IRAQI PRESIDENCY STATEMENT ON KEY PRIORITIES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000561 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN IZ SUBJECT: IRAQI PRESIDENCY STATEMENT ON KEY PRIORITIES ¶1. The following statement was posted on the Iraqi Presidency's website ( www.iraqipresidency.net ),dated February 15 (posted February 16),following a meeting between the three-member Presidency Council and Prime Minister Al-Maliki. The statement lists priority issues on which senior GoI officials seek to cooperate, some of which have been associated with the concept of a "moderate front" of cooperation among Iraq's top leaders. The issues include security, economic legislation, DeBa'athification, constitutional review, strengthening the judiciary, and easing the plight of Iraqi refugees. ¶2. BEGIN TEXT (INFORMAL EMBASSY TRANSLATION): Statement of the Presidency Council In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. A meeting was held by the Presidency Council headed by His Excellency President Jalal Al-Talabani and attended by the Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki. The meeting was attended by the two Vice Presidents, Mr. Adel Abdul Mahdi and Mr. Tariq Al Hashimi to discuss the political and security situations, services, the future of the political process, plans for national reconciliation, and progress of the constitutional process. In-depth discussions of all political issues confronting the country were held; the following matters were especially emphasized: 1 -- The importance of supporting the security plan (named) "Law Enforcement" and restoring the prestige of the State, restoring order, combating terrorism whatever its source, as well as sabotage and illegal activities in a way that allows the restoration of security and calm and confidence to the citizens and allows them to pursue normal life, preventing murder and forced immigration, and returning the displaced to their homes in addition to the return of properties, mosques, Al-Hussainiyats (Shia religious community centers) and interests to their owners. The meeting praised the role of our brave Armed Forces and its sacrifices and appealed to strictly adhere to professionalism and neutrality and respect for human rights, while stressing the importance of the solidarity of the Iraqi people and political forces, standing (together) in one line against the enemies of the country and the homeland. 2 -- Calling on the Policy Council for National Security to convene in the coming days to discuss sensitive and basic matters the country is facing. 3 -- Working with the Council of Representatives (CoR) on amendments and ministerial reforms supporting the National Unity Government of PM Al-Maliki and improving the performance of the government in serving citizens. 4 -- Completing necessary legislation and issuing needed administrative instructions to activate the principal laws for launching economic renaissance, particularly laws on investment, oil, and gas to guarantee a just sharing of resources. 5 -- To proceed with the Plan of National Reconciliation and review of the DeBa'athification Law and decisions taken by the (DeBa'athification) Commission in a way that guarantees justice, objectivity and transparency and achieves the principles of accountability and the necessary reconciliation to deal with the legacy of the past and look forward to a future that achieves national unity and ends all forms of disunity and division among citizens. 6 -- To cooperate with the Iraqi CoR to amend the constitution in a way that strengthens the principle of national agreement and strengthens constitutional and democratic institutions in the country. 7 -- To deal with other pending constitutional issues such as the requirements of article 140, the governorates and their borders, the election of provincial councils, the regions, the flag, the national anthem, and the Federal Council in a way that realizes the stability of the political system in the country in order for it to go forward with the tasks of construction and building, ending the age of backwardness, tyranny and despotism. 8 -- To strengthen the role of the judiciary and human rights, and strive to liquidate the vestiges of the former period by releasing all those proven innocent while enhancing the ethics of amnesty without any flexibility in dealing with those violating law and order. 9 -- To address the worsening situation of Iraqi refugees, especially in neighboring countries, and to adopt urgent policies to fulfill their urgent humanitarian needs and to BAGHDAD 00000561 002 OF 002 prepare the objective circumstances to facilitate their return to Iraq as soon as possible. 10 -- The meeting sought to set timelines and timed programs related to the aforementioned paragraphs in a way that guarantees continuity of the momentum with which the security plan "Law Enforcement" began. The above-mentioned leaders committed to continue working within the framework of their executive functions and constitutional responsibilities as political leaders, in cooperation with legislative and judicial authorities and the various political forces and figures. Baghdad -- February 15, 2007 END TEXT OF STATEMENT. KHALILZAD