RSO MEETING WITH THE COMMANDER OF THE PESHMERGA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003374


NOFORN

DEPARTMENT FOR DS, DS/DSS, DS/DSS/IP, DS/IP/NEA, DS/T/ATA,
S/CT, NEA, AND S/I

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/21/2018
TAGS: ASEC IZ PTER AMGT
SUBJECT: RSO MEETING WITH THE COMMANDER OF THE PESHMERGA

REF: BAGHDAD 03352

Classified By: RSO Mark J. Hipp for reasons 1.4 (D) and (G)


1. (C/NF) Summary: On 10/13/2008, the RSO met with the
Commander of the Peshmerga to extend courtesies, brief him on
RSO's roles and responsibilities, solicit his support, and
forge a strong working relationship to safeguard U.S.
interests in Northern Iraq. (Note: The Peshmerga is also
referred to as the Zerevani by KRG officials and is
responsible for border security, vital infrastructure
protection, dignitary protection, and myriad other security
and law enforcement duties.) The Commander welcomed the
meeting, advising that the Minister of Interior had already
contacted and instructed him to provide anything that was
needed. He further advised that it was the responsibility of
the Peshmerga to protect U.S. personnel and facilities and
that he looked forward to a close and collegial working
relationship with the USG. The RSO discussed the importance
of integrating MOI personnel into RSO's protective security
operations. The Commander advised that he was ready to
provide the necessary personnel and resources for the
integration initiative and invited the RSO to review the
Peshmerga training facility in the outskirts of Erbil. End
Summary.


2. (C/NF) On 10/13/2008, the RSO met with the Commander of
the Peshmerga, Major General Aziz Weysi, to extend
courtesies, brief him on RSO's protective operations and
responsibilities, discuss the integration of Peshmerga
personnel into RSO's protective security operations, and
forge a strong working relationship to safeguard U.S.
personnel, facilities, and interests in Northern Iraq.
General Weysi welcomed the visit, advising that Interior
Minister Sinjari just called and instructed him to cooperate
fully with the RSO and provide everything at his disposal.
After briefing the General on RSO's roles and
responsibilities, the RSO discussed the importance of
developing a close and collegial working relationship between
the RSO and the Peshmerga.


3. (C/NF) The RSO specifically discussed the importance of
gradually integrating host country security forces into RSO's
security operations. General Weysi asked the RSO how many
persons were required, emphasizing that they could be ready
to report to duty the following day. The RSO underscored
that it would be important to conduct VIP protection training
before deploying his personnel to ensure that RSO and
Peshmerga personnel were working off the same standard
operating procedures. The General was delighted by the
prospect of training and advised that he had a training
facility, which he invited the RSO to visit and review.
(Note: RSO personnel visited the Peshmerga training facility
and a brand new USG/KRG built police academy the following
day. Both facilities could be utilized to perform a
U.S.-sponsored VIP training course.)


4. (SBU) General Weysi provided additional specifics about
the Peshmerga, including a brief history of the organization,
its size and mission, and the locations where his personnel
were currently deployed throughout Northern Iraq. The
General concluded the meeting by reiterating his appreciation
for the visit and extending an open invitation to the RSO to
visit him whenever needed.


5. (SBU) Post will keep the Department apprised of any
pertinent developments pertaining to the training and
integration of Peshmerga personnel into Post's security
operations in Northern Iraq.
CROCKER