Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BAGHDAD2934
2009-11-03 16:00:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:  

BAGHDAD BOMBINGS: USG ASSISTANCE COORDINATION

Tags:  EAID ASEX PGOV PTER IZ 
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VZCZCXYZ0002
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHGB #2934 3071600
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 031600Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5332
INFO RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS BAGHDAD 002934 

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID ASEX PGOV PTER IZ
SUBJECT: BAGHDAD BOMBINGS: USG ASSISTANCE COORDINATION
WORKING GROUP - NOVEMBER 3 UPDATE

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 002934

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID ASEX PGOV PTER IZ
SUBJECT: BAGHDAD BOMBINGS: USG ASSISTANCE COORDINATION
WORKING GROUP - NOVEMBER 3 UPDATE


1. (SBU) Summary: The Government of Iraq continues to
recover from the October 25 bombing. The Ministry of Justice
(MOJ) is preparing to move into its new quarters on November
8 and will receive some equipment from INL. The Minister of
Justice has appointed the DG for Administration and Finance
to coordinate recovery efforts at the MOJ. The Higher
Judicial Council (HJC) has resumed operations at its
temporary site in the Al Karkh courthouse. ITAO and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are planning a structural
assessment of the Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works
(MMPW),which is temporarily using its former office space.
USACE will also do an assessment of the MOJ/HJC building next
week. The Provincial Council (PC) and Baghdad Governorate
have resumed partial operations in their building, with the
PC being able to hold its general council meeting on site
today. End Summary.


2. (SBU) On November 2, INL in Washington approved 50
workstation packages (valued at approximately $177,000) and
six vehicles for the MOJ, should begin delivery on November

10. This is in addition to assistance already provided to the
HJC reported septels.The HJC has established a continuity
cell and resumed most operations at its temporary site in the
Al Karkh courthouse. All items (except the vehicles) will be
initially conveyed under a loan agreement and converted into
a grant after completion of delivery. Deputy Minister of
Justice Posho expressed his appreciation of this assistance.
The MOJ has signed for occupancy at the new location for its
headquarters--the former Iraqi National Council Building
(INCB)--and hopes to move in on November 8. The Minister of
Justice has appointed the Deputy Minister of Justice and DG
for Administration and Finance to coordinate recovery efforts
at the MOJ. Over 100 MOJ staff are picking up the pieces this
week to salvage files and equipment. MOJ has also hired a
contractor to clean and repair the INCB, which was damaged
during the August 19 bombing due to its proximity to the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. MOJ has relayed a need for metal
detectors, x-ray machines, and a closed circuit camera system
for the INCB. USACE will conduct an assessment of the MOJ/HJC
building next week.


3. (SBU) Some staff in the MMPW have reported back to work
in the old Mansour compound building, but the MMPW still
needs furniture and equipment. ITAO and the USACE are
planning a structural assessment of the MMPW. MMPW provided
us with a list of priority items needed for basic operations.
USAID is currently conducting an inventory of available
excess property including furniture, IT equipment, computers
and vehicles; we are also considering use of QRF funds to
respond to this request.


4. (SBU) None of the PC and Governorate leadership were
significantly injured. PC and Governorate staff have
reoccupied most of the building following an initial
assessment by the USACE that there was no critical structural
damage. The PC Chairman told us he resumed operations in the
building on November 1. We have not received any formal
request for assistance, but PC officials have informally
indicated that vehicles would be needed. PC members had
temporarily relocated to various local councils and held its
first general council meeting on October 27 in a rented hall
in Zawra Park. It was able to hold its second meeting on
November 3 in the PC Building.


5. (SBU) Post will continue to report as information becomes
available on assistance requests for immediate needs from the
GOI and coordinate our interagency responses, along with
QGOI and coordinate our interagency responses, along with
those of the international community. We will also continue
long-term capacity building programs and engagements with the
entities affected.
HILL