MSNSA WAELI PUSHES TO ESTABLISH MINISTRY OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 000975

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/19/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL MOPS PINS PNAT IZ
SUBJECT: MSNSA WAELI PUSHES TO ESTABLISH MINISTRY OF
NATIONAL SECURITY

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel V. Speckhard for reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C REL AUS UK) SUMMARY: Charge Speckhard met with Shirwan
Waeli, Minister of State for National Security, to express
our concerns over the draft Ministry of National Security Law
(MNSL) currently stalled in the Council of Representatives.
Waeli asserted that the law is critical to establishing a
productive ministry and is consistent with Iraq's
constitution. Waeli added that the proposed Iraqi National
Security Law (INSL) is inadequate because it does not address
the establishment of his ministry, but rather serves as an
overall framework for intelligence operations. Waeli
emphasized that his main priority is to create an effective,
trust-worthy national security organization and insisted the
Ministry of National Security would complement the Iraqi
National Intelligence Service portfolio rather than compete
with it. Charge Speckhard emphasized to Waeli that it would
be better to establish an overall national security structure
before creating a new ministry. END SUMMARY.

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MNSL Needed Now, INSL Will Fill in Gaps Later
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2. (C REL AUS UK) In a March 16 meeting with Charge
Speckhard, Minister of State for National Security Affairs
Waeli discussed legislation that would transform the Ministry
of State for National Security Affairs into the Ministry of
National Security, with Waeli at its head. Waeli described
how the rapid growth of his security organization requires
increased financing and inclusion into Iraq's security
architecture. This move will assist the government in
establishing a secure and stable Iraq. Waeli suggested the
INSL's role was to help coordinate intelligence and national
security activities and enforce checks and balances.


3. (C REL AUS UK) The Charge suggested that it would be best
to pass the INSL before addressing the MNSL. Waeli rejected
this, asserting that there is no reason Q delay passage of
his legislation since it is constitutionally sound and has
the approval of the Interior and Defense Ministers as well as
Prime Minister Maliki. In addition, he claimed, the INSL
fails to address the MNS's creation.

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Waeli Working to Build Trust
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4. (C REL AUS UK) The CDA expressed concern that the draft
MNSL mixes both intelligence and law enforcement functions
and lacks sufficient measures to prevent abuses. Especially
troubling, he noted, are the legislation's references to
"political crimes" and the need to "exterminate" them. Waeli
assured him that the political crimes department would be
geared to fight "terrorism, and not legitimate political
parties." Waeli added he was well aware of people's mistrust
of security organizations and his ministry has worked hard to
change this. He acknowledged that, given Iraq's history, this
was a difficult task, but he believed Iraqis are becoming
more comfortable with the MSNSA as they realize it can not be
"bought and sold."

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MNS "Interrogation center" for "investigative" work
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5. (C REL AUS UK) In response to the CDA's question on the
laws stipulating "interrogation centers", Waeli stressed any
interrogations conducted by the MSN will only be
'investigative' and any cases requiring further action will
be brought the High Judicial Council. He assured the Charge
there will be no detention centers in the MNS; suspects will
be held at MOI detention centers. Waeli did not explain who
would detain these suspects, how 'investigations' would be
conducted, or how cases were brought before the High Judicial
Council.

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INIS and the MNSA "not in competition"
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6. (C REL AUS UK) Waeli noted that a recent CNN report
asserted that he was in competition with the INIS. He claimed
this is not true; the two entities would have different yet
complementary responsibilities in the fight against
terrorism. Waeli confirmed the MNSA would continue to send
reports to the Council of Ministers, the Council of

Representatives and the various security ministries almost
daily. He also claimed that he was making efforts to reach
out to Iraq's Sunnis by establishing offices in
Sunni-majority provinces staffed by Sunni officers and by
recruiting Kurds and Sunnis in the MSNSA offices in Baghdad.


7. (C REL AUS UK) CDA said General Petraeus and the
Ambassador understood Waeli's intent in making his ministry
more like the FBI, but this MNSL does not clearly do this. A
clear national security structure for Iraq must precede the
building of the individual organizations. CDA concluded the
meeting promising to discuss the situation with General
Petraeus and the Ambassador and meet again in a week with
concrete suggestions.
KHALILZAD