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