MAKHMOUR REFUGEE CAMP: BREAKING THE LOGJAM

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000317 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/02/2018 TAGS: PREF PREL IZ TU SUBJECT: MAKHMOUR REFUGEE CAMP: BREAKING THE LOGJAM REF: ANKARA 00158 Classified By: CDA Patricia A. Butenis. Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d). Bringing the Parties Together -------------- ¶1. (C) Post believes that there now exists an opportunity to make progress on the closure of Makhmour refugee camp, given a more positive attitude by the GOI, and what appears to be political breathing space in Ankara. Post read with great interest Ref A on the probability of closing Makhmour refugee camp, and appreciated the detailed insights into GOT thinking. We understand that security concerns expressed by the GOT and UNHCR must be addressed if we are going to make any progress on closure of the camp. ¶2. (C) Unexpectedly, FM Zebari told Ambassador and MNF-I CG Petraeus January 20 that he would sponsor a conference on the Makhmour refugee camp issue at a venue to be determined. Such a conference would bring together the parties with an eye toward breaking the logjam blocking resumption of progress on closing the camp. MFA U/S Dr. Mohammad Hamoud told us January 28 that he will contact Turkish Ambassador to Iraq Derya Kanbay to discuss with him later that day the idea of the conference Renewed UNHCR Involvement -------------- ¶3. (C) We have raised with SRSG Staffan de Mistura the need to have UNHCR re-engage on the Makhmour issue, including establishing a permanent presence at the camp. US Mission Geneva followed up directly with UNHCR HQ. Concurrently, S/I Satterfield pressed GOT officials during his January 18 meetings to work towards closing the camp. In order to consolidate these bilateral diplomatic efforts, the parties must meet face-to-face. ¶4. (C) Based on recent readouts of diplomatic engagements with UNHCR headquarters staff and with the GOT in Turkey over the past two weeks, it appears the UNHCR remains reluctant to place permanent staff at the camp, citing security concerns. Similarly, the Turks believe (ref A) that improved security around the camp might help establish the true &civilian8 nature of the camp. This proposed conference is an opportunity for the parties to develop solutions to these obstacles. ¶5. (C) In the run-up to the conference, we must continue to press UNHCR to re-engage. We understand opportunities to do so include the visit of UNUSYG Sir David Vaness to Iraq in early February and the visit of UNHCR Commissioner Antonio Guterres to Baghdad February 16. Bringing Ankara Back to the Table -------------- ¶6. (C) In tandem with approaches to UNHCR, we must persuade the GOT to be constructive as well. Turkey,s participation in a conference like that proposed by MFA could permit the GOT to air with UNHCR and the GOI its concerns about the true nature of the refugee camp (e.g., GOT claims it is a PKK safehaven),and doubts that the residents are free to express their true desires regarding repatriation. Specifically, the GOT might be encouraged to share information or intelligence on PKK individuals or actions connected to the camp. Likewise the GOT can also encourage the UNHCR to establish a permanent presence in the camp that would enable them to better monitor camp life. Finally, Turkey could clarify for UNHCR that it indeed does not oppose residents returning to Turkey, a point of apparent disconnect between the GOT and UNHCR. Post is interested in the security plan mentioned in ref A and would appreciate details of the plan. MNF-I is aware of the GOT stated preference for Coalition Forces presence around the camp, but is not situated to implement such a measure. GOI Re-engagement a Welcome Change -------------- -------------- ¶7. (C) The GOI offer to host the conference sends a signal to Ankara that Iraq is willing to play an active role in the resolution of this issue. We should encourage this GOI initiative that could degrade the PKK presence in the north, improve relations with Turkey, and establish a new area of positive GOI-UN engagement. ¶8. (C) Post would appreciate Embassy Ankara alerting the GOT to Iraqi MFA U/S Hamoud,s message and encourage GOT participation in a conference on Makhmour refugee camp. We will keep Embassy Ankara apprised of developments on the proposed conference. BAGHDAD 00000317 002 OF 002 BUTENIS