IRAQ: GUIDANCE FOR BILATERALS WITH ROK AND JAPAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 181050

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2031
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS IZ JA KS IT
SUBJECT: IRAQ: GUIDANCE FOR BILATERALS WITH ROK AND JAPAN

Classified By: NEA DAS L. VICTOR HURTADO,
ACTING FOR REASONS 1.4 (A),(B),AND (D)


1. (C) Department instructs a delegation led by Deputy S/I
Barabara Stephenson to participate in bilateral talks with
the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday Nov 3 and with Japan on
Nov 6-7 to discuss ongoing and future cooperation in Iraq.
The focus of the ROK talks is to define a concept of
operations for the ROK-U.S. Regional Reconstruction Team
(RRT) planned for Erbil. The focus of the Japan talks is to
request Japanese logistic airlift support for the Italian-led
Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in DhiQar and to explore
how to create the conditions necessary for Japan to disburse
the significant loans it pledged to Iraq in 2004.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA: BACKGROUND
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2. (C) The ROK contributes significantly to Iraq's security
and stability, and the USG would like to see a robust ROK
engagement to continue. ROK commands one of three
internationally led multinational divisions (MND-NE),but by
mid-2007 ROK's Iraq troop strength will be half its original
deployment. The ROK also plays an important role in
providing middle ring security for the UN Protection Force
(UNPF). Lastly, as we continue to work with the ROK in
planning for an RRT based in Erbil, we need to define a
concept of operations that both military and political
elements clearly understand and support, both in capitals and
the field.

JAPAN: BACKGROUND
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3. (C) This summer Japan drew to a close a very successful
chapter of its contributions to Iraq by withdrawing its
ground forces from Iraq after Muthanna province transitioned
to Provincial Iraqi Control in July 2006. At present Japan
is reluctant to contribute to PRTs; its expanded C-130 air
routes in support of MNF-I and UNAMI have a very small
footprint; and it has few staff dedicated to administer
Japan's massive financial aid to Iraq. The USG would like to
encourage Japan to expand its present engagement in Iraq.

INSTRUCTIONS
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4. (C) Drawing on points below, delegation should pursue the
following:

ROK

Regional Reconstrution Team (RRT)
- (C/REL ROK) Ascertain ROK vision & objectives: What are
RRT's goals and how long is ROK's commitment? How will it be
different from existing ROK Civil Military Operations in
Erbil? What are ROK views on building local governance
capacity, on improving rule of law, on engaging minorities
inside Kurdistan? What has ROK budgeted for and how long?
Does ROK intend to focus on Erbil, or also to do work in
Dahuk and Sulaymaniyah? What expertise will ROK deploy?
Will staff be all civilian or civ-mil mix? Does ROK have
adequate liaison with the NCT?
- (C/REL ROK) Define concept of RRT operations including:
command and control structure--co-lead with U.S., or ROK
lead? If co-lead, how will projects work vis-a-vis
decision-making, funding, etc? If ROK lead, are they willing
to engage in issues beyond reconstruction such as rule of
law, transparency and governmental institution building? What
decisions is Korean RRT leader authorized to make in the
field and what decisions get referred back to Seoul?
- (C/REL ROK) Verify logistical arrangements: e.g. security
for ROK personnel (static, movement in Erbil and to other
cities, and QRF) and perimeter security for full RRT; life
support including medical and medevac; RRT's access to MNF-I
threat info. Will ROK offer life support at Camp Zaytun to
all U.S. RRT members? What other assets will be available to
U.S. RRT members? How will we negotiate a formal
support/reimbursement mechanism and through what channels?
Would like Korean RRT leader to deploy as soon as possible.
An effective civil-military interface is always a
challenge-how does ROK intend to structure civ-mil
communications in the RRT?

MND Command

- (C/REL ROK) Iraq is entering a critical phase where the
Coalition is transferring security lead to Iraqi Security

STATE 00181050 002 OF 002


Forces. It is essential that the Coalition transforms to a
supporting function with Iraqi security forces in the lead.
The Coalition will concentrate on training, humanitarian and
economic assistance.
- (C/REL ROK) We believe your forces in Iraq are ideally
positioned to be the vanguard of this transformation. Korean
forces are invaluable in northern Iraq. They are leading the
transformation in Irbil, and demonstrate to the entire nation
what the Coalition can bring to other provinces.
- (C/REL ROK) ROK forces also serve the strategic goals of
economic development, diminishing cross border and internal
tensions, and demonstrate to the Iraqi people that they are
not alone.
- (C/REL ROK) We need ROK to continue in its leadership role
in MND-NE by maintaining these troop levels through the end
of 2007, and particularly maintaining the command
structure/headquarters of MND-NE.
- (C/REL ROK) Can you share your 2007 plans for supporting
OIF?
- (C/REL ROK) How does ROK envisage its posture changing
after Provincial Iraqi Control (PIC)?
- (C/REL ROK) Post-PIC security arrangments will be with
whom: ISF or Peshmerga? What is confidence level in police
for post-PIC?

UN Protection Force (UNPF)

- (C/REL ROK) Given USG role in recruiting ROK to the UNPF,
obtain ROK assessment of the mission. Is ROK satisfied with
what the UN asks it to do? Are UN requests for ROK
resources, including convoy escort, reasonable? Does ROK
believe the UN is effectively utilizing its presence? How
could UN operations be improved? Is there any role that ROK
recommends the U.S. play in affecting the UN mission in Erbil?

JAPAN

Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT)

- (C/REL JAPAN) Request extension of flight hours of Japan's
C-130s; reason for this request is to allow a stop at Tallil
Airbase to ferry U.S. PRT members and cargo; same need exists
for Italians at Dhi Qar. We are seeking nonreimbursable
flights for civilian members of PRT with assignment of a high
enough priority to ensure regular flight availability.
Ideally the JASDF C-130 would stop in Tallil en route to
Baghdad and on the return flight as well.

- (C/REL JAPAN) Thank you for your generous pledge of $3.5
billion in soft loans Japan at the Madrid donor's conference
in 2004. What needs to happen to put those loans into
action? Have you received sufficient information from GOI,
project proposals etc., to proceed on disbursement? If not,
how does that impact disbursement? How will monies be
disbursed if Japanese companies are not operating in Iraq?
Might part of the solution be to second a finance/accounting
expert to Baghdad who can ensure efficient and rapid
disbursement of Japan's loans, and provide GOJ accountability
and transparency? This would be a function separate from the
diplomat in the NCT disbursing small quick-impact grants.

- (C/REL JAPAN) Seek clarity on reported $30 million
contribution from Japan to IOM? What is purpose of funds?
When do they expire?
RICE