NINEWA: 2007 HAJJ FLIGHTS: PROGRESS TO DATE,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003104 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/I SECSTATE FOR USAID PLEASE PASS TO DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR ECON PGOV EAID IZ SUBJECT: NINEWA: 2007 HAJJ FLIGHTS: PROGRESS TO DATE, REMAINING OBSTACLES REF: A. BAGHDAD 2713 ¶B. BAGHDAD 2668 This is a Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) message. -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) PRT Ninewa organized a September 5 meeting of the Mosul Airport Hajj Operations Committee for Iraqi Prime Ministerial Advisor on Airports and Seaports Ahmed Al-Saadawi and Ninewa Governor Kashmoula. Both reported the Hajj Committee had approved Mosul as a point of embarkation for 2007 Hajj flight operations. Al-Saadawi and the Governor had an open, candid exchange of information and demonstrated a positive willingness to cooperate and share responsibility. They then toured the passenger terminal construction site and the air traffic control tower. There remain several technical and bureaucratic challenges, most pressingly GOI financial commitments, before the flights can be a reality but the PRT is confident that with provincial, national and Coalition cooperation they will be brought to fruition. Successful Hajj flights will likely lead to the resumption of regular commercial flights from Mosul Airport. -------------- Current Challenges -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Mosul Airport is not yet certified by Iraqi authorities for civilian flights. On 14 August teams from the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) and Iraqi Airways visited Mosul Airport and indicated a favorable report would be forthcoming. Transportation Attache reported the team will need more ground visits to determine if the airport meets minimum safety standards. The PRT will facilitate those activities, but will need Embassy Baghdad support. ¶3. (SBU) The following items are outstanding for Iraqi action: - Procurement of trained and certified airport security personnel: the Governor volunteered to provide security for the external checkpoints. Al-Saadawi committed to working with the Ministries of Transportation (MOT) and Finance (MOF) to address passenger screening and security equipment needs. - Immigration and Customs staff: the Governor confirmed his office will coordinate with the appropriate Ministries to obtain the required staff and support for both the outbound and inbound Hajj Operations. 
- ICAA funding: Al-Saadawi to follow up on ICAA needed budget preparation for Hajj Operations and out of budget cycle funding for Operations and Maintenance needs of the Passenger Terminal (utilities, fuel, parts, supplies etc). - Aircraft Ground Support Equipment (GSE): In concert with the PRT, a revised and scaled-down list of required airside and landside equipment for the passenger terminal and pre-screening facility was presented. The Governor requested to Al-Saadawi that GOI fund the needs and that he would arrange emergency medical services, overnight housing needs and ground transportation contingency for the Hajj pilgrims in the event of late or canceled flights. -------------- And the Future... -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Al-Saadawi and the Governor both agreed that Hajj operations are a precursor to scheduled, daily domestic flights to Baghdad. PRT suggested February, March or April for potential start of service. Al-Saadawi concurred and committed to coordinating the Iraqi Airways 2008 Budget to include Mosul operations. During a September 10 meeting, the Vice-Chair of the Hajj Committee told EmbOff that his committee fully supports Hajj flights from Mosul and would look into funding the equipment needs. ¶5. (SBU) Several bureaucratic speed bumps may slow the transition but Al-Saadawi expressed confidence. Al-Saadawi BAGHDAD 00003104 002 OF 002 said Air Traffic Control Tower section of ICAA's 2008 Budget would include funding for Mosul's Operations and Maintenance to encompass personnel, training, certification, utilities, as well as miscellaneous expenses. There remains a need to develop and execute a Letter of Agreement with Coalition Forces for air traffic services. Al-Saadawi also agreed that a Joint Use Agreement between CF and GOI must be prepared to address airport safety and operational matters. He said the turnover of the passenger terminal area to GOI was the first of future turnovers to GOI for full airport operation and control. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶6. (SBU) The PRT remains cautiously optimistic about Hajj flights operating out of Mosul in 2007. The symbolic import will do much to improve the local image of the USG as well as the credibility of provincial and national Iraqi governmental promises. We believe that Hajj flights will lead to regular civilian flights out of Mosul, linking the city economically, culturally and politically to Iraq and the region. PRT will eventually continue to work with MND-North, Embassy Baghdad and our Iraqi partners to achieve our common goal. BUTENIS