RSO MEETING WITH KRG ZEREVANI COMMANDER

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 000793


NOFORN

DEPT FOR M, DS, DS/DSS, DS/IP/NEA, DS/T/ATA, S/CT, NEA-I,
AND S/I

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/22/2019
TAGS: ASEC PTER IZ
SUBJECT: RSO MEETING WITH KRG ZEREVANI COMMANDER

Classified By: RSO Mark Hipp; Reason 1.4 (d) and (g)


1. (SBU) Summary: On 03/19/2009, the RSO met with the
Commanding General of the Zerevani (Peshmerga),Major
General Aziz Wayse, to extend courtesies and discuss further
specifics regarding Antiterrorism Assistance Training and the
integration of Zerevani forces into RSO's protective
security operation in the Kurdistan Regional Government
areas. General Wayse welcomed the visit, emphasizing that
he and his command would continue to provide assistance to
the official American community whenever needed. The RSO
thanked the General for his consideration and valuable
assistance to date. End Summary.


2. (SBU) On 03/19/2009, the RSO met with the Commanding
General of the Zerevani (Peshmerga),Major General Aziz
Wayse, to extend courtesies and discuss further specifics
regarding Antiterrorism Assistance Training and the
integration of Zerevany forces into RSO's protective
security operation in the Kurdistan Regional Government
areas. The meeting took place at the Zerevani training
camp located outside of Erbil. Prior to the meeting, RSO
and General Wayse briefly toured the parade ground where
hundreds of new Zerevani recruits were drilling. The RSO
and the General then proceeded to the range area to
jointly observe the first Zerevani class undergoing their
second day of firearms training for the integration
initiative. The RSO and General then proceeded to the
meeting location to conduct business.


3. (C/NF) The RSO thanked the General for his continued
support of our operations. The RSO remarked that he had
heard good reports about the Zerevani training candidates
and was please to be able to observe the training
first-hand. The General responded positively, indicating
that he was willing to provide all the resources at his
disposal to make the initiative a success. The RSO
explained to General Wayse that a main purpose of his visit
was to inform the General of a serious issue regarding the
approach of Zerevani integration candidates by the Asyesh
(General Security) to report on RRT activities. The RSO
reiterated that this kind of activity places the entire
integration initiative and continued Antiterrorism
Assistance Program in jeopardy. The General disavowed any
knowledge of activity and promised the RSO that he would
investigate the matter. General Wayse assured the RSO that
the Zerevani were not involved in any such activity, were
proud to be assisting in the protection of the RRT, and
would not condone reporting on RRT activities. The RSO
again thanked the General for the Zerevani support in Dohuk
that has now enabled the RRT to increase travel and engagement
efforts through their support of our overnight and regional
outreach there.


4. (S/NF) General Wayse took advantage of the RSO's visit
to opine that relations between the KRG and the central
government in Baghdad were not entirely good. He outlined
difficulties encountered in terms of securing central
government resources, stating that Iraqi Ministry of
Interior and Defense personnel receive the equivalent of
$500 U.S. dollars and his Zerevani receive approximately
$220 U.S. dollars. He believes the Zerevani are
underfunded because they are made up of ethnic Kurds. The
General also delineated Kurdish concerns regarding their
autonomy and perceived Iraqi central government moves to
curtail freedoms and rights currently enjoyed by the Kurds
within the KRG. The General offered an assurance that he
hoped a peaceful solution could be brokered between,
President Talibani, Prime Minister Maliki, and KRG Prime
Minister Barzani over elections and autonomy. The RSO
QMinister Barzani over elections and autonomy. The RSO
urged the General to work to resolve their differences
peaceably through the governmental and political process.


5. (SBU) The RSO conveyed his appreciation to General
Wayse for his continued support of the integration and
Antiterrorism Assistance initiatives. Post will keep the
Department apprised of any pertinent developments with
regards to host country security assistance and response.


BUTENIS