ERBIL: KNA SPEAKER ON COR COOPERATION, PKK, AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003773 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2017 TAGS: PGOV PTER TU IZ SUBJECT: ERBIL: KNA SPEAKER ON COR COOPERATION, PKK, AND ASISTANCE Classified By: Classified By Jess Baily, Regional Coordinator for reaso ns 1.4 (b) and (d). This is an Erbil Regional Reconstruction Team message. ¶1. (C) Kurdistan National Assembly (KNA) Speaker Adnan Mufti said the KNA's recent trip to Baghdad laid the groundwork for further communication and collaboration, in a November 11 meeting with RRT Offs. He repeated the oft-heard Kurd call for a peaceful resolution to the PKK crisis. The Speaker welcomed capacity building assistance for the KNA, initially through USAID's Local Governance Program. End Summary. KNA CoR Discussions: Step in the Right Direction -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) RRT Team Leader, Erbil IPAO, and USAID representatives met November 11 with KNA Speaker Adnan Mufti and Deputy Speaker Kemal Kerkuki. Mufti stated he returned recently from his first visit to the Council of Representatives (CoR),labeling it a success and a starting point for future collaboration between the two legislative bodies. While the purpose of the delegation had been to discuss the PKK, the conversation evolved into a useful exchange of views on the CoR and KNA relationship. Mufti emphasized the conversation worked toward clarifying constitutionally enshrined federal and regional authority, as well as responsibilities the two bodies shared. He noted that this visit gave him the chance to explain the KNA view on regional hydrocarbon legislation and the decision to fly only the regional flag until Iraq drops "the Baathist flag." PKK Crisis: Praise for Prime Minister Erdogan -------------- - ¶3. (C) On the PKK crisis, Mufti said the KRG cannot allow its territory to be used for attacks, but they are not prepared to engage in violence against the PKK. Mufti said Turkey is the Kurdistan Region's most important economic partner, noting 80 percent of foreign companies operating in the Kurdistan Region are Turkish, and responsible for high-profile projects such as the Erbil International Airport. He also claimed that important Turkish public figures, including former president Kenan Evren, publicly defended Kurdish rights, perhaps indicating a shift toward accommodating Kurds in Turkey. He praised Prime Minister Erdogan, saying he has the power to build, within two years, an important bridge between Islamic fundamentalists and Western secularists. However, he added, Erdogan must maintain control of the military if he wants to make important strides forward. Assistance to the KNA Welcomed -------------- ¶4. (U) Mufti welcomed proposed RRT assistance to the KNA, saying help is appreciated, and would serve to further the KNA's development into a truly democratic institution. He said parliamentary committees need to become more effective, specifically mentioning the legal and education committees. He cited the need to develop KNA's public relations. Local Governance Program (LGP) Coordinator for Northern Iraq, Dr. Abdulla Mohammed, outlined potential LGP assistance, including IT support, and parliamentary training. Mufti replied that the KNA has a website in development, ready for release in a few weeks, yet KNA members have no internal e-mail communication system. Comment -------------- ¶5. (C) An unexpected benefit of the PKK crisis may be a heightened Kurdish understanding that their future will best be protected if they remain part of a strong, unified Iraq. The Speaker's positive assessment of the recent KNA visit to Baghdad sets a precedent for KNA and CoR cooperation. Future coordination between the two bodies should be encouraged. Parliamentary assistance programs that bring together members could increase communication and collaboration. End Comment. CROCKER