RSO MEETING WITH ERBIL POLICE CHIEF

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 000792


DEPT FOR M, DS, DS/DSS, DS/DSS/IP, DS/DO/ICI, AND NEA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/20/2019
TAGS: ASEC
SUBJECT: RSO MEETING WITH ERBIL POLICE CHIEF

REF: 08 BAGHDAD 3660

Classified By: RSO MARK HIPP; Reason 1.5 (c)


1. (SBU) Summary: On 03/19/2009, the RSO met with the Erbil
Police Chief, Brigadier General Adbulkhaliq Talat, to extend
courtesies, discuss items of mutual interest, and forge a
working protocol regarding notification of incidents and
investigations that cross into Iraqi jurisdiction. The
Police Chief welcomed the visit, emphasizing that his office
would continue to provide assistance to the official American
community whenever needed. The RSO thanked the Police Chief
for his attentiveness and valuable assistance to date. End
Summary.


2. (C) On 03/19/2009, the RSO met with the Erbil Police
Chief, Brigadier General Adbulkhaliq Talat, to extend
courtesies, discuss items of mutual interest, and forge a
working protocol regarding notification of incidents and
investigations that cross into Iraqi jurisdiction. The RSO
thanked the General for his support of our operations and
discussed the importance of "normalizing" our investigative
and liaison outreach. The RSO explained to General Talat
that the main purpose of his visit was to provide
notification to the General of the facts surrounding a recent
death of a contract employee that occurred at RRT Erbil and
discuss setting up a better line of communication with the
police to deal more effectively with similar incidents in the
future. The RSO outlined our current investigative response
to major felony crimes and stressed to the General that we
were seeking a joint approach to serious incidents involving
Embassy personnel. General Talat greeted this information
positively and opined that a close working relationship would
be mutually beneficial to all involved. The General did not
see a reason to get involved in the current ongoing
investigation into the recent death, but he stated that in
the future, he would prefer that the RRT RSO contact him
directly and that he would ensure that the necessary police
support would be made available.


3. (SBU) The RSO conveyed his appreciation to the General
for his continued special interest and protection of the
American community in Erbil. Post will keep the Department
apprised of any pertinent developments with regards to host
country security assistance and response.


BUTENIS