FEBRUARY 3 MCNS EXAMINES SECURITY IN MOSUL AND

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000375 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2017 TAGS: MOPS MARR PGOV PREL PTER SY IZ SUBJECT: FEBRUARY 3 MCNS EXAMINES SECURITY IN MOSUL AND BAGHDAD, JUSTICE REFORM, INTEL PRIORITIES, AND BAGHDAD AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT, REF: BAGHDAD 00297 Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) Summary -------------- ¶1. (S REL AS UK) Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki opened the meeting by outlining the agenda and asking for a report from MOD on the security situation in Mosul and the outcome of the Crisis Action Cell (CAD) held in Mosul on Saturday, February 2. The MCNS also discussed reform of the administration of justice, a system for identifying intelligence priorities, and received a briefing on developing an economic zone at the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). End Summary. Mosul CAC Meeting -------------- ¶2. (S REL AS UK) Defense Minister (MOD) Abdul Qadir reported that the PM traveled to Mosul on February 2 to chair the CAC meeting there to formulate a response to AQI in Ninewa province, in particular Mosul. (Note: This CAC included MNC-I commander LTG Ray Odierno, Iraqi Commander of Ground Forces Gen. Babakir Shawkt, MOD, and Ninewa Operations Commander LTG Riyadh, among others. End Note.) LTG Riyadh hosted the meeting at the Mosul Command Center. The CAC agreed that security must be re-established in Ninewa/Mosul. Operational command was clarified at the meeting as well as coordination processes with MNF-I. They also discussed likely responses of AQI. All agreed that the police in Mosul needed to be re-habilitated and re-organized, more recruits were needed, and more and better training was required. Iraqi National Intelligence Service director added that intelligence resources in Ninewa/Mosul must be coordinated. He also noted the need to activate the courts and build new prisons. Justice Reform -------------- ¶3. (S REL AS UK) The MOJ reported that about 14 thousand detainees have been released from detention. This represents about one-third of 43 thousand detainees case to be resolved. An additional six thousand have their cased before the court; the remainder have yet to be reviewed. He noted that an amnesty law would speed up the process of releasing detainees. ¶4. (S REL AS UK) The General Prosecutor (GP, Attorney General equivalent) noted that the Rule of Law council last met on January 30. This inter-ministerial group investigated the status of detainees and looked at the situation of juvenile and women's detention facilities. A need for more such facilities was identified. He noted that the GOI had received some detainees from MNF-I custody. Responding to PM's question, the GP said that the problem of intakes from Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) was being resolved by direct liaison with MOD and MOI. PM acknowledged the work of the group, expressing hope that the innocent would be released soon. GP responded that most of those not guilty of a specific crime had already been released. Baghdad Joint Security Stations (JSS) -------------- ¶5. (S REL AS UK) MOD outlined the development and use of JSSs, which combine MNF-I, Iraqi Army, and Iraqi police forces, in Baghdad. Their presence within neighborhoods of Baghdad, where they interact directly with the people, providing security and patrolling, gathering ground-level intelligence, and securing GOI facilities underpinned the decline of violence in Baghdad. Thirty four new JSS would be started, using local police stations or available empty buildings. Some centers to provide services and store equipment would also be established. This is a short-term measure until the security situation improves, at which time the police stations will revert to their role as local security centers. The Baghdad Operations Center commander noted that the JSS had increased popular trust, were collecting valuable intelligence, and providing security for the delivery of municipal services. He clarified that there are 39 now, seven more to be established soon, and further sites to be determined as the situation requires. Priorities of Intelligence Resources(PIR) -------------- BAGHDAD 00000375 002 OF 002 ¶6. (S REL AS UK) National Security Advisor (NSA) Muwaffaq Rubaie presented a briefing paper prepared for the MCNS to review concerning the intel priorities of the intel services of Iraq. He asked the members of the MCNS to review the document carefully and provide feedback to his office. Following sharp questions from the PM on the document and some of its recommendations, Rubaie stressed that this document was to spark discussion and review of priorities - it was not the finished list of intel priorities. Such a list should be endorsed next week, he suggested. ¶7. (S REL AS UK) INIS quickly criticized the document, noting that it left out mention of AQI and money flows to AQI, AQI shell companies. He then quickly listed major topics regarding armed groups that had not be included. PM added that Baathist should be a sub-topic of armed groups. Rubaie pointed out that many of these points had already been incorporated in his version, but asked everyone to review the document and send him comments. Not relenting, MOD criticized the document for ignoring organized crime, fanatical cults, and influence of neighbors. MFA chimed in that the document presented said nothing of institutional corruption. PM suggested the anti-corruption agencies should handle that, not the intel services. After further discussion on the proper role of MOI, INIS, and the anti-corruption agencies, it was agreed that how intel on corruption can be passed to the competent prosecutorial authorities must be clarified. Finally, the DCG asked Rubaie to confirm that the working document circulated for comment include reference to armed groups. Rubaie agreed. BIAP's Economic Empowerment -------------- ¶8. (S REL AS UK) The Director of Foreign Investment presented a PowerPoint briefing on steps taken and to be taken to modernize the airport and create a business and conference center there. The former Iraqi Airways building is nearly ready to be used again as an office complex, and a small businessmen's hotel is also nearing completion. A business center and conference center are under construction. A five-star hotel and small mall are planned. The director made the point that some way to facilitate secured movement to and from the airport and business center will have to be developed. ¶9. (S REL AS UK) He also noted that the Ministry of Transportation, which oversees both the Civil Aviation Authority and the Airport Authority, must compel those two authorities to cooperate - their failure to work together impeded efforts to develop a world-standard airport and adjoining business/conference center. PM agreed that a world-standard airport and facilities for businessmen was essential to fostering economic security in Iraq and told the Investment Director to provide him with a list of requirements. The Director promised it within a week. ¶10. (S REL AS UK)PM wrapped up the meeting with the suggestion that the GOI should look at reconfiguring the International Zone (aka Green Zone) of Baghdad to facilitate the movement of all government office buildings there and embassies. NSA replied it has been under study and will soon provide an update on the studies. CROCKER