VZCZCXRO1754
OO RUEHDE
DE RUEHGB #3911/01 3361223
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
O 021223Z DEC 07
FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4607
INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RUEHBC/REO BASRAH PRIORITY 2288
RUEHKUK/REO KIRKUK PRIORITY 2228
RUEHIHL/REO HILLAH PRIORITY 2231
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 BAGHDAD 003911 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/30/2017 
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS MARR IZ
SUBJECT: CG AND CDA DISCUSS FOREIGN FIGHTERS AND SYRIA, 
TURKEY AND THE PKK, AND UNSCR WITH PM 
 
REF: BAGHDAD 03874 
 
BAGHDAD 00003911  001.3 OF 003 
 
 
Classified By: CDA Patricia Butenis for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
¶1. (S) Summary:  In a wide-ranging hour-long 
meeting Thursday, November 29, MNF-I Commanding General 
David Petraeus and Charge Patricia Butenis reviewed efforts 
with Prime Minister Maliki to stem the flow of Foreign 
Terrorists (FTs) from Syria and 
elsewhere, possible limited Turkish military action against 
the PKK inside northern Iraq, and progress on renewing the 
UNSCR that authorizes Multi-National Force (MNF) operations 
in Iraq.  They also touched briefly on improvements in the 
security situation in Baghdad and the public perception of 
the improved situation, further funding of Concerned Local 
Citizen (CLC) groups, releasing detainees and amnesty, 
disposition of yellow cake from the Tuwaitha nuclear 
facility, and Provincial Iraqi Control for Basrah on 
December 16.  End Summary. 
 
Foreign Terrorists 
---------------- 
 
¶2. (S) The CG and PM Maliki reviewed the success in driving 
Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) from Baghdad and its near suburbs. 
They agreed that Coalition efforts supported by AQI had 
denied any safe haven to AQI in Baghdad.  Though AQI could 
still cause trouble and commit acts of violence, the CG 
noted that without safe havens it could not mount serious 
attacks.  The battle against AQI was not over, but AQI was 
certainly reeling from the Coalition and ISF attacks on 
it.  Maliki revealed that he had intelligence indicating 
that Omar al Baghdadi was depressed - his network had been 
taken apart and his attempts at action are usually thwarted 
at the outset.  CG noted that this success was due in part 
to Syrian cooperation in stopping FTs using Syria to 
reach Iraq.  Maliki said that he had received assurances 
from Basher al-Assad that Syria would stop FTs and that 
Maliki should let Assad know if the flow was not stopped. 
CG and Maliki agreed that Assad was sincere but that some 
of his subordinates might still be facilitating movements 
of FTs.  CG noted that he would like to go to Damascus with 
LTG McCrystal to meet with select Syrian leaders, perhaps 
including Assad, to discus actions after FT transit of Syria. 
 
He added that he would be sharing with Maliki details of the 
FTs situation in a briefing on Monday, December 3. 
 
Turkey/PKK 
---------- 
 
¶3.  (S) CG told Maliki that additional Turkish action 
against the PKK inside Iraq remained likely, but that it 
would be carefully targeted against the PKK and not a 
massive Cross Border Operation (CBO).  Maliki asked if the 
U.S. was assisting or might undertake separate military 
action.  CG replied that the U.S. was assisting the Turks 
only with support by various intelligence assets 
to ensure that they targeted PKK and not Iraqis.  CG 
stated clearly that MNF would not being taking action - 
"we are helping them be more precise" - and that action 
taken would be by the Turks.  CG reminded Maliki of the 
importance the Turks and the U.S. attach to continued 
efforts by the GOI and the KRG to interdict the PKK. 
In response, Maliki noted that Erdogan had initially 
doubted the sincerity of the GOI and the KRG, but now 
appeared to accept that Maliki's government as well as 
most in the KRG leadership were serious about tackling 
the PKK.  CG agreed, noting the valuable role played by 
KRG PM Nerchivan Barzani.  Both agreed that it would be 
helpful for senior KRG leaders to travel to Ankara, 
including President Talabani. 
 
UNSCR 
----- 
 
¶4. (S) Charge stressed the importance of following 
up the success on the Declaration of Principles on 
Cooperation and Friendship, signed November 26 by POTUS and 
the PM via SVTC, with progress on the Iraqi letter to the 
UN Security Council requesting a new resolution.  Noting 
all the hard work by the PM's team and USG personnel on the 
declaration, she underlined the need to have a good letter 
reach New York no later than Monday, December 3 to have 
sufficient time at the UNSC to craft this final 
resolution.  Maliki took the point and indicated that he 
 
BAGHDAD 00003911  002.3 OF 003 
 
 
saw no reason why the letter should not be ready in the 
time needed. 
 
Detainees 
--------- 
 
¶5. (S) CG and Maliki shared ideas on how to release large 
numbers of detainees held by MNF-I or the GOI to offer 
amnesty to many of its prisoners.  They agreed that while a 
hard core of MNF-I detainees, about six to eight thousand, 
as well as Iraqi prisoners guilty of serious crimes such as 
murder or acts of terrorism could not be released, many 
thousands could and should be set free after review.  CG 
noted he had just visited Camp Bucca and was pleased with 
the changes to prepare detainees for return to society. 
He subsequently instructed his commanders to increase review 
board staffing and to accelerate the review process.  Maliki 
noted similar actions in the Iraqi courts and repeated his 
commitment to an amnesty that would release many prisoners, 
excepting those guilty of serious crimes or those with 
pending concomitant civil lawsuits.  In response to 
National Security Advisor (NSA) Muwaffaq Rubaie's question 
if Iraqi Islamic Party imams are in charge of religious 
education, CG noted that the Imans in Camp Bucca teach 
patience and moderation; none are extremist.  In fact, the 
general population had gathered up the Takfiri prisoners 
(extremists) and locked them in the bathrooms - MNF-I 
released them directly into high security cells.  Maliki 
smiled and took the point.  The CG then presented Maliki 
with artwork produced by one of the detainees in Bucca. 
 
Basrah PIC 
---------- 
 
¶6. (S) CG indicated that he agreed with the PM's suggested 
changes to the MOU on PIC for Basrah.  He foresaw the 
ceremony taking place December 16 at the Basrah airfield. 
In reply to NSA Rubaie's question, CG said that either the 
Governor or Deputy Governor could sign the MOU on behalf of 
the GOI, it was up to the PM, though it 
would be better if the Governor signed.  Maliki stated that 
he had no personal problems with Governor Wa'eli of Basrah 
- the courts had confirmed his legal status and that was 
enough for him  to settle Wa'eli's status.  Advised 
that Wa'eli might come to Baghdad on December 1, Maliki 
reaffirmed his willingness to meet with Wa'eli, even 
stating that he would like to meet with him. 
 
Redeveloping Basrah 
------------------- 
 
¶7. (S) CG and Maliki discussed proposals by Iraqi 
businessman and entrepreneur Hanna Sheikh to re-develop 
the port of Basrah.  Maliki noted he had spoken with him 
several times but remained skeptical.  CG pressed him to 
keep an open mind and to think of the long-term job 
creation and economic development Hanna Sheikh's projects 
would create.  Maliki promised to work with him. 
 
Tuwaitha Yellowcake 
------------------ 
 
¶8. (S) Charge raised the issue of disposal of uranium 
yellowcake currently located at the Tuwaitha Nuclear 
Research Facility.  She told Maliki it would be best for 
Iraq to move it out for reprocessing and sell it.  In 
response to his question, Charge replied that the U.S. 
was not going to buy it but would like to see it disposed 
of in a manner to yield Iraq the greatest profit.  CG 
offered US assistance in helping GOI officials determine 
best disposition and sales method, but reiterated that the 
yellowcake needed to be moved out of Iraq while a large 
Coalition force is present.  Attempting humor, Rubaie 
asked if Iraq could sell it to Iran - Charge made it clear 
that would not be acceptable. 
 
Polling Results 
--------------- 
 
¶9. (S) CG gave Maliki polling data MNF-I's local polling 
contractor had gathered (from 2,400 Baghdadis) that 
indicated Baghdadis felt more secure and more confident 
in the GOI's ability to handle security in the capital. 
CG noted that Maliki's approval rating had risen thirteen 
points since October,s poll - an increase in approval 
rating any leader would envy.  Maliki took the point and 
 
BAGHDAD 00003911  003.3 OF 003 
 
 
smiled. 
 
CLCs 
---- 
 
¶10. (S) CG noted that USD 150 million had been identified 
to support CLC members and provide employment for them and 
that he hoped the Government of Iraq would match the funds 
Further discussion of CLCs will take place on Sunday, 
December 2 at the weekly Ministerial Council on National 
Security (reftel). 
BUTENIS