ISCI'S AMMAR AL-HAKIM ASKS AMBASSADOR FOR EXPANDED

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 001562 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/15/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM IR IZ SUBJECT: ISCI'S AMMAR AL-HAKIM ASKS AMBASSADOR FOR EXPANDED BILATERAL TIES, COMPLAINS ABOUT DETAINEES Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Robert S. Ford for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. The Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) seeks transparent ties with both the U.S. and Iran, ISCI Deputy Chairman Ammar al-Hakim told the Ambassador on June ¶14. Hakim complained the U.S. keeps in detention some Badr Organization members and that Arab states are reluctant to embrace Iraq's new political system. Hakim sought expanded bilateral ties beyond security issues as U.S. forces withdraw from Iraq. End Summary. Values ISCI's Political Participation -------------- ¶2. (C) Ambassador Hill offered best wishes to Ammar al-Hakim's ailing father, Abd al-Aziz, adding that the U.S. greatly values ISCI's active participation in the political process. (Note: The Ambassador called Abd al-Aziz al-Hakim on June 10 to wish him well. End note.) Ammar al-Hakim said his family had paid a heavy price to help Iraq reach its current state -- 63 family members killed during the Saddam regime and during the post-2003 violence. Given this sacrifice, ISCI appreciates Iraq's progress and is optimistic about the future, Hakim said. He said he hopes that as U.S. forces withdraw under the U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement (SA) an expanded bilateral relationship will emerge under the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA). Hakim In Defense of ISCI -------------- ¶3. (C) Hakim said despite what detractors say, ISCI is not a sectarian group, as it has good ties with all of Iraq's components. ISCI's founder, the late Muhammad Baqr al-Hakim, taught that Iraq cannot be ruled by only one sect, Hakim said. Hakim acknowledged the sensitivities that come with ISCI's relationship with Iran, but said it is in Iraq's interest to work with both the U.S. and Iran. "We tell Iran we want good relations with the U.S. and we tell you we have close ties with Iran," Hakim said. Hakim said his father visited the White House in 2002 against Tehran's wishes and has consistently deplored violence against the U.S. Complains about Detainees, Media -------------- ¶4. (C) Hakim complained that ISCI has paid a price for its sometimes "lopsided" relationship with the U.S. Hakim said many ISCI and Badr Organization members are in U.S. custody. If any ISCI members violated the law, Hakim said, ISCI would be stricter with them than the U.S. (Note: MNF-I in April asked ISCI senior officials for information on specific militants potentially linked to Badr. ISCI has not responded to this inquiry but has worked with MNF-I to clarify which detainees they disavow and which they claim as Badr members. End note.) Hakim complained that the U.S.-funded Iraqi television station al-Hurra paints ISCI as sectarian and as agents of Iran. ¶5. (C) The Ambassador stressed the U.S. is trying to transfer detainee responsibility to the GOI as quickly as possible because doing so would allow the U.S. to focus on building ties with Iraq that go beyond security. The Ambassador said the U.S. is committed to implementing the SA because doing so will increase the trust between the Iraqi people and the U.S., allowing for a stronger relationship rooted in economic and cultural ties. Seeking "Balance" with Iran and Arab Neighbors -------------- - ¶6. (C) The Ambassador said the U.S. wants Iraq to have good relations with Iran, but Iran should respect Iraq's sovereignty. The U.S. is concerned that Tehran wishes to develop the capability to make nuclear weapons. Such weapons Qdevelop the capability to make nuclear weapons. Such weapons would destabilize the entire region, the Ambassador said. Hakim agreed that an Iranian nuclear weapon would destabilize the region and said he hoped Tehran follows its promise to use nuclear technology for only civilian purposes. Hakim argued that Iraq's problem is not with Iran but that Baghdad lacks "balance" in its regional relationships. Iraq's Arab neighbors have yet to come to embrace Iraq's new political identity, Hakim said. FORD