VZCZCXRO6969
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK
DE RUEHC #9375/01 1830530
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 020526Z JUL 06
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
INFO RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY 5054
RHMFISS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 STATE 109375 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/27/2031 
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL NATO IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ: FIRST TRANSITION TO PROVINCIAL IRAQI CONTROL 
 
REF: A. BAGHDAD 3731 (05) 
     ¶B. BAGHDAD 3853 (05) 
     ¶C. BAGHDAD 2046 
     ¶D. BAGHDAD 2114 
 
Classified By: NEA DAS ROBERT F. GODEC FOR REASONS 
1.4. A, B, AND D. 
 
¶1. (U) This is an action request, see para. 4. 
 
¶2. (C) Iraq Prime Minister Maliki's June 19, 2006 
announcement of the transfer of security responsibility from 
the Multinational Force-Iraq (MNF-I) to Iraqi civilian 
authorities in Muthanna province is the first of its kind. 
The Department wishes to emphasize for posts and host 
governments the positive message of progress for Iraq and its 
people that this event deserves, but without unnecessarily 
raising expectations of troop withdrawals or timetables. 
 
¶3. (C/REL-MNF-I) The following background can be drawn upon 
if necessary when delivering points in para. 5. 
 
----------------------- 
The Transition Process 
----------------------- 
The U.S.-UK-Iraqi Joint Committee to Transfer Security 
Responsibility (JCTSR) was formed to develop and agree upon 
the conditions necessary to progressively transfer 
responsibility for security and domestic order to the 
Government of Iraq (GOI) and capable Iraqi Security Forces 
(ISF) (REF A). 
 
The JCTSR decided upon four criteria by which to judge a 
province's eligibility for transfer (REF B): 
 
  -- current and projected levels of insurgent activity 
  -- current readiness and capabilities of ISF 
  -- capabilities of provincial governments 
  -- ability of MNF-I to reinforce ISF when necessary 
 
JCTSR assessments of provinces for eligibility to transfer 
began in April 2006, and the May 2006 assessment concluded 
that Muthanna met the four necessary conditions (REF C).  The 
Ministerial Committee for National Security (MCNS--which 
includes General Casey, Amb. Khalilzad, the UK Ambassador and 
security members of the Iraqi cabinet) approved the 
recommendation for the transfer of responsibility for 
Muthanna (REF D) and PM Maliki announced the transfer on June 
¶19. 
 
----------------------------- 
The New Security Arrangements 
----------------------------- 
The transfer of security responsibility to Iraqi control in 
Muthanna means a new security arrangement between the ISF 
(both army and police) and the MNF-I. 
 
Two key documents define these relationships: 
 
The "Security Authorization" is an agreement between the 
Prime Minister and the Governor of Muthanna and addresses 
federal and provincial equities in the security relationship. 
 
 
The "Implementing Arrangement" is an agreement between GOI 
and MNF-I and defines the national-level command and control 
relationships which will take effect after Iraqi authorities 
assume full responsibility for security. 
 
Each transition will be tailored to each province.  For 
example, a transitioned province which hosts a Provincial 
Reconstruction Team will by definition have a larger standing 
complement of MNF-I than a province like Muthanna. 
 
------------------------ 
Press Rollout and Themes 
------------------------ 
 
¶4. (U) If Embassy wishes to make a statement it may draw from 
the following text: 
 
BEGIN TEXT 
 
On June 19 Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced 
that security responsibility for Muthanna Province in 
southern Iraq will transfer from the Multi-National Forces 
 
STATE 00109375  002 OF 005 
 
 
(MNF-I) to the civilian-controlled Iraqi Security Forces. 
Muthanna is the first province to be designated for such a 
transition. 
 
The announcement by PM Maliki of a joint decision between the 
Iraqi government and MNF-I represents the progress made in 
developing the province's ability to govern and to take the 
lead in providing security.  The transition decision also 
reflects a joint assessment of the overall threat situation 
in Muthanna, and MNF-I's readiness to support the ISF in its 
security lead role as necessary. 
 
This transition of security responsibility in Muthanna 
demonstrates the progress Iraq is making towards 
self-governance with the assistance of the international 
community.  Australia, Japan and the UK have served in 
Muthanna as models of international cooperation, providing 
economic and humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq as 
well as security and stability.  As Iraq develops and its 
needs continue to evolve, so too will the nature of 
international assistance to Iraq in Muthanna and elsewhere. 
 
Other provinces in Iraq will undergo similar transitions when 
conditions warrant.  The international community will 
continue to work closely with the Government of Iraq to 
achieve a constitutional, democratic, and pluralistic Iraq 
which guarantees the rights of all citizens. 
 
END TEXT 
 
The text of Prime Minister Koizumi's 20 June Statement 
provides a good summary of the accomplishments of Japan's 
humanitarian efforts in Iraq: 
 
BEGIN TEXT OF JAPANESE STATEMENT 
 
Statement by the Prime Minister of Japan on the Redeployment 
of Ground Self-defense Force Troops from Samawah 
 
June 20, 2006 
 
The Japanese Government decided today that it will redeploy 
the Ground Self-defense Force (GSDF) troops that have been 
engaged in humanitarian and reconstruction activities in 
Samawah, Iraq, since the beginning of 2003, based on the 
Special Measures Law for Humanitarian and Reconstruction 
Assistance for Iraq, judging that the objective of the GSDF's 
activities were now fulfilled.  In addition, Japan decided to 
provide support for the UN's activities and the ongoing 
activities of the MNF, and has reached a decision to newly 
provide air-lift support to Baghdad and Erbil.  In addition, 
after the redeployment of GSDF, Japan will be providing 
assistance with a focus on the improvement of economic 
infrastructure through Yen loans, in coordination with the 
Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) to be organized by the 
Multi-National Forces (MNF-I). 
 
The international community has been unified in providing 
support for Iraq's reconstruction in order to assist the 
Iraqi people's efforts to reconstruct and rebuild their 
country.  Japan for its part, has been steadily assisting 
Iraq by combining the contribution by SDF personnel and 
Official Development Assistance (ODA), as a responsible 
member of the international community. 
 
With such support by the international community, the Iraqi 
political process has shown concrete progress.  In December 
last year, the National Assembly elections were conducted. 
More recently the new Iraqi Government was established.  The 
process of transferring security responsibility to Iraq is 
moving forward.  As seen in such developments, Iraq has taken 
the first full step to self-sustained reconstruction under 
the leadership of a democratic government. 
 
In Al-Muthanna Province two and a half years of efforts by 
the GSDF troops in a wide range of areas including medical 
services, water provision and repair work on public 
infrastructure such as schools and roads, as well as Japanese 
ODA, have yielded visible results including rehabilitation 
and improvement of local infrastructure and creation of job 
opportunities.  For example, all residents have gained access 
to basic medical care.  In Samawah Maternity and Children's 
Hospital, post-delivery mortality rate of newborns decreased 
to about one third of the rate in the first half of 2002. 
Improvements have been achieved in provision of water and 
educational environment.  On employment, Japanese assistance, 
including repair work on public facilities by the SDF and job 
opportunity creation projects through ODA, created a maximum 
of approximately 6,000 job opportunities per day, and a total 
of 1.56 million job opportunities.  Furthermore, with 
 
STATE 00109375  003 OF 005 
 
 
Japanese ODA, construction work has started on a major power 
plant in Sa 
mawah.  Once this plant is completed, a leap will be achieved 
in provision of electricity.  In addition, the Government of 
Japan intends to continue providing reconstruction assistance 
to this region of Iraq, such as construction of bridges in 
Samawah, and irrigation projects in Al-Muthanna Province. 
Such reconstruction assistance projects have lead to high 
appreciation and confidence by the Iraqi Government and the 
local people. 
 
It is time that the bilateral relationship between Japan and 
Iraq be transformed to a broader relationship with stronger 
political and economic relations.  The Government of Japan 
will endeavor to ensure that the results of Japan's 
reconstruction assistance provided thus far will take root 
and will work to foster a broad and long-term partnership 
with Iraq. 
 
The Iraqi Government fully agrees with Japan's basic policy 
towards reconstruction assistance for Iraq as mentioned 
above.  The Government of Japan takes this opportunity to 
express its gratitude to the people and government of Iraq 
that have warmly welcomed the GSDF troops as well as the 
relevant countries that have cooperated with the GSDF in 
Samawah, including the UK, Australia, the Netherlands and the 
US. 
 
I ask for the Japanese people's understanding and support 
concerning the above-mentioned decision by the Government of 
Japan. 
 
END TEXT OF JAPANESE STATEMENT 
 
BEGIN TEXT OF AUSTRALIAN STATEMENT (ABRIDGED) 
 
Prime Minister 
The Hon John Howard MP 
Ministerial Statement to Parliament on the Australian Defence 
Force commitment to southern Iraq 
22 June 2006 
 
( 
 
This is an important step towards the Iraqi Government taking 
control of the country's security situation.  Al-Muthanna is 
the first province to be transferred entirely to Iraqi 
Provincial Control. 
 
That this step can be taken is due in no small measure to the 
hard work, bravery and commitment of the Australian Defence 
Force (ADF).  It also reflects the Australian Government's 
determination to help the Iraqi people secure a better future. 
 
Since May 2005, Australia's Al-Muthanna Task Group has 
trained about 1,650 Iraqi soldiers of the National Iraqi 
Army's 2nd Brigade.  This Brigade is already conducting 
security operations in Al-Muthanna and it contributed to the 
success of the December 2005 elections.  In conjunction with 
other Iraqi security forces, these soldiers will now assume 
primary responsibility for security within the Al-Muthanna 
province. 
 
The second key role of Australia's Al-Muthanna Task Group has 
been to provide a secure environment for the Japanese Iraq 
Reconstruction Support Group conducting a range of important 
rehabilitation projects in Al-Muthanna. 
 
These projects have included the provision and technical 
support to four hospitals; the rehabilitation of 
approximately 30 health clinics and 35 schools; and the 
completion of dozens of other infrastructure projects. 
 
Following the Iraqi Prime Minister's announcement on security 
arrangements in Al-Muthanna, and in accordance with the 
prospective completion of Japan's reconstruction mission in 
the province, the Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi 
has announced that his country's contingent in Al-Muthanna 
will be withdrawn. 
 
The ADF will continue to provide security for the Japanese 
engagement until they have completed the final elements of 
their mission, which is likely to occur by the end of July. 
 
( 
 
There is still a job to do in assisting the Iraqi authorities 
in meeting their security challenges.  There remains a need 
for strong and continued support from the international 
community. 
 
STATE 00109375  004 OF 005 
 
 
After careful consideration by the National Security 
Committee, the Government has decided that Australian forces 
will take on a new role to support the Iraqi Government and 
security forces. 
 
Planning for this role has been done in consultation with our 
Coalition partners and with the Iraqi Government. 
 
The ADF contingent will relocate from its current base at 
Camp Smitty near As Samawah in Al Muthanna province to the 
Coalition Air Base at Tallil, located some 80 kilometers to 
the south east in the neighboring province of Dhi Qar. 
 
From its base in Tallil, the ADF will contribute to coalition 
operations in South East Iraq under the banner of Operational 
Overwatch-the Coalition effort to support the handover of 
primary responsibility for security to Iraqi authorities. 
 
( 
 
The force will also include an ADF Training Team of 
approximately 30 personnel.  Since the beginning of this 
month, the Training Team has been training and mentoring 
Iraqi instruction personnel at the Iraqi Army Basic Training 
Center at Tallil Air Base.  We are also making a small 
training contribution at the Counter Insurgency Academy in 
Taji, north of Baghdad. 
 
( 
 
As part of this engagement, we will also continue the ADF 
program of reconstruction assistance.  This has so far 
delivered many valuable improvements to services and 
infrastructure for the local community in critical areas such 
as transport, health, veterinary and agricultural services 
and utilities. 
 
( 
 
Australia will not be hostage to a particular timetable for 
withdrawal from Iraq.  We will only leave when the job has 
been finished. 
 
( 
 
Helping Iraq to achieve stability and democracy is in 
Australia's national interest.  And it is part of Australia 
accepting its global responsibilities.  Our support is at the 
request of the Iraqi Government and the Iraqi people and is 
dependent on progress by Iraqi authorities in managing their 
own affairs. 
 
( 
 
To see the Iraqi people striving to reclaim civil society in 
the cradle of civilization, sometimes at great cost and 
against great odds, is a humbling experience for those of us 
privileged enough to live in a free and democratic society. 
 
The courage of the Iraqi people serves as a constant reminder 
of why the international community must maintain its support 
for Iraq's democratic transition and development. 
 
 
END TEXT OF AUSTRALIAN STATEMENT (ABRIDGED) 
 
 
¶5. (C/REL HOST GOVTS) All posts whose host governments 
contribute to Iraq's security and stability (primarily troop 
contributing governments) should draw from the following 
points for use with host government officials at the 
appropriate level: 
 
      The announcement by PM Maliki of a joint decision of 
the Iraqi government and MNF-I to transfer security 
responsibility for Muthanna province to Iraqi civilian 
authorities is good news.  It represents the progress made in 
developing the province's ability to take the lead in its own 
governance and security. 
 
      We congratulate all involved (Australia, Iraq, Japan, 
Netherlands, UK) for their role in the successful 
humanitarian mission in Muthanna province. 
 
      This event demonstrates the progress Iraq is making 
towards self-governance with the assistance of the 
international community. 
 
      Australia, Japan and the UK have served in Muthanna as 
 
STATE 00109375  005 OF 005 
 
 
models of international cooperation, providing economic and 
humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq as well as 
security and stability. 
 
      As Iraq develops and its needs continue to evolve, so 
too will the nature of international assistance to Iraq in 
Muthanna and elsewhere. 
 
      An example of this transition is the fact that Japanese 
and Australian assistance to Iraq will not end-they remain 
engaged to support Iraq's development in political, economic, 
and security areas. 
 
Japan will: 
      provide critical air-lift support mission to MNF-I and 
to the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq; 
      continue to support Iraq's economic infrastructure 
through yen-loans; and 
      assign officers to Baghdad to assist in the 
coordination and management of Provincial Reconstruction 
Teams. 
 
Australia will: 
      redeploy its troops to Dhi Qar province to carry out 
operational overwatch and quick reaction force functions; 
      continue to train Iraqi Security Forces; and 
      continue reconstruction assistance. 
 
-- The transition decision reflects a joint Iraqi-MNF-I 
assessment of several factors including the overall threat 
situation in Muthanna, and MNF-I's readiness to support the 
ISF in its security lead role as necessary. 
 
-- Eventually we plan that all provinces will return to Iraqi 
control using essentially the same conditions-based process 
that resulted in Muthanna's transition.  Each transition will 
be tailored to circumstances in each province. 
 
-- International assistance supporting Iraq's security 
forces, governance capacity, democracratic system and 
reconstruction also facilitiate and accelerate the process of 
transitioning security responsibilities. 
 
-- As part of this international assistance, we encourage all 
to work with Iraq in developing effective national and 
provincial governance.  The new Constitution devolves more 
responsibility to the governorates (provinces): Provincial 
Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) provide a crucial link between 
national and provincial capacity-development efforts.  PRTs 
are designed to provide training and development efforts at 
the national level, complement them at the provincial level, 
and provide a link between provincial-level and national 
level efforts.  We believe PRTs are a key component of Iraqi 
self-reliance and defeating the insurgency and encourage your 
participation. 
 
-- We join the Iraqi people in thanking you for being part of 
this historic transition.  We expect Iraq will long remember 
those nations such as yours who stood with Iraq in its 
pursuit of a constitutional, democratic, and pluralistic Iraq 
which guarantees the rights of all citizens. 
RICE