PRT MAYSAN: PRDC CHAIR LOBBIES TO CONTROL PRT

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 002030 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2018 TAGS: PINS PGOV MOPS IZ SUBJECT: PRT MAYSAN: PRDC CHAIR LOBBIES TO CONTROL PRT ACTIVITIES Classified By: PRT Team Leader Dan Foote for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S/REL MCFI) Summary: In a June 28 meeting, Provincial Reconstruction Development Committee (PRDC) Chairman Mohan Mahy Shaheeb argued against PRT engagement with tribal leaders and other groups not affiliated with the governorate. He urged the PRT to route all engagement and project proposals through the PRDC and provincial government. Mohan discounted rumors that several provincial government members had been detained in Operation Promise of Peace and asserted that the Provincial Council (PC) and PRDC were operating at full capacity. He briefly touched on his vision to direct much of the $100 million of recently announced GOI funding for Maysan reconstruction toward invigorating industrial production. End summary. ¶2. (S/REL MCFI) Team leader (TL),Provincial Project Manager (PPM),and Iraq Provincial Action Officer met with Mohan at Camp Sparrowhawk outside of Amarah. Mohan, a member of the governor's Sadrist party, Hussein Ideology Front (HIF), emphasized that the PC and PRDC were conducting business as usual after Operation Promise of Peace. He denied reports that PC members had been arrested by Iraqi troops earlier in the month, asserting that the only government member detained was the dual-hatted Deputy Governor and Mayor of Amarah, Rafia Abdul Jabar (also a HIF member). Mohan expressed interest in using Maysan's $100 million allocation from the GOI to renovate several factories in the Amarah area, and perhaps open new manufacturing facilities. (Comment: Embassy anticipates the PM will shortly designate a reconstruction czar for Maysan.) ¶3. (S/REL MCFI) PPM asked Mohan when the PRT could expect letters of sustainment for approximately 25 rural development projects developed by local-hire PRT engineers in conjunction with local leaders. An animated Mohan bristled at the fact that PRT had met with tribal representatives and proposed projects not put forth by the PRDC. He argued that PRT engagement with tribal leaders would undermine the provincial government and asked that a government representative be present whenever the PRT meets with sheikhs. ¶4. (S/REL MCFI) TL sought to allay Mohan's worries by explaining that the PRT must interact with all sectors of Maysani society in its efforts to assist the provincial government. He explained that PRDC buy-in on a number of the newly proposed PRT projects would send a strong message that provincial leadership truly wants to collaborate with the PRT. Mohan agreed to review the projects and provide an answer within five days. He also promised to share a comprehensive list of PRDC projects and to attempt to secure a copy of Maysan's 2008 supplemental budget request and related projects. Mohan offered to coordinate introductory meetings for the PRT with PRDC members and other provincial leadership, but he doubted the likelihood of PRT encounters with PC chairman Abdul Jabar Waheed Hameedi or Governor Maliki in the near future. ¶5. (S/REL MCF) Comment: With PRT access to the province a recent development, some Maysani officials are exhibiting anxiety about the impact of PRT/USG activities on the political balance. The provincial government appears to be seeking to monitor PRT initiatives and select PRT contacts, perpetuating the approach employed when the PRT was confined to Tallil Air Base in Dhi Qar province. End Comment. CROCKER