CODEL BOND EMPHASIZES NEED FOR LEGISLATIVE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 001521

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/06/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINS IZ
SUBJECT: CODEL BOND EMPHASIZES NEED FOR LEGISLATIVE
PROGRESS TO AL-HAKIM


Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Daniel Speckhard for reasons 1.4 (b) a
nd (d).


1. (C) Summary: In a May 5 meeting with SCIRI chairman
Abdelaziz al-Hakim, CODEL Bond--Sen. Christopher Bond (R-MO),
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA),Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME),and
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA)--impressed on al-Hakim the
importance of quick progress on key legislative issues
related to reconciliation. Al-Hakim noted that there had
been significant progress on these issues but that in the end
it would be up to the Council of Representatives (CoR). He
said that discussions were under way on potentially extending
the current legislative session of the CoR beyond June 30.
Al-Hakim told his guests that he believed the "military
situation" was the most important issue and stressed the need
for faster equipping, training, and transfer of authority to
Iraqi forces. End summary.


2. (C) Senator Bond opened by noting that the delegation had
heard encouraging signs of progress in Iraq, particularly in
the development of Iraqi security forces (ISF),but knew
there were important security and legislative challenges
ahead. He told al-Hakim that the delegation would need to
report back to Congress about any military advances, but also
about progress on political and economic measures as well.
Al-Hakim pointed to a growing readiness to fight al-Qaeda
coming from the tribes, political forces such as the Iraqi
Islamic Party, religious scholars, and the general public.
"What is important now is the military situation," al-Hakim
continued, calling for faster equipping and training of ISF
and transfer of authorities so that the ISF, not the
coalition, could "be out on the streets."


3. (C) Senator Chambliss urged al-Hakim to work "harder than
ever" to realize political progress. Noting a "rumor" that
the CoR might take a two month break in the summer, he
remarked that such a break would not be well perceived in the
U.S. at this critical time. Al-Hakim replied that according
to Iraq's Constitution and CoR by-laws, the CoR had two
two-month recesses during its yearly calendar but there were
mechanisms to shorten these recesses. He assured his guests
that discussions were under way on this issue.


4. (C) Senator Snow asked al-Hakim what progress was being
made, and could be made, on reconciliation. Al-Hakim said
that there were "continuing efforts," describing a recent
meeting where "influential advisors of the various components
of Iraqi society" discussed what was needed for
reconciliation. While al-Hakim welcomed the frank exchange
at this meeting, he noted his concern that "the more
concessions you give, the more demands you get." The
majority (i.e., the Shi'a) had given many concessions,
al-Hakim continued, "but still the issue is not resolved."
Senator Chambliss pressed al-Hakim for his estimate on when
important items on the reconciliation agenda would be
completed. Al-Hakim expressed optimism that there would be
progress in the next few weeks. He noted that the
constitutional review committee had almost finished its work;
that the hydrocarbon law had been approved by the GOI and had
already been extensively debated; and that a deBaathification
reform law was at the CoR. But he also observed that
progress depended on the "makeup of the CoR and the vision of
its members." The Sunnis and Kurds had issues on some parts
of the oil law, he continued; "these issues have to be raised
and dealt with to achieve results."


5. (U) CODEL Bond did not have the opportunity to clear this
cable before their departure.
SPECKHARD