INL Assistant Secretary Johnson's Baghdad Visit Lays

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000042 SIPDIS DEPT FOR INL-I JUSTICE FOR ODAG, OPDAT, ICITAP, CRM SENSITIVE TAGS: SNAR KCRM KJUS PGOV IZ SUBJECT: INL Assistant Secretary Johnson's Baghdad Visit Lays Groundwork for Police Training Transition ¶1. (SBU) Summary and Comment: State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Assistant Secretary Johnson utilized his December 11-15 Baghdad trip to advance the transition of the police development program from the U.S. military to the State Department. Johnson previewed INL's vision for the police training mission, which would focus on higher-level, managerial, and specialized skills development. Iraqi and USG officials voiced support for the civilian-led effort. Iraqi Ministry of Interior (MOI) officials underscored the important role of civilian-led training in establishing police primacy in the security realm. Justice Minister Dara and Chief Justice Medhat also thanked INL for its support following recent bombings. Overall, Iraqi leaders were supportive of INL's assumption of the police training mandate as an extension of its well established judicial and corrections programs. End Summary and Comment. USG OFFICIALS VOICE SUPPORT -------------- ¶2. (SBU) INL Assistant Secretary David Johnson, accompanied by INL Director for Iraq Virginia Ramadan, met with GOI and USG officials in Erbil and Baghdad from December 11 to 15 to review ongoing INL programs in police, justice and corrections, and to convey INL's commitment to continued support of these programs beyond the withdrawal of US military forces in December 2011. During a brief trip to Erbil, Johnson met with the KRG State Minister for the Interior Sinjari, who expressed his region's continuing need for expanded INL programming, especially in justice and police training. He offered his assistance in securing the use of Iraqi training facilities in Erbil for INL's future police development program. ¶3. (SBU) During his meetings with USG officials in Baghdad, Johnson outlined the broad plans for transitioning the police training mandate from the U.S. military to the Embassy, and INL's support for more focused, higher-order training crucial for development of a strong civilian police force in Iraq. USG officials agreed that the transition is a top priority for both the military and Embassy, and all necessary steps should be taken to guarantee its success. MOI LOOKS TO TRANSITION -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Johnson outlined the concept underlying the INL-led program to MOI Senior Deputy Minister Adnan al-Assadi and Senior Advisor to the Interior Minister Rafae Muhane, emphasizing that the transition will appear seamless to the GOI. He explained that the smaller INL-led program will focus on higher-level, specialized training and mentoring in areas highlighted by the GOI as important, such as leadership and management, community policing and criminal investigations. Such training would operate out of hubs in Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra. Echoing Johnson's emphasis on the importance of police primacy, al-Assadi and Rafae expressed support for a civilian-led police training mission and repeated previous requests for specialized training. ¶5. (SBU) Al-Assadi underscored that the MOI still needs USG support as it transforms from a recruiting and basic training phase to that of building a more sophisticated law enforcement organization. Qof building a more sophisticated law enforcement organization. Thanks to the U.S. military's good work, the MOI is well staffed and trained at a basic level, he said. Now, the MOI needs to focus on streamlining and acquiring higher-level skills. He welcomed USG assistance in such areas as community and family policing. Al-Assadi noted the high utility of past INL courses provided by subject matter experts, specifically the FBI and ATF. Al-Assadi commented that once the transition gains momentum, the MOI General Planning Department will form a complementary Iraqi committee comprised of representatives from different ministries to work with INL Baghdad. ¶6. (SBU) Muhane told Johnson that the successful police training transition from the military to INL is critical for Iraq's success. Emphasizing the importance of establishing civilian police primacy, Muhane commented that there will increased momentum and focus on security sector reform after the elections occur in March. At the moment, he remarked, all security issues are political. CHIEF JUSTICE LOOKS TO PARTNERSHIP -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Higher Judicial Council (HJC)Chief Justice Medhat expressed BAGHDAD 00000042 002 OF 002 to A/S Johnson deep appreciation for INL's continued support to modernize the Iraqi judiciary and said he looked forward to a long-term relationship with the Embassy. He affirmed his interest that the INL-funded Judicial Development Institute should serve as a venue for increased engagement between the police and judicial investigators. Medhat also thanked INL for its prompt assistance during the recent bombings in providing equipment, vehicles and office space to set up temporary satellite offices. ¶8. (SBU) Johnson complimented strides made by both the Iraqi judiciary and police over the last few years. He agreed that the HJC and INL had a strong relationship, stressing that the HJC has led the partnership. Johnson noted that INL stands ready to continue its support of the HJC's five-year plan. JUSTICE MINISTER THANKS INL -------------- ¶9. (SBU) Justice Minister Dara expressed appreciation for Embassy assistance in the wake of the October 25 bombing. Dara highlighted the broad, complex mandate of the Justice Ministry, including real estate record management, Shura Council operations, and the Judicial Training Institute (JTI). Johnson underscored INL's commitment to help the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) with its security, highlighting courthouse upgrades developed in partnership with the MOJ. He noted that overall INL training and mentoring will shift from training recruits to mentoring senior management in advanced skills; INL Baghdad would subsequently meet with the MOJ to discuss assistance to Iraqi corrections officers. ¶10. (SBU) Dara mentioned that during his visit to the U.S. in October he had requested U.S. support for the GOI to represent Iraqi victims and prosecute companies which were in violation of the UN Oil for Food program. Johnson reiterated that INL does not have authority over this issue, and again suggested that the MOJ discuss these concerns with the DOJ. ¶11. (SBU) Comment: A/S Johnson's visit has established a clear framework for a successful and smooth transition from the military focus of support for Iraqi security forces to advanced civilian police training. The Iraqi Government has welcomed this shift and is committed to making this an effective partnership Johnson's description of INL's experiences and results worldwide in similar programs helped provide the GOI with an understanding the challenges, but also the support it will have, as it assumes greater and ultimately complete responsibility for all aspects of internal security in Iraq.