UNIDO'S PRESENCE IN IRAQ - REQUEST FOR DEMARCHE TO

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000163 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL UN IZ SUBJECT: UNIDO'S PRESENCE IN IRAQ - REQUEST FOR DEMARCHE TO DIRECTOR GENERAL YUMKELLA ¶1. (SBU) This is an action request. Please see paras 3-4. ¶2. (SBU) In recent conversations with Ambassador Crocker, UNAMI SRSG Staffan de Mistura relayed that UNIDO's Representative on Iraq, currently based in Vienna, is interested in deploying to Baghdad. A permanent presence would enhance UNIDO's effectiveness and also send a powerful signal of confidence in Iraq's improving security and political environment. It would also complement other steps UNAMI has undertaken to expand and improve the UN's role in Iraq. ¶3. (SBU) In order to reinforce de Mistura's own messages to UNIDO on this issue, we and USUN request that the Department instruct US Mission Vienna to demarche UNIDO DG Yumkella to send a representative to Iraq. Proposed demarche points follow below. ¶4. (U) Begin text of proposed demarche: -- In recent conversations with Ambassador Crocker, SRSG Staffan de Mistura has conveyed that UNIDO's Representative on Iraq, currently based in Vienna, is interested in deploying to Baghdad. -- We would warmly welcome, and strongly encourage, UNIDO's presence and skills to help shape this critical phase of Iraq's economic development. -- A permanent presence would enhance UNIDO's effectiveness and also send a powerful signal of confidence in Iraq's improving security and political environment. SECURITY IMPROVING -- Over the past two years, conditions in Iraq have improved dramatically. -- Security continues on a positive trend with many key violence indicators at levels not seen since 2004. -- Attacks have decreased from an average of 180 per day, to 10 per day -- a 95 percent reduction from a year ago. The number of civilian deaths from violence in 2008 fell approximately 75 percent compared to 2007. -- Many factors have contributed to this including increasingly capable Iraqi Security Forces (ISF),aided by the Sons of Iraq (SoI),Coalition forces' continuing support for the ISF, the demonstrated will of the GOI to counter extremists, and the rejection of terrorists by the Iraqi people. -- ISF and Coalition forces continue to pursue remaining extremists and have made considerable gains in securing population centers, while extending security toward Iraq's borders. -- The ISF is eliminating many terrorist safe havens and passage points and significantly slowing the inflow of foreign fighters and weapons into Iraq. -- The number of ISF battalions in the lead or capable of conducting counterinsurgency operations is steadily increasing, as recent operations have demonstrated. -- The continuous presence and increased effectiveness of the ISF has also helped ease the distrust between different ethnic and sectarian populations and has facilitated the return of some displaced persons. -- Iraqi leaders continue to make incremental but important progress. Iraqi lawmakers demonstrated their ability to reach across sectarian lines and compromise on key issues. -- The passage of the Provincial Elections Law, in September, demonstrated the growing commitment to democracy. Provincial elections will take place January ¶31. UNAMI EXPANDING -- The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is a critical part of the international community's support for Iraq. It has unique credibility among Iraqis. -- As conditions have improved, UNAMI -- in close cooperation with the Government of Iraq -- has expanded its role. -- UNAMI is deeply engaged in a number of political and BAGHDAD 00000163 002 OF 002 diplomatic activities in line with its broadened mandate under UNSCR 1770, which now includes national dialogue, political reconciliation, resolving disputed boundaries, promoting regional dialogue, facilitating demobilization, disarmament and reintegration, as well as protecting IDPs and refugees, facilitating essential services, and spearheading assistance for the upcoming provincial elections. -- As you know, SRSG de Mistura supports seeing more UN agencies increase their presence in Iraq, in line with GOI expectations. He also looks forward to physically expanding the UN Mission in the near term to increase capacity and accommodation. -- Last year, the UN expanded its footprint by adding staff to PRTs in Najaf, Ramadi, Kirkuk and Mosul and two UNDP representatives have been posted in Basrah. UNIDO SHOULD BE HERE -- The coming year will offer opportunities we have not had before. -- With each passing month, more economic development issues are coming to the fore. -- To best take advantage of this, Iraq needs help developing strategies to address industrial sector reform and development. Indeed, these issues will form a core element of the major new Private Sector Development project that the UN and the Iraqi government are now finalizing, with strong support from the U.S. and other donors. -- Given UNIDO's unique expertise, having a UNIDO representative on the ground should be part of the international community's efforts to build a stable, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Iraq. -- We very much hope you will consider your Representative's proposed relocation to Baghdad favorably. End text of proposed demarche. CROCKER