US embassy cable - 05BAGHDAD4446

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 004446 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/30/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, KDEM, IZ, Reconstruction 
SUBJECT: PRT ROLLOUT IN KIRKUK: LOCAL LEADERS FOCUS ON 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 
 
Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Michael 
J. Adler for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (C) Embassy and MNF-I personnel unveiled the 
concept of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) on 
October 24 to the Kirkuk Governor, Provincial Council 
Chairman and members of the Provincial Reconstruction 
and Development Committee (PRDC).  Although thankful 
for the support, Kirkuk leaders focused on the need 
for additional resources to complete high priority 
projects. 
 
2. (C) IRMO Director Ambassador Dan Speckhard stressed 
that the USG wants to intensify its engagement with 
the provinces, with the PRTs as the principal 
mechanism.  This integrated effort with MNF-I aims to 
increase the capacity of the provincial and local 
governments. 
 
3. (C) Kirkuk Governor Abdurrahman Mustafa and 
Provincial Council Chairman Rizgar Ali both expressed 
their appreciation for USG support, but stressed that 
this was not enough.  The governor added that 
democracy itself is not sufficient for the citizens of 
Kirkuk; they need services.  They highlighted the 
shortage of electricity, water/sanitation, fuels, and 
medicines, as well as problems with the central 
government in Baghdad. 
 
4. (C) Comment.  While Kirkuk provincial officials 
appreciate the additional technical assistance and 
capacity building that the PRT will provide, they will 
remain focused on funding for infrastructure projects 
that can deliver electricity, water, and fuels. 
 
 
Satterfield