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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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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