CG AND CDA DISCUSS FOREIGN FIGHTERS AND SYRIA,

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 BAGHDAD 003911 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/30/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS MARR IZ SUBJECT: CG AND CDA DISCUSS FOREIGN FIGHTERS AND SYRIA, TURKEY AND THE PKK, AND UNSCR WITH PM REF: BAGHDAD 03874 BAGHDAD 00003911 001.3 OF 003 Classified By: CDA Patricia Butenis for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S) Summary: In a wide-ranging hour-long meeting Thursday, November 29, MNF-I Commanding General David Petraeus and Charge Patricia Butenis reviewed efforts with Prime Minister Maliki to stem the flow of Foreign Terrorists (FTs) from Syria and elsewhere, possible limited Turkish military action against the PKK inside northern Iraq, and progress on renewing the UNSCR that authorizes Multi-National Force (MNF) operations in Iraq. They also touched briefly on improvements in the security situation in Baghdad and the public perception of the improved situation, further funding of Concerned Local Citizen (CLC) groups, releasing detainees and amnesty, disposition of yellow cake from the Tuwaitha nuclear facility, and Provincial Iraqi Control for Basrah on December 16. End Summary. Foreign Terrorists -------------- ¶2. (S) The CG and PM Maliki reviewed the success in driving Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) from Baghdad and its near suburbs. They agreed that Coalition efforts supported by AQI had denied any safe haven to AQI in Baghdad. Though AQI could still cause trouble and commit acts of violence, the CG noted that without safe havens it could not mount serious attacks. The battle against AQI was not over, but AQI was certainly reeling from the Coalition and ISF attacks on it. Maliki revealed that he had intelligence indicating that Omar al Baghdadi was depressed - his network had been taken apart and his attempts at action are usually thwarted at the outset. CG noted that this success was due in part to Syrian cooperation in stopping FTs using Syria to reach Iraq. Maliki said that he had received assurances from Basher al-Assad that Syria would stop FTs and that Maliki should let Assad know if the flow was not stopped. CG and Maliki agreed that Assad was sincere but that some of his subordinates might still be facilitating movements of FTs. CG noted that he would like to go to Damascus with LTG McCrystal to meet with select Syrian leaders, perhaps including Assad, to discus actions after FT transit of Syria. He added that he would be sharing with Maliki details of the FTs situation in a briefing on Monday, December 3. Turkey/PKK -------------- ¶3. (S) CG told Maliki that additional Turkish action against the PKK inside Iraq remained likely, but that it would be carefully targeted against the PKK and not a massive Cross Border Operation (CBO). Maliki asked if the U.S. was assisting or might undertake separate military action. CG replied that the U.S. was assisting the Turks only with support by various intelligence assets to ensure that they targeted PKK and not Iraqis. CG stated clearly that MNF would not being taking action - "we are helping them be more precise" - and that action taken would be by the Turks. CG reminded Maliki of the importance the Turks and the U.S. attach to continued efforts by the GOI and the KRG to interdict the PKK. In response, Maliki noted that Erdogan had initially doubted the sincerity of the GOI and the KRG, but now appeared to accept that Maliki's government as well as most in the KRG leadership were serious about tackling the PKK. CG agreed, noting the valuable role played by KRG PM Nerchivan Barzani. Both agreed that it would be helpful for senior KRG leaders to travel to Ankara, including President Talabani. UNSCR -------------- ¶4. (S) Charge stressed the importance of following up the success on the Declaration of Principles on Cooperation and Friendship, signed November 26 by POTUS and the PM via SVTC, with progress on the Iraqi letter to the UN Security Council requesting a new resolution. Noting all the hard work by the PM's team and USG personnel on the declaration, she underlined the need to have a good letter reach New York no later than Monday, December 3 to have sufficient time at the UNSC to craft this final resolution. Maliki took the point and indicated that he BAGHDAD 00003911 002.3 OF 003 saw no reason why the letter should not be ready in the time needed. Detainees -------------- ¶5. (S) CG and Maliki shared ideas on how to release large numbers of detainees held by MNF-I or the GOI to offer amnesty to many of its prisoners. They agreed that while a hard core of MNF-I detainees, about six to eight thousand, as well as Iraqi prisoners guilty of serious crimes such as murder or acts of terrorism could not be released, many thousands could and should be set free after review. CG noted he had just visited Camp Bucca and was pleased with the changes to prepare detainees for return to society. He subsequently instructed his commanders to increase review board staffing and to accelerate the review process. Maliki noted similar actions in the Iraqi courts and repeated his commitment to an amnesty that would release many prisoners, excepting those guilty of serious crimes or those with pending concomitant civil lawsuits. In response to National Security Advisor (NSA) Muwaffaq Rubaie's question if Iraqi Islamic Party imams are in charge of religious education, CG noted that the Imans in Camp Bucca teach patience and moderation; none are extremist. In fact, the general population had gathered up the Takfiri prisoners (extremists) and locked them in the bathrooms - MNF-I released them directly into high security cells. Maliki smiled and took the point. The CG then presented Maliki with artwork produced by one of the detainees in Bucca. Basrah PIC -------------- ¶6. (S) CG indicated that he agreed with the PM's suggested changes to the MOU on PIC for Basrah. He foresaw the ceremony taking place December 16 at the Basrah airfield. In reply to NSA Rubaie's question, CG said that either the Governor or Deputy Governor could sign the MOU on behalf of the GOI, it was up to the PM, though it would be better if the Governor signed. Maliki stated that he had no personal problems with Governor Wa'eli of Basrah - the courts had confirmed his legal status and that was enough for him to settle Wa'eli's status. Advised that Wa'eli might come to Baghdad on December 1, Maliki reaffirmed his willingness to meet with Wa'eli, even stating that he would like to meet with him. Redeveloping Basrah -------------- ¶7. (S) CG and Maliki discussed proposals by Iraqi businessman and entrepreneur Hanna Sheikh to re-develop the port of Basrah. Maliki noted he had spoken with him several times but remained skeptical. CG pressed him to keep an open mind and to think of the long-term job creation and economic development Hanna Sheikh's projects would create. Maliki promised to work with him. Tuwaitha Yellowcake -------------- ¶8. (S) Charge raised the issue of disposal of uranium yellowcake currently located at the Tuwaitha Nuclear Research Facility. She told Maliki it would be best for Iraq to move it out for reprocessing and sell it. In response to his question, Charge replied that the U.S. was not going to buy it but would like to see it disposed of in a manner to yield Iraq the greatest profit. CG offered US assistance in helping GOI officials determine best disposition and sales method, but reiterated that the yellowcake needed to be moved out of Iraq while a large Coalition force is present. Attempting humor, Rubaie asked if Iraq could sell it to Iran - Charge made it clear that would not be acceptable. Polling Results -------------- ¶9. (S) CG gave Maliki polling data MNF-I's local polling contractor had gathered (from 2,400 Baghdadis) that indicated Baghdadis felt more secure and more confident in the GOI's ability to handle security in the capital. CG noted that Maliki's approval rating had risen thirteen points since October,s poll - an increase in approval rating any leader would envy. Maliki took the point and BAGHDAD 00003911 003.3 OF 003 smiled. CLCs -------------- ¶10. (S) CG noted that USD 150 million had been identified to support CLC members and provide employment for them and that he hoped the Government of Iraq would match the funds Further discussion of CLCs will take place on Sunday, December 2 at the weekly Ministerial Council on National Security (reftel). BUTENIS