IRAQI FM ZEBARI ON UNSCR MID-YEAR REVIEW

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 001851 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR L, IO AND NEA E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/03/2017 TAGS: UN MARR PREL IZ SUBJECT: IRAQI FM ZEBARI ON UNSCR MID-YEAR REVIEW Classified By: AMBASSADOR RYAN C. CROCKER FOR REASON 1.4B/D ¶1. (SBU) This is a request for guidance: see paragraph 4. ¶2. (SBU) On June 4, 2007, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiar Zebari provided Ambassador Crocker with a copy of a draft letter he intends to send to the United Nations prior to the mid-year review of UNSCR 1723 on June 14. The draft letter requests the extension of current arrangements under the UNSCR. He said that -- provided the U.S. has no objections -- he hoped to quickly move the letter forward for signature. ¶3. (C) Zebari noted that he had already briefed the MCNS on the UNSCR mid-year review (septel). He told the Ambassador that he believed it would be best to send the letter to New York without recourse to the Political Committee for National Security and opined that "this becomes a never-ending process if we go the Prime Minister." Zebari said he would travel to New York for the June 14 mid-year review. ¶4. (C) Guidance Request: Our preliminary review indicates that the draft letter is acceptable in both content and tone and contains the essential elements we require. In order to assist Zebari's effort to quickly move ahead with this letter, we request department permission to indicate to Zebari that the letter is acceptable to us by COB (Baghdad) on June 5, 2007. ¶5. (SBU) Begin Text of Iraqi MFA draft letter to UN on the UNSCR mid-year review: DRAFT ) Review of MNF-I/June 2007 In May this year Iraq observed the first anniversary of the formation of the national unity constitutionally-elected government held accountable to the 275 members of the Council of Representatives, the first democratically elected legislative body in Iraq,s history. The Government of Iraq continues to be actively committed to expanding Iraq,s political and legal institutions, broadening political participation and furthering human rights, the rule of law and economic reconstruction. However, as the Iraqi government builds the foundations for democracy and stability, progress is threatened by patterns of violence across the country perpetrated by terrorists, foreign fighters and insurgents among other illegal groups. Security and stability continue to be the highest priority of the Government of Iraq in order to bring peace and prosperity to the Iraqi people. In March this year the Baghdad Security Plan was launched to restore order and security to the capital and to lead efforts to stabilize the rest of the country. To date the plan is making encouraging progress and early signs indicate success in reducing violence in Baghdad with Iraqi and Multi-National Force (MNF-I) troops working in close coordination. Efforts to restore security are supported by political initiatives to enhance national reconciliation and promote unity among the Iraqi people. Measures underway include new oil legislation that sits before the Council of Representatives to vote on the equitable distribution of Iraq,s resources and the review of Iraq,s permanent constitution which was ratified by public referendum in 2005. The Iraqi Government is responsible for security and for increasing the capacity and capabilities of Iraqi security forces, including their recruitment, training and equipment. According to Security Council resolution 1546, the role of the Multi-National Force in Iraq (MNF) will diminish and end as Iraqi security forces assume greater responsibility for security and defense. Iraqi security forces continue to assume greater responsibility for providing security to the Iraqi people as their size, experience and capacity increases. In September last year the Iraqi Government assumed operational command and control of ground, naval and air force Commands. To date, security responsibility for seven governorates has been transferred to the Iraqi authorities and it is the intention of the Iraqi Government to increase the number of governorates under its control towards the day when it has full authority for all 18 governorates. Until this has been accomplished, Iraq continues to need the support of the MNF-I to assist in providing a secure environment for the Iraqi people. In accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 1723 (2006),and pursuant to Iraq,s request in a letter to the Security Council dated the 11th of November 2006, the mandate of the MNF-I is now due for review. The Iraqi government therefore requests the extension of the mandate of the MNF-I as set forth in Security Council resolution 1546 (2004),including the tasks and arrangements specified in the letters annexed thereto, and extended by resolutions 1637 (2005) and 1723 (2006), provided that the extension is subject to a commitment by the Council to end the mandate at an earlier date if the Iraqi Government so requests. The Government of Iraq is grateful to the MNF-I for its vital contribution toward establishing security and stability in Iraq and towards developing the self-sufficiency of Iraqi forces. The work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is also deeply appreciated although Iraq would benefit more greatly from an enhanced role of the UN and its agencies in the country. The Government of Iraq also recognizes the important role of the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board in ensuring the responsible management of Iraq,s resources o the optimum benefit of the Iraqi people. It also acknowledges the contribution of these mechanisms toward strengthening Iraq,s partnership with the international community through transparency and accountability in resource distribution. Therefore, the Iraqi Government requests the mandates of the DFI and the IAMB to continue according to Security Council resolution ¶1546. We are fully aware of the difficulties facing us. The stakes are high but the people of Iraq and the Iraqi government are determined to overcome the present challenging situation to establish a democratic, federal, stable and united Iraq. The Iraqi Government is also dedicated to serving the Iraqi people and establishing a secure environment for peace and a prosperous and vibrant economy. At this critical time Iraq seeks the full and active support of the international community to realize this vision and to help us to succeed. End Text CROCKER