MCNS DECEMBER 9: AQI, RUSAFA FACILITY, JUDICIARY,

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 004025 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/26/2017 TAGS: PTER PREL MOPS MARR IZ SUBJECT: MCNS DECEMBER 9: AQI, RUSAFA FACILITY, JUDICIARY, BASRAH PIC REF: A. A) HILLAH 00169 ¶B. B) PRINCIPLES FOR A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP OF COOPERATION AND ¶C. FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ AND THE UNITED STATES ¶D. OF AMERICA ¶E. C) BAGHDAD 03985 BAGHDAD 00004025 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: CDA Patricia Butenis for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S/REL MNF) Summary: Prime Minister Maliki led the Ministerial Committee on National Security (MCNS) in discussion of funding of the Rusafa Rule of Law facility, relocation of prisoners closer to family, and final details of the Basrah Provincial Iraqi Control (PIC) handover ceremony. MNF-I briefed the MCNS on the status of Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). The meeting opened with the sad news that Babil Provincial Director of Police (PDOP) MG Qais had been killed December 9. End Summary. Babil Police Commander Murdered -------------- ¶2. (S/REL MNF) The meeting opened with the announcement by DefMin Abdul Qadr that the Babil PDOP, Major General Qais Hamza Abud al-Mamuri, had been martyred earlier that day, apparently with an improvised explosive device (ref. A). He said that the situation remained stable in Babil's town center and that the Interior Minister Jawad al-Bulani was traveling to Babil to ensure order. PM Maliki joined in calling Qais a martyr for Iraq and instructed the MOD and the MOI to hunt down those who had perpetrated this murder. Rusafa Law of Rule Facility -------------- ¶3. (S/REL MNF) The Minister of Finance, Bayan Jabr, outlined his plans to draw funds from several ministries (Interior, Justice, Defense, and the Judiciary Council) for contracts for the Rusafa facility. He noted that while he could use reserve funds to cover some of the costs temporarily, funds had to be allocated from each of the aforementioned ministries' budgets. A lively discussion ensued about the proper way to fund the Rusafa facility, which serves all four of the agencies noted above, with the PM declaring that the Ministry of Finance should allocate sufficient funds to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) who should then take over contracting authority from Coalition Forces - one ministry needs to be responsible for contracting even though the facility in multi-use. ¶4. (S/REL MNF) Multi-National Forces-Iraq Commanding General (CG) David Petraeus intervened in support of Maliki's position, stressing the success of Rusafa and the favorable press it has received. He reminded the MCNS that the PM had given the same instructions in a written directive on 10 June 2007 - one ministry must be in charge of contracting for the facility; the Ministry of Finance needs to allocate that ministry the necessary funds. MNF-I is ready to assist the MOJ. He also noted that current projections are for Iraq oil revenue to yield at least a USD 2 Billion surplus - the money is available. PM Maliki then reiterated his instructions - the Ministry of Finance is to allocate the necessary funds to MOJ which is to contract for work at the facility with assistance from MNF-I. AQI Briefing -------------- ¶5. (S/REL MNF) BG Keller, MNF-I Intel Chief, briefed the MCNS on the current situation with AQI, outlining MNF-I/Iraq Security Forces (ISF) success to date, AQI's efforts to reorganize and revitalize its operations, and the way ahead. After a detailed briefing on several operations that led to the killing or capture of senior AQI figures, as well as a report of numbers of AQI operatives killed or captured since May 2007, BG Keller presented statistics on the sharp decline in AQI high profile attacks in Baghdad. ¶6. (S/REL MNF) Using the disruption/destruction of the Khark carbomb network to illustrate his point, Keller noted that though AQI's effectiveness has been seriously degraded, it remains a threat in Baghdad and elsewhere. It has proven resilient in the past. AQI has shifted its operations significantly from Anbar province and the Euphrates valley to north of Baghdad, principally though not exclusively to the Tigris River valley and in and around BAGHDAD 00004025 002.2 OF 002 Mosul, Thar Thar, and Bayji. Though not capable at this time of a significant upsurge in attacks, AQI remains dangerous. It will likely focus in the near-term on Sunni tribal and Concerned Local Citizens CLCs leaders and ISF in Iraq's cities and principal towns, in particular Baghdad, Mosul, and Baqubah. Mosul, in Nineva province not far from the Syrian border, is a linchpin, crucial to the flow of foreign terrorists into Iraq. ¶7. (S/REL MNF) As the indigenous population, most importantly the Sunni population, has turned against AQI, the recruiting of foreign terrorists and foreign funding have taken on increased importance. AQI's continued viability rests on its ability for continued infusions of funds and personnel from abroad. Shutting down sources of recruits and money would greatly contribute to preventing AQI's recovery from its current demoralized and disrupted status. ¶8. (S/REL MNF) ForMin Zebari noted that with the very public announcement of the declaration of intentions regarding relations between the United States and Iraq (ref. B),Al Qaeda is likely to intensify its actions in Iraq. Minister of Finance underlined the importance of better relations with neighbors to stop the flow of money and men to AQI. He applauded the ForMin's plans to visit Syria. ¶9. (S/REL MNF) CG noted the importance of Syria to stopping the flow of funds and fighters to AQI. While AQI is stressed, it remains in contact with Al Qaeda in Pakistan and continues to find recruits from abroad. Turning off the money is key to continued success against AQI, that is why AQI's involvement in the Bayji refinery complex must be countered. As important as turning off the money, more steps must also be taken by source countries to stop their young men from reaching Amman. He also noted that the end of the Hajj is likely to see prominent Imams criticizing extremism. Humanitarian Prisoner Transfers -------------- ¶10. (S/REL MNF) After thanking MNF-I for the briefing and the continued efforts against AQI, PM asked the Judiciary Council representative to speak on rule of law issues. The representative spoke of some difficulties with judges in Anbar and the need to strengthen the Court in Mosul. The MOJ intervened to note that it wished to transfer prisoners, not release them, so they would be closer to their families - a humanitarian gesture. He noted the need for MOD support to facilitate the transfers. MOD responded that it had done this in the past and would do so again, especially with Coalition Forces' assistance. While agreeing to support MOD, CG noted that the prison facility in Nasariyah to be completed in February would help provide a long-term solution to the proper housing of prisoner. Basrah PIC -------------- ¶11. (S/REL MNF) Taking everyone by surprise, the DefMin suggested that the Basrah PIC handover ceremony planned for December 16 at the Basrah airport at which Governor Wa'eli would sign on behalf of the province (ref. C) be held December 17 at the provincial palace in downtown Basrah with signing by a GOI representative (NFI). After much conversation on issues of security, press access, foreign visitors, and the appropriateness of a national vice provincial official signing on behalf of Basrah Province, the previously agreed arrangements were affirmed. While DefMin Abdul Qadr apparently remained unsatisfied, the Basrah PIC handover will take place December 16 at the airport. Governor Wa'eli will sign on behalf of the province, barring any last-minute GOI changes; MND-SE commander will sign on behalf of MNF-I. The GOI will likely organize a celebration December 17 at the Basrah palace to mark the event. BUTENIS