MAYSAN: ISCI DEPUTY GOVERNOR ON SECURITY AGREEMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003919 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/11/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON PTER PINS IZ SUBJECT: MAYSAN: ISCI DEPUTY GOVERNOR ON SECURITY AGREEMENT AND RECONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE Classified By: PRT Team Leader Dan Foote for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is a Maysan PRT reporting cable. Summary -------------- ¶2. (C/REL MCFI) Summary: Maysan Deputy Governor Abdul Hussein Abdul Radha (ISCI) told PRT members ON December 3 that the recent ratification of the Security Agreement (SA) would ensure stability in Iraq and facilitate bilateral cooperation. He expressed his appreciation for the PRT's assistance to Maysanis and requested more frequent meetings to continue to strengthen the PRT-provincial government relationship. On the elections, Radha said Maysan was ready but cautioned TL against the appearance of U.S. intrusion. Radha asked the USG to intervene on Maysan's behalf concerning water resources, complaining that Turkey was diverting large quantities of water. The Deputy Governor also requested PRT assistance to address unemployment, electricity, and housing. End Summary. Deputy Governor Pleased with SA, USG Assistance -------------- -- ¶3. (C/REL MCFI) Team Leader (TL) and IPAO met with Deputy Governor Abdul Hussein Abdul Radha (ISCI) at the Government Center in Amarah on December 3. Provincial Director of Development and Reconstruction and Governor Advisor Zaid Khalaf al-Hoshi, a Sadrist candidate for Governor, also attended. TL briefed Radha on the status of USG-funded projects and PRT assistance to local NGOs working with the Governorate Electoral Office (GEO) to increase elections awareness and encourage voter turnout. Radha stated that the PRT was doing a great job, and he was pleased that the USG was using its power to help develop the province. He also expressed his support for the recent ratification of the SA, commenting that the agreement would ensure stability and promote YJR exchange of ideas, technology, and people. Caution Against Electoral Interference -------------- ¶4. (C/REL MCFI) Stating that Maysan is ready for the elections, Radha cautioned TL against any appearance that the U.S. was attempting to interfere or influence the elections. TL assured Radha that the elections are Iraq-led, and the U.S. would play a minimal support role through the proper legal channels. Water Shortage Still Plagues Province -------------- ¶5. (C/REL MCFI) Radha said Maysan continues to suffer from water shortages, and complained that Turkey was unfairly controlling the water supply to Iraq. He requested the PRT's assistance to facilitate USG intervention with Turkey on Maysan's behalf. TL responded he would raise the issue with the Embassy, and encouraged the Dep Governor to continue to pursue a solution through GOI channels. Electricity and Housing Still Problematic -------------- ¶6. (SBU/REL MCFI) Radha said electricity and housing were ongoing issues of concern. He said Maysan could use USG assistance for maintenance of the electrical infrastructure, especially to fix damaged transformers and cable lines. ¶7. (SBU/REL MCFI) Turning to housing construction, Radha said local officials continued to struggle to find ways to avoid massive the displacement of residents who had settled illegally in areas where infrastructure construction is planned. TL advised Radha to draft housing-project proposals but to bear in mind that, before the USG would consider offering assistance, the provincial government would have to demonstrate its commitment to share project costs. Comment -------------- ¶8. (C/REL MCFI) While deeply appreciative of USG Q8. (C/REL MCFI) While deeply appreciative of USG assistance, Deputy Governor Radha was surprisingly candid in expressing his concern that the U.S. could interfere in the elections. The ISCI leader also hinted several times that he wished to meet with the PRT without Sadrist officials present. End Comment. CROCKER