USUN/UKUN/UN TRILATERAL MEETING ON IRAQ

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000577 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PREM UNSC IZ SUBJECT: USUN/UKUN/UN TRILATERAL MEETING ON IRAQ Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) On June 26, UN Team Leader for Iraq Darko Mocibob met with USUN and UKUN for a regularly scheduled trilateral meeting on Iraq. Mocibob provided updates on UNAMI security, logistics and mandate issues. On the UN's long-term compound, Mocibob confirmed that Iraq had formally approved the location, but said it remained unclear as to how much GOI intends to contribute financially to its construction. Mocibob briefly discussed the status of voter registration and preparations for the upcoming provincial elections. He opined that meeting the October deadline for elections will be challenging, speculating that elections are more likely to occur at the end of December if the new election law is passed by the end of July. The UN is confident that a recent request for a six-month extension to the Distinct Entity Trust Fund currently due to expire in August will be approved. Finally, Mocibob informed USUN that SRSG de Mistura would participate in the 11 July Iraq strategic dialogue by secure VTC from Erbil. The Future of the Distinct Equity Trust Fund ¶2. (SBU) The Distinct Equity Trust Fund, which pays for the Georgian contingent providing "Middle-Ring" security to the UNAMI compound in Baghdad, has sufficient funds to operate through August. UNAMI recently requested a six-month extension at a cost of $1.2 million. Of the 18 member countries that have previously contributed, Germany recently pledged to contribute an additional $500,000 and there are indications that Belgium, Finland, and Italy will make smaller contributions. Mocibob is confident that the extension request will be approved and is encouraged by the generous offers of support by member countries received thus far. Provincial Elections Update ¶3. (SBU) UNAMI will initiate July 5 a comprehensive public outreach program to inform Iraqis about voter registration scheduled for July 15. IFES and USAID will assist in this effort. The election law is still in draft form and there are a number of outstanding issues, such as the form of the election (open or closed) and whether or not Kirkuk will participate. Mocibob stated that the UN is considering issuing a statement to the GOI and the COR urging adoption of an election law by the end of July and explaining the technical reasons why the provincial elections cannot occur by October if a law is not passed. USUN asked the UN to discuss their thoughts regarding MNF-I's potential role in the election process. The UN said this discussion was beginning in Baghdad, but acknowledged the need to increase joint planning as the election process moves forward, including through discussion at the next UN-U.S. high-level strategic dialogue on Iraq scheduled for July 11 in New York. Mocibob also reported that SRSG de Mistura would participate in the dialogue by secure VTC from Erbil. Steps to Increase Regional Dialogue ¶4. (SBU) Mocibob stated that SRSG de Mistura recently visited Turkey and Jordan to increase regional participation in Iraq, and expects to visit Tehran by the end of July. UNAMI is moving forward with plans to put a liaison officer in Tehran. Update on the UNAMI Compound ¶5. (SBU) In regards to the UNAMI compound, Mocibob stated that the ACABQ (UN budget advisory committee) would not address the proposal until the fall session. UNAMI believes that this delay will provide more time to address the extent of Iraq's financial contribution. SRSG de Mistura is expected to participate in the ACABQ meeting by SVTC. The UN expects the cost of the compound ($98 million) to remain the same. UNAMI's Increased Capability ¶6. (SBU) UNAMI now has a fixed wing aircraft that will be forward deployed to Iraq this week. UNAMI will possibly consider obtaining rotary wing aircraft in the future. UNAMI recently received an offer from Nepal to fill two MILAD positions. Georgia also offered to provide one MILAD officer pending DPKO approval. UNICEF's presence in Iraq has increased over the last six months as the security environment in Iraq has become more permissive. The incoming Iraq UNICEF Representative will be permanently stationed in Baghdad by the end of July. Khalilzad