RSO AVIATION SUPPORT FOR IRAQ

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 000772 NOFORN DEPARTMENT FOR M, DS, DS/DSS, DS/DSS/IP, DS/IP/OPO, DS/IP/NEA, A/LM, AND NEA E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/20/2019 TAGS: ASEC AMGT SUBJECT: RSO AVIATION SUPPORT FOR IRAQ Classified By: CDA Ambassador Butenis for reasons 1.4 (D) and (G) ¶1. (C/NF) In a regularly scheduled meeting on March 19, Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki asked the Charge about a Washington Post story (Arabic version in hand) that the State Department had renewed a contract with Blackwater, despite the GOI's denial of an operating license to the security company. The Charge said that the story was wrong and explained that the Embassy had three different contracts with Blackwater, with different termination dates in 2009. Recognizing Blackwater's inability to continue operations in Iraq, the Embassy's intent was to allow each contract to expire, without renewal while working to find new contractors. Charge expressed her appreciation for the GOI's understanding of the Embassy's situation and not assisting that Blackwater leave Iraq immediately. The Prime Minister seemed reassured. ¶2. (SBU) Given the time required to effectively re-compete the contract, DS and the Department should consider this cable notification as the official GOI position related to Blackwater and immediately commence with the solicitation process for another company to respond to the requirements contained in task order 10 (Aviation). RSO and Post underscore that aviation is extremely important part of RSO augmentation in support of diplomatic, reconstruction, and stabilization efforts. ¶3. (U) Post will keep the Department apprised of any pertinent developments with regard to our contractor activities. BUTENIS