(S) PRT MAYSAN: $100 MILLION IN THE WORKS FOR

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 002012 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/27/2018 TAGS: PINS PGOV MOPS IZ SUBJECT: (S) PRT MAYSAN: $100 MILLION IN THE WORKS FOR RECONSTRUCTION Classified By: PRT Team Leader Dan Foote for reasons 1.4 (b,d). ¶1. (S/REL MCFI) Summary: In a June 26 conversation with Team Leader (TL),advisor to the governor Zaid Khalaf al-Hoshi confirmed reports that the GOI will commit $100 million for reconstruction efforts in Maysan province, and broadly painted how the reconstruction funds are expected to be administered. He also asked the PRT to intervene with the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Coalition Forces (CF) to expedite vehicular travel for provincial officials through Amarah, to provide security at the construction site of the USG-funded surgical hospital, and to vacate the construction site of a plastics factory so work can resume quickly. End Summary. ¶2. (S/REL MCFI) Zaid al-Hoshi, a long-time member of Governor Maliki's inner circle who has recently begun representing himself as VP al-Mehdi's Representative for Maysan, continues to lead aggressive engagement with the PRT. While he did not appear well-versed in the details, Zaid confirmed rumors that the GOI would provide Maysan province with $100 million for reconstruction efforts, but was unable to provide information on the timing. He reported that the GOI planned to appoint a minister for Maysan reconstruction, who would chair a committee including the governor, provincial council, and appropriate provincial Directors General of GOI ministries, to determine priorities and oversee reconstruction efforts. Zaid is anxiously awaiting identification of the individual to be tabbed to fill this ministerial role. (Comment: While Zaid did not mention the inclusion of tribal leaders in this committee, Prime Minister (PM) al-Maliki met with provincial tribal leaders in Amarah on June 23 and likely struck some manner of agreement to appease the tribes. A reconstruction committee without tribal representation is unlikely. End comment.) ¶3. (S/REL MCFI) Zaid also asked for PRT assistance with the ISF and CF on several matters, including assistance to enable him and a limited number of provincial engineers to more expeditiously negotiate the myriad of new vehicle check points throughout the capital. In a sign he is anxious to continue construction on important projects, Zaid asked that a security presence be deployed to the construction site of the USG-funded surgical hospital (overseen by Gulf Region South of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). He informed TL that ISF/CF had "taken over" the site of the plastics factory under construction, and asked that the PRT work quickly to find an arrangement to enable work to resume at this facility, which will purportedly create up to 700 jobs. The PRT will discuss these issues directly with Multi-National Division Central and its subordinate commands. ¶4. (S/REL MCF) Comment: Zaid al-Hoshi continues to be the chief provincial government link to the PRT; his level of interaction has increased markedly since the beginning of Operation "Promise of Peace." While current difficulties for the PRT in meeting other provincial government officials may be a sign they are waiting for the dust to clear, it may also signal a provincial government strategy to closely monitor and control relations with the PRT. In an interesting development, the recently distributed list of political parties registered for provincial elections lists Zaid al-Hoshi as the point of contact for the new party "Kafaat Maysan" (New Maysan). Given Zaid's leanings, Kafaat Maysan may well be a new Sadrist party created to distance some provincial leadership from the current regime. The PRT has been unable to substantiate rumors that Governor Maliki and the PM struck a deal enabling the governor to remain in power, and Zaid al-Hoshi's recent actions may indicate he is less than convinced in the long-term viablity of the current provincial regime. End comment. CROCKER