular timetable for
withdrawal from Iraq. We will only leave when the job has
been finished.

(

Helping Iraq to achieve stability and democracy is in
Australia's national interest. And it is part of Australia
accepting its global responsibilities. Our support is at the
request of the Iraqi Government and the Iraqi people and is
dependent on progress by Iraqi authorities in managing their
own affairs.

(

To see the Iraqi people striving to reclaim civil society in
the cradle of civilization, sometimes at great cost and
against great odds, is a humbling experience for those of us
privileged enough to live in a free and democratic society.

The courage of the Iraqi people serves as a constant reminder
of why the international community must maintain its support
for Iraq's democratic transition and development.


END TEXT OF AUSTRALIAN STATEMENT (ABRIDGED)



5. (C/REL HOST GOVTS) All posts whose host governments
contribute to Iraq's security and stability (primarily troop
contributing governments) should draw from the following
points for use with host government officials at the
appropriate level:

The announcement by PM Maliki of a joint decision of
the Iraqi government and MNF-I to transfer security
responsibility for Muthanna province to Iraqi civilian
authorities is good news. It represents the progress made in
developing the province's ability to take the lead in its own
governance and security.

We congratulate all involved (Australia, Iraq, Japan,
Netherlands, UK) for their role in the successful
humanitarian mission in Muthanna province.

This event demonstrates the progress Iraq is making
towards self-governance with the assistance of the
international community.

Australia, Japan and the UK have served in Muthanna as

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models of international cooperation, providing economic and
humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq as well as
security and stability.

As Iraq develops and its needs continue to evolve, so
too will the nature of international assistance to Iraq in
Muthanna and elsewhere.

An example of this transition is the fact that Japanese
and Australian assistance to Iraq will not end-they remain
engaged to support Iraq's development in political, economic,
and security areas.

Japan will:
provide critical air-lift support mission to MNF-I and
to the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq;
continue to support Iraq's economic infrastructure
through yen-loans; and
assign officers to Baghdad to assist in the
coordination and management of Provincial Reconstruction
Teams.

Australia will:
redeploy its troops to Dhi Qar province to carry out
operational overwatch and quick reaction force functions;
continue to train Iraqi Security Forces; and
continue reconstruction assistance.

-- The transition decision reflects a joint Iraqi-MNF-I
assessment of several factors including the overall threat
situation in Muthanna, and MNF-I's readiness to support the
ISF in its security lead role as necessary.

-- Eventually we plan that all provinces will return to Iraqi
control using essentially the same conditions-based process
that resulted in Muthanna's transition. Each transition will
be tailored to circumstances in each province.

-- International assistance supporting Iraq's security
forces, governance capacity, democracratic system and
reconstruction also facilitiate and accelerate the process of
transitioning security responsibilities.

-- As part of this international assistance, we encourage all
to work with Iraq in developing effective national and
provincial governance. The new Constitution devolves more
responsibility to the governorates (provinces): Provincial
Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) provide a crucial link between
national and provincial capacity-development efforts. PRTs
are designed to provide training and development efforts at
the national level, complement them at the provincial level,
and provide a link between provincial-level and national
level efforts. We believe PRTs are a key component of Iraqi
self-reliance and defeating the insurgency and encourage your
participation.

-- We join the Iraqi people in thanking you for being part of
this historic transition. We expect Iraq will long remember
those nations such as yours who stood with Iraq in its
pursuit of a constitutional, democratic, and pluralistic Iraq
which guarantees the rights of all citizens.
RICE