VP ADEL ABDEL MEHDI ON SFA AND TAWAFUQ RETURN TO

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 002201 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/13/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ SUBJECT: VP ADEL ABDEL MEHDI ON SFA AND TAWAFUQ RETURN TO GOI Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S) Summary: In a July 13 meeting, the Ambassador told Vice President Adel Abdel Mehdi that his July 12 conversation with PM Maliki had produced a common understanding on the process to conclude a bilateral agreement that would include a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) that sets out principles to cover our multi-faceted relationship and a "short protocol" that allows for the continued presence of U.S. troops. Once this agreement is concluded, the two sides can resume negotiations over a "long protocol" (SOFA) in a less politically-charged atmosphere. The Ambassador said the USG could accept Maliki's insistence on "short protocol" references to a "time horizon" and coordination mechanisms that Maliki deems essential to obtain support of political blocs and the Marja'iyyah for the pact, but the Ambassador stressed that negotiations must be completed in a timely manner. Adel said he would express support for this approach at a July 14 Executive Council meeting, opining that most political blocs would also back the approach. Regarding the return of Tawafuq to the cabinet, Adel stated that Maliki has taken advantage of Tawafuq disunity to "extract concessions" but said he would encourage fellow VP Tareq al-Hashemi and Maliki to bring the issue to closure. Adel said Lebanese PM Siniora has expressed interest in visiting Iraq, and the Ambassador urged Adel and his fellow Presidency Council members to complete agreement formalities on Kuwaiti and UAE ambassadorial appointments, and for the GOI to reciprocate quickly by naming envoys. End Summary. Moving Forward on SFA -------------- ¶2. (S) Joined by S/I Satterfield, NSC Senior Director McGurk, and DASD Kimmitt, the Ambassador recounted his July 12 meeting with Maliki. He said he and Maliki had agreed to move ahead with an umbrella SFA that, at Maliki's request, would consist largely of principles to govern the multi-faceted Iraq-U.S. relationship. After reaching such an agreement, the sides would negotiate and conclude a "short protocol" to the SFA containing language sufficient to permit the continued presence of U.S. forces. Once these two agreements are reached and political tension surrounding the negotiations has dissipated, the two sides can resume time-consuming negotiations over a SOFA or "long protocol" to the SFA in a more relaxed political atmosphere. ¶3. (S) The Ambassador noted the USG could accept Maliki's insistence on "short protocol" references to a "time horizon" and coordination mechanisms that Maliki deems essential to obtain support of political blocs and the Marja'iyyah for the bilateral pact, but he emphasized that negotiations must be completed forthwith. Adel expressed satisfaction with the entire approach, and said he would be supportive when he discusses the matter with Maliki, President Talabani, and VP Hashemi at a July 14 Executive Council meeting. He said the Shia-based Government Support Committee backs this approach as well, adding his belief that political leaders other than dissident elements like Sadrists and Former PM Jaffri will fall into line with the concluded agreement and protocol. PM Playing Games with Tawafuq; Elections Law; Siniora to Visit? -------------- -------------- ¶4. (S) When asked about Tawafuq's long-awaited return to the cabinet, Adel said that Tawafuq remains fragmented and Maliki has taken advantage of this disunity to "extract concessions." The Ambassador urged Adel to weigh in with Maliki and Hashemi on Tawafuq return at the July 14 Executive Council meeting, and Adel replied that Maliki would likely accept Tawafuq's submitted names for ministerial posts if Hashemi "takes responsibility" for the list. Adel said he thought there was sufficient CoR agreement on how to handle Kirkuk elections to permit passage of a Provincial Elections Law during a scheduled July 15 CoR vote. Adel noted that Lebanese PM Fouad Siniora has expressed interest in visiting Iraq; picking up on the topic of Iraq's regional relations, the Ambassador urged Adel and his Presidency Council cohorts to complete agreement formalities on Kuwaiti and UAE ambassadorial appointments, and for the GOI to reciprocate quickly by naming envoys to those countries. CROCKER