PRIME MINISTER MALIKI TO FOCUS ON OIL LAWS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001948 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/12/2017 TAGS: PGOV PTER MOPS MCAP PINS PNAT IZ SUBJECT: PRIME MINISTER MALIKI TO FOCUS ON OIL LAWS Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C/REL MNF-I) SUMMARY: On June 10, Prime Minister Maliki assured the Ambassador of his commitment to getting the framework Hydrocarbon and Oil Revenue management draft laws in front of the Council of Representatives as a package within days. He also pledged to bring de-Baathification and provincial election laws to the Council as soon as possible. Maliki outlined the formation of a reconciliation council to be headed by Dr. Basema al-Jaidri. Maliki lamented that the Sunni Al Anbar Salvation Council was facing internal conflict and used this as a rationale for establishing a federal committee to oversee the arming of Sunni tribes and others who pledge their opposition to Al Qaeda. Maliki closed the meeting by requesting the Ambassador urge Washington officials from refraining from further public statements on US presence in Iraq, saying they encourage Iraq's enemies. END SUMMARY. Maliki Focused on Oil Legislation -------------- ¶2. (C/REL MNF-I) Maliki expressed confidence that he could gain the necessary support from KRG President Barzani, President Talabani and other key officials in the coming days to submit the draft framework Hydrocarbon and Oil Revenue management laws as a package to the Council of Representatives. He stressed, however, that he would need the Ambassador's support with the Sunni Tawafaq coalition. The Ambassador pledged his support and also suggested that President Bush host a video conference with Maliki, his two Vice Presidents and Deputy Prime Ministers to discuss the urgent matter. Maliki agreed with the caveat that the meeting be limited to the subject of oil legislation. ¶3. (C/REL MNF-I) The Ambassador stressed to Maliki that he, the President and others in Washington are eager for the Hydrocarbon Framework and Oil Revenue Management legislation to be introduced as a package to the Council of Representatives as soon as possible. The Ambassador said that getting this done in advance of the July 15 U.S. Congressional briefing on progress in Iraq would be most appreciated as it would show that Iraqi leaders are taking concrete steps toward national reconciliation. Maliki on Other National Reconciliation Initiatives -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C/REL MNF-I) Maliki assured the Ambassador that he was taking other measures to advance national reconciliation. He noted that he continues to press key political leaders to support the proposed justice and accountability legislation. He said this draft law is currently under consideration by the COR and he estimated that it would likely pass in the coming weeks. ¶5. (C/REL MNF-I) Maliki also described the national reconciliation committee he recently established. This committee will be led by Maliki's military advisor and personal confidant, Dr. Basema al-Jaidri who will work with the Coalition and relevant Iraqi entities. He stressed the need for the GoI and MNF-I to work together and stated that his committee was nearly done with a draft policy on tribal engagements. Maliki on Al Abar Salvation Council Rift -------------- ¶6. (C/REL MNF-I) Maliki said he was concerned that a rift is developing between two tribal leaders in the Al Anbar Salvation Front. He said the conflict was between the group's leader Abd al-Satter al Bazi, and member Shaykh Ali Hatim al Salim. To address this problem and the larger issue of arming Sunni groups that pledge to fight Al Qaeda, Maliki said he had established a central oversight committee. This committee will develop policies and vetting procedures for applicants and monitor their activities to ensure their allegiance to the state. This committee, Maliki said, will work closely with the Coalition. Washington Officials Public Statements -------------- ¶7. (C/REL MNF-I) Maliki said he was concerned with public statements being made by Washington officials. He said they are sending mixed messages to Iraq's enemies. He noted recent statements made by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates as contradictory with Gates describing the September review as a critical moment for the US in Iraq, and the "next BAGHDAD 00001948 002 OF 002 minute" saying the US would be in Iraq for fifty years. The first message, Maliki said, will lead Al Qaeda to step up the violence and the second will result in more malign activity by Iran and Syria. Maliki did not propose a different message, nor did he provide further reasoning for his theory. CROCKER