AMBASSADOR PRESSES VICE PRESIDENT HASHIMI TO PUSH

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003766

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2027
TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PRESSES VICE PRESIDENT HASHIMI TO PUSH
FORWARD ON LEGISLATION

REF: BAGHDAD 3730

Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

--------------
Summary
--------------


1. (S) Reinforcing the USG message on importance of
finalizing benchmark legislation and a joint statement on the
Strategic Partnership Dialogue (SPD),the Ambassador and
visiting Iraq Coordinator Ambassador Satterfield met with
Vice President Tariq al Hashimi on the evening of November

12. Hashimi sought details on the SPD process, claiming that
he had only just received the draft statement. His questions
on substance and process hinted at disquietude over not being
involved until now in the discussion. Responding to the
Ambassador's admonishments regarding lack of GOI progress on
benchmark laws, particularly De-Baathification reform,
Hashimi urged that the Leaders' version stemming from the
August leaders' talks be sent directly by the Presidency
Council to Parliament, by-passing the Cabinet. Hashimi
confirmed that Tawafuq was given two weeks by PM Maliki with
which to agree on a list of cabinet ministers with which to
reinstate Tawafuq in government. Hashimi also confirmed he
had commented publicly on the PM's announcement of plans to
move forward on the issue of a general amnesty, and noted he
would send a conciliatory open letter to Maliki on the issue.
Asked about accusations that his office had vetoed a draft
pension law, Hashimi (after first denying any connection) was
informed by his staff that he had indeed returned the bill to
Parliament for additional work (a move he claimed was merely
"technical."). End summary.


2. (SBU) Joining the meeting were NSC Senior Director Brett
McGurk, Poloff (note-taker),Vice President Hashimi's Chief
of Staff, and Political Advisor Dr. Khalil al Ezzawi.

--------------
Long Term Strategic Relations
--------------


3. (S) Revisiting a topic discussed briefly at their last
meeting (Reftel),the Ambassador stressed the importance of
quickly finalizing a joint statement of principles related to
the U.S.-Iraq long-term strategic partnership. A draft
statement, which NSC Senior Director McGurk is currently
negotiating with senior GOI officials, is being considered
for release as early as "next week." Hashimi, seeming
surprised by the proposed timing, stated he had just received
a copy of the draft statement from NSA Rubaie. He then
sought clarification on USG thinking, on the "purpose" of the
document, and details on who was responsible for negotiating
the text. Following the Ambassador and Iraq Coordinator
Satterfield's call for cooperation, Hashimi said he "needed
time to study" the text.

--------------
Benchmark Laws; De-Baathification
--------------


4. (S) The Ambassador raised the importance of GOI action to
pass benchmark legislation, reminding the Vice President that
none of the laws discussed in the August 26 Leaders
Communique have been passed after nearly three months of
dawdling and disagreement. Specifically, on the
De-Baathification law, President Talabani had told the
Ambassador that it was feasible to send the leaders' version
directly from the Presidency Council to the Council of
Representatives (CoR) to avoid the legal wrangling and
interference by the Cabinet. Hashimi responded that he had
argued this approach since the August talks concluded,
accusing Maliki of game-playing and delay tactics. The
Ambassador requested Hashimi to coordinate with his co-Vice
President Adil Abdel Mehdi to ensure the leaders' draft is
transferred promptly, and directly to the CoR for a first
reading. (Note: Hashimi's Chief of Staff called poloff
shortly after the meeting to convey that Hashimi called Abdel
Mehdi, but the latter proposed obtaining a letter from the
Prime Minister stating his consent to such a plan of action.
End note).

--------------
Tawafuq Return to Government?
--------------


5. (S) The Ambassador raised the topic of a possible return
to government by the Sunni Tawafuq bloc, noting the "irony"
that its departure from government in August coincided with
security improvements which have finally permitted the GOI to
make progress on service delivery and further security
improvements. Hashimi responded that Tawafuq was prepared to

BAGHDAD 00003766 002 OF 002


return to government "tomorrow," provided PM Maliki shows
receptivity to Tawafuq's demands. So far, he stated, the PM
has ignored the Sunni demands.

--------------
GOI General Amnesty Talk
--------------


6. (S) Referring to one of Tawafuq's main demands --
amnesty/detainees -- the Ambassador raised the PM's November
11 press conference in which he stated his decision that "all
those who were misled or those who committed certain
violations should be granted amnesty." Calling it a good
indicator of the PM's thinking, the Ambassador confirmed that
Hashimi was aware of the decision but was not yet engaged
with the PMO/GOI on the issue. Hashimi said he wanted to be
involved, and noted his positive public statement the day
before in Fallujah, where he thanked the PM in front of a
crowd of local Sheikhs and journalists for the positive step.
Hashimi said his intent was to send a clear signal to Iraqis
that his dispute with Maliki was not "personal." He
continued, "if Maliki moves in the right direction, we'll
support him." Ideally, he added, the PM will follow through
on his promise and make releases in time for the coming Feast
of Sacrifice (Eid al Adha) in approximately a month --
traditionally a time to release prisoners. (Note: Hashimi
said he sent a letter to Maliki on the issue -- later shared
with Poloff -- in which he commends the PM for taking this
step. End note.)

--------------
Hashimi Holding Up Pension Law?
--------------


7. (S) The Ambassador also enquired into reports that the
Office of the Vice President (i.e., Hashimi) had recently
vetoed a draft Pensions Law. Hashimi initially denied
connection to the issue, stating that the accusation was
"propaganda" against him. One of his staffers, however,
dialed a colleague that tracks the issue and gave the phone
to the Vice President. Following a short conversation,
Hashimi admitted to the bill being held up by his office, but
declared the issue was "technical," vice political. He
promised to send the Embassy his staff's notes to show that
the objection was not motivated by politics. The Ambassador
encouraged Hashimi's office to ensure the draft bill is
reconsidered with a close eye on its financial implications.
CROCKER