RSO MEETING WITH KRG MINISTER OF INTERIOR

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 000773 NOFORN DEPARTMENT FOR M, DS, DSS, DSS/DS/IP, DS/IP/NEA, DS/DO/ICI, DS/ICI/CI, DS/T/ATA, S/CT, AND NEA E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/21/2019 TAGS: AMGT ASEC IZ PTER SUBJECT: RSO MEETING WITH KRG MINISTER OF INTERIOR Classified By: RSO Mark J. Hipp for reasons 1.4 (D) and (G) ¶1. (S/NF) Summary: On 03/17/2009, the RSO met with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Interior to extend courtesies, apprise him on the status of Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) training, and discuss possible recruitment/probes by the Asayesh (Kurdish Security Service) on Peshmerga candidates for the ATA program. The Minister welcomed the visit and reiterated his appreciation for the RSO training initiative, emphasizing his full support for the program. The RSO advised the Minister regarding possible intelligence probes/recruitment attempts by the Asayesh directed against Peshmerga ATA candidates. The Minister advised that he was unaware of this development and underscored that these probes were not sanctioned and unnecessary. The Minister further advised that he would call the Head of the Asayesh to promptly investigate the allegations, stressing that he would ensure the integrity of the ATA program. The Minister further advised that he would take appropriate action against the Asayesh, if they were found to be recruiting Peshmerga to report on RRT Erbil personnel and activities. The meeting concluded with the Minister stating that he would personally take care of the situation, given the importance of the KRG's relationship with the USG. End Summary. ¶2. (S/NF) In preparation for the Department's ATA training initiative, Post conducted a number of interviews and polygraphs of Peshmerga candidates for the program. During the course of these interviews, the RSO uncovered possible recruitment activities of the Asayesh directed specifically against Peshmerga ATA candidates. One particular candidate admitted that he was approached by the Asayesh and asked to inform on RRT Erbil personnel and activities. These interviews/polygraphs were conducted by U.S. Department of State personnel and resulted in several failures, most likely due to Asayesh approaches. ¶3. (S/NF) On 03/17/2009, the RSO met with KRG Minister of Interior Abdul Karim Sultan Sinjari to extend courtesies, apprise him on the status of Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) training, and discuss possible recruitment/probes by the Asayesh on Peshmerga candidates for the ATA program. The Minister welcomed the visit and reiterated his appreciation of the ATA training initiative, emphasizing his full support for the program. The RSO provided the Minister an update on the ATA training, advising him of the commencement of the VIP training program at the central Peshmerga training facility. The Minister was delighted by the news and expressed his appreciation to Post and the RSO. 4 (S/NF) The RSO then briefed the Minister regarding information indicating that the Asayesh was attempting to recruit Peshmerga ATA candidates to report on RRT Erbil personnel and activities. The Minister was surprised by the revelation and stated that there was no reason for this sort of activity. The Minister advised that he would conduct a thorough investigation of the matter to ensure that any recruitment activity immediately ceases. The Minister further advised that he would call the Head of the Asayesh to promptly investigate the allegations, underscoring that he would ensure the integrity of the ATA program. The Minister also advised that he would take appropriate action against the Asayesh, if they were found to be recruiting Peshmerga to report on RRT Erbil personnel and activities. The meeting concluded with the Minister reiterating that he would Qconcluded with the Minister reiterating that he would personally take care of the situation. ¶5. (U) Post will keep the Department apprised of any issues regarding the ATA training initiative. BUTENIS