GUIDANCE: UNAMI BRIEFING - 6 AUG 2008

UNCLAS STATE 084006 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL IZ SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: UNAMI BRIEFING - 6 AUG 2008 ¶1. (U) This is an action message. USUN is authorized to draw from the points in para 2 below during the briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) scheduled for August 6. ¶2. (U) Begin points: -- I am pleased to report to the Security Council on behalf of the Multinational Force in Iraq (MNF-I). I would like to begin by thanking [Special Representative de Mistura] for his briefing on the important work undertaken by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and extend our appreciation to him and our UN colleagues on the ground in Iraq for their ongoing dedication and hard work. -- Today, on behalf of MNF-I, I would like to discuss seven points on the progress achieved thus far. -- First, let me address the sustained decrease in security incidents and violence. For the past three months, total security incidents have remained at their lowest level in over four years. According to MNF-I statistics, in just the last year, since June 2007: -- The overall number of attacks have decreased by 82%; -- Civilian deaths due to violence have decreased by 78%; -- Iraqi Security Force deaths have decreased 73%; -- U.S. military and total coalition military deaths have decreased 72%; -- IED explosions have decreased 75%; -- Suicide explosions have decreased 67 %; and -- Ethno-sectarian deaths have decreased by more than 90%. -- The level of violence in Iraq has decreased sharply based upon nearly every metric MNF-I uses. For two and a half months, security incidents have remained at levels not seen since March 2004. For instance, in the past two months alone, ethno-sectarian attacks decreased from seven in June to two in July. -- Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces have achieved these security gains even as MNF-I has drawn down forces from surge levels. The last of the five surge Brigade Combat Teams, as well as the Marine Expeditionary Unit, and two Marine Battalions have left Iraq without replacement. -- On-going security operations in Basrah, Sadr City, Mosul, Amarah, and Diyala have produced encouraging results, further degrading the capabilities of al Qaeda in Iraq and reducing the influence of illegal militias in strategic Iraqi cities. Nonetheless, al Qaeda in Iraq remains a serious threat, particularly in the north. They retain the intent and the capability of carrying out attacks, and their use of person-borne improvised explosive devices and female suicide bombers remain key tactics. -- We also remain concerned by the flow of foreign fighters and lethal aid into Iraq. Syria is the primary gateway for foreign terrorists moving into Iraq and the Government of Syria must do more to halt the operation of foreign fighter networks within its territory. -- During the recent operations in Basrah, Sadr City, and Maysan, Iraqi troops uncovered convincing evidence that Iranian lethal aid has continued to flow into Iraq. In addition, during these operations, numerous Special Group criminals fled to Iran, where they received sanctuary. The lethal activities of Iran's Islamic Republican Guards Corps-Qods Force contradict Iran's publicly stated policy of supporting the Iraqi Government and must cease. -- Second, I would like to describe the continuing increase in the capability of the Iraqi Security Forces, which has contributed substantially to the improvements in the security environment. More than 580,000 personnel now serve in the Iraqi Security Forces, which represents an increase of over 15,000 personnel since I last reported to you in June. -- As of late July 2008, 152 Iraqi Army Combat battalions are conducting operations representing an increase of five combat battalions since my last report. 66 % or 100 of these combat battalions are assessed as "in the lead" for operations. A significant number of battalions are currently in force generation, and even more are planned to join the force during the remainder of this year. -- The Iraqi Air Force and Navy have made substantial progress as well. The Iraqi Navy is now conducting an average of 42 independent patrols per week in Iraqi territorial waters, a twenty percent increase in the past two months. In addition, the Iraqi Navy also maintains security responsibility for the port of Umm Qasr. The Iraqi Air Force is providing support to counterinsurgency operations through intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance patrols of Iraqi borders and critical electric and oil infrastructure. These efforts have resulted in the capture of insurgents and identification of damaged infrastructure allowing the Government of Iraq to expedite repairs and re-establish essential services. Furthermore, the Iraqi Air Force have proven themselves very capable during combat operations in Basrah, Sadr City, Mosul, Amarah, and Diyala, by successfully conducting transport missions, reconnaissance, and casualty evacuation. -- The National Police also continue to increase their effectiveness and they are continuing efforts to achieve better ethno-sectarian balance within the force both through recruiting and assignments, so that force demographics reflect the Iraqi population. The National Police forces have conducted more than 15 operational deployments outside of Baghdad, most recently in Basrah, Mosul and Baqubah. This increased effectiveness and deployability marks the beginning of a transition from a static, Baghdad-centric force to a rapid response force for the Government of Iraq. -- Third, I would like to provide an update on the Coalition role. The support of the thirty countries contributing to the Coalition, NATO's training mission, and UNAMI's operations is critical to the success of Iraqi efforts to build a stable and secure country. Coalition members other than the United States contribute over 9,000 forces to the Multi-National Force, and another 450 personnel to UNAMI. Every contributor, large and small, plays a critical role -- from the Azeris, who have provided security at the Haditha Dam since 2003, to the Romanians, who provide route security within the Dhi Qar and Muthanna provinces. We also welcome the assistance of countries that continue to provide security for UN personnel, and who have contributed to the UN trust fund. We remain committed to ensuring that the United Nations receives the guarantees necessary for it to sustain and expand its robust presence in Iraq. -- Fourth, I would like to emphasize that MNF-I is continuing to progressively transfer responsibility for security to the Government of Iraq. Ten out of eighteen provinces are now under provincial Iraqi control, with Qadisiyah Province having transitioned on July 16th; additional provinces are expected to transition by the end of this year. -- In June, the Iraqi Government continued its offensive against illegal armed groups and the Special Groups, through operation "Tidings of Peace" in Maysan, which focused on securing the capital, Amarah, as well as the border and smaller cities. Several senior provincial officials were arrested, and Iraqi Security Forces seized numerous Iranian-origin weapons caches. Such operations show the willingness of Prime Minister Maliki and Iraq's government to confront militants, regardless of their sect or ethnicity and secure the country against the threat of malign Iranian influence. -- Iraqi security forces, working alongside local groups, have also conducted operations in Mosul against al-Qa'ida elements. Operations "Mother of Two-Rivers" and "Lion's Roar" denied al Qaeda sanctuary in the urban areas of Ninewa province and captured and killed several AQI leaders. They are now fully engaged in security operations in Diyala Province. -- Iraqi Security Forces have significantly extended their control, not only through the execution of military operations, but also through the facilitation of humanitarian assistance and the restoration of basic services. Following the military operations in Maysan Province, the Government of Iraq has begun to implement a $102 million program to refurbish and rebuild schools, develop municipalities, improve electricity and health services, build-up the police forces, and provide clean water and unemployment assistance. This initiative follows similar reconstruction efforts to reduce the appeal of militant groups in Basrah, Sadr City, and Mosul. -- The fifth point I would like to discuss is political reconciliation. The willingness of the Government of Iraq to confront militias, regardless of sect, has encouraged Tawafuq to reconcile its internal differences and return its ministers to the government, thereby providing an additional avenue for Sunni participation in the political process. In late July, six ministers representing the Sunni Coalition were approved for the cabinet and four new Shia ministers have filled vacant Sadrist seats. -- UNAMI remains deeply engaged in assisting the Government of Iraq in various political and diplomatic activities, including addressing internal border issues, promoting regional dialogue, and assisting Internally Displaced Persons and refugees. Recently, UNAMI has been instrumental in advising the Council of Representatives committee members in the preparation of the Provincial Elections Law, and the Iraq High Elections Committee as they prepared for and started voter registration on July ¶15. The debate that has preceded this law as a sign of a vibrant and healthy democratic process, but the time has arrived when the Council of Representatives needs to vote to pass this critical bill. We are also encouraged by UNAMI's plans to expand its presence in Iraq and believe that the assistance of the United Nations will be critical to Iraq's long-term development and stability. The proposed UN compound in Baghdad will ensure that UNAMI is able to continue its important role in Iraq, and we look forward to Iraqi support to ensure these facilities are constructed. -- Sixth, I would like to stress the importance of Iraq's neighbors in supporting Iraq's efforts to provide security, achieve political progress, and build its economy. The Government of Iraq's security successes have fostered international confidence. Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have all named ambassadors to Iraq and other neighbors, including Turkey have recently sent high-level delegations to Baghdad. We hope that others in the region will follow their example. -- Finally, I want to highlight that negotiations continue between the United States and the Iraqi government on our transitioning relationship, including with respect to security, that will recognize the increasing ability of the Iraqi Security Forces to assume greater responsibility for security and stability. -- Mr. President, the report of the Secretary-General, which is before the Security Council today, highlights the sustainable progress that has been achieved by the Iraqi Government, with the assistance of the United Nations and the support of the MNF-I and Iraqi Security Forces. The international community supports a free, democratic, pluralistic, federal, and unified Iraq, and I call upon all parties to renew their commitment to assist the Government of Iraq. RICE