UK FOREIGN MINISTER: MOTTAKI IS COCKY

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001308 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/27/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER IZ IR SUBJECT: UK FOREIGN MINISTER: MOTTAKI IS COCKY Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (S) Summary: Following his participation in the Neighbors Conference in Kuwait, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband met with Ambassador Crocker and General Petraeus on April 24. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including Iranian influence in Iraq, the current security situation in Iraq, the strength of Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), and development of the Basrah Development Commission. End summary. Participants -------------- ¶2. (S) The Ambassador and General Petraeus, accompanied by Pol-Mil Counselor Marcie Ries, met April 24 with U.K. Foreign Secretary Miliband. Miliband was joined by UK Ambassador to SIPDIS Iraq Christopher Prentice, First Secretary David Brett, Stephen Hickey, Miliband,s Private Secretary, Frank Baker, Head of Iraq Group, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and Sarah Schaefer, Special Advisor to the Secretary. Iranian Influence -------------- ¶3. (S) Miliband said he had a 45 minute meeting with Foreign Minister Mottaki of Iran during the Neighbors Conference in Kuwait on April 22. During that meeting he told Mottaki that Iran is "exposed" (Comment: by "exposed" we understood Miliband meant as a result of the Basrah campaign and increased public awareness of Iran,s activity in Iraq. End Comment). Miliband described Mottaki,s reaction as "cocky." He said Mottaki claimed to have "saved the Charge of Knights (Basrah) campaign by intervening at the border." Mottaki further accused the Maliki government of attacking Sadrists while leaving ISCI alone. ¶4. (S) Ambassador Crocker shared his perspective on Maliki as being an Arab-Iraqi who does not speak Farsi and is negative on Iran. The Ambassador outlined a meeting involving Maliki, President Talibani, and Vice President Mahdi where there had been agreement that Iran must be told clearly to cease involvement in Iraq. General Petraeus commented that Maliki is currently enjoying "unprecedented political support." The question, Petraeus opined, is whether "Maliki can get enough support, minus the Sadrists, to go to Tehran and tell Iran to stop." Security Situation -------------- ¶5. (S) General Petraeus opened the discussion on the security situation by thanking Miliband for the extent of UK efforts in Iraq, and said the USG is working with Her Majesty,s Government (HMG) on "tweaking" the force cap. Petraeus expressed his happiness at hearing the British Government plans to pause the drawdown of troop numbers in Iraq. Miliband responded that HMG wants to fulfill its commitment to train Iraqi forces. ¶6. (S) General Petraeus provided an overview of the security situation around Iraq and in Baghdad, highlighting specific actions that have improved security since the initiation of the Basrah campaign on March 24. When queried by Miliband on the quality of policing in Iraq, Petraeus replied there is a mixed bag of results, with some units performing well. Petraeus also predicted a spike in violence should the Sadrist cease fire be rescinded. He outlined challenges that exist in controlling violence in Sadr City, at which point Ambassador Crocker explained that one great challenge is getting the Government of Iraq (GOI) to determine their strategy for Sadr City. Miliband agreed with this assessment. When asked by Miliband if JAM enjoyed the support of the Iraqi people, Petraeus said they do not, and that JAM actions including kidnapping and intimidation are causing discontent. ¶7. (S) Miliband asked about the current strength of AQI. General Petraeus reported that AQI numbers in Baghdad are reduced, but they continue to be active throughout the country. BASRAH AND CONTINUED HMG ENGAGEMENT IN THE SOUTH -------------- --- ¶8. (S) Miliband said he believes it is important that the USG and HMG communicate to the GOI how we use contractors in Iraq. He further explained that HMG is here to provide training such as at the Basrah Airport and Seaport in anticipation of Iraqi management of these facilities. "The more we can be upfront about our function in Iraq, the better," Miliband stated. BAGHDAD 00001308 002 OF 002 ¶9. (S) Miliband said HMG and the Government of Turkey have a good relationship and have agreed to "push on Kuwait" in terms of commercial development in Basrah through the Basrah Development Commission. Turkey claims to have hundreds of companies ready to invest in the area, a claim Miliband thinks is rather exaggerated. Ambassador Crocker pointed out that Maliki values his relationship with Turkey, but is suspicious of conspiracies. The Ambassador suggested that HMG loop in Maliki on the cooperation between the three countries to allay Maliki,s suspicious nature. CROCKER