COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
BJ\GI IDAD
INFO MEMO
-
..
Oclober 29, 2003
FOR:
From: Ambassador Bremer
....__ _____ ( _b ) _ (6 _,)lscnior Advisor to the Minislry of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Welcome Home Update
1. Ha.ii Preparations Update Memo: We have a scparnte memo summarizing where things
stand in terms of preparations for the Hajj. Outstanding issues are (1) establishing an appropriate
. mechanism for approviog ~he licensing of private travel agencies that reconciles the mutual
suspicions of Awqaf and the Ministry of Culture's Board of Tourism; (2) determining whether to
allow special Hajj charter fli~IHs to opera!c..out of BIAP, Mosul and Basrn on an exceptional
basis, CJTF-7 security concerns notwithstanding; (3) agreeing that Iraq (Awqnf lead, with MFA
follow-up) will inform its neighbors and other countries that this year it will nol be able to allow
other nationals to transit through Iraq for the Hajj.
2. Iraqi "ambassador" in Washington: Zcbari has just returned from London. We are
meeting October 30 to go over a number of issues, but first among them is to go over the names
he has in mind. We have asked the Department to move apace to put in place a new and more
-...~ flexible protect in wcr' agreement with Bahrain that would allow an Iraqi mission to take a
~· .JJ.lghcr pro ale and operate independent y. Diplomatic contacts have been made, our Embassy in
~ ~~M:mama is suppm1ing, the Iraqi mission in ama is in touch with the Bahrainis about this.
- (I(\ W o to have a new a recment in lac rtI (I hav~ recommended thal the Ira9l.~.~~JIJ_he
~ • V.1:< t at for the moment the}'. wa _ ~.t to jus_ t_g? ahead . w . !tJl. tht?.J _ o1~d~mian prot~~_iO,_$ power
~.(II .rclation s~getatcam In place and then think about any changes. Zcba1i has a rccomrnen-aatron
~ for London.) • -- -
, . ·
- · ···"
3. Syrian initiative lo organize a Regional Mectin~ of Ji'oreiJ?ll Ministers to discuss the

UNCLASSIFIED
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
BAGHDAD
ACTION MEMO
October 30. 2003
f-OR: THE ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: .__ ____ <
b
H 6
_
_
..... ) I Senior Advisor, Minislry of Foreign Affairs
SUBJECT: The Jrnq 1-hljj: Follow up and Recommendations
REF: My Info Memo of Scplcmbcr 28, 2003
For the most part the mechanisms for effecting the Iraqi Hajj arc in place. The CPA role should
primarily be to ensure the prepmatory conditions for organizing the travel, facilitate selling the
routes and devising the security plan for the travel within Iraq and at the border.
The Hajj Task Force (MFA, Religious Affairs, Governance, Finance, CJTF-7, lnterior,
Culturerrourism) agreed in principle on the need to facilitate the travel of the projected 50,000 lo
60,000 pe1~ns. 1 wqaf will oversee the selection Qf those wishing to go to the Hajj an<l organize
111 coordination with the Ministry of Health the vaccination or the Iraqi pilgrims.
The H:.ijj Task fo~ recommends tha~cring Bo~ including representatives from
Cullurcrrourism, Awquf, Interior, Trani;portation, Fin:mcc, Foreign Affairs should develop a
plan for anti oversee the selection of licensed travel agenc~ · vide the packngc tour .
The lraqi MFA, Awqaf and Jntc · ho Id devise a plan {Q_@~umc the travelers in an efficient
manner so that they may enter Saudi Arabia. CP n1enor an JTF-7 wiH approve the
designalion of the tfilcc ht.nd border crossings (Ar Ar, Traybil and Safwan) for overland travelers
to the Hajj recommended by Awqaf. Particularly, the Ar Ar nordcr po~t. must be manned by MOl L
C11stoms, Immigration and Border police in time for the Hajj. \\o..~ ~C ~Y'\ .,..CAS~ ".>~
r"(\C.1\ ~ c.~ \ f- .
The Task force requests your guidance on whether to explore using the three airports of BIAP,
Mosul and Basra to trans~rl ttavclers by chartcrc<l commercial airlines. CJTF-7 has provided .
separate argumentation recommending that you not approve this option. Ir you <lo approve use
of the aiq>m1s, a set of special measures should be enforced.

'\.\o..,e. ~
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UNCLASSIFIED " ~ rrfl
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By November 12, Awqaf inlcnds lo issue instructions and application or those who wish lo ~c., ~ ..... \?
cnler the lotter used lo select the pilgrims. In mid-November a re r!lor dcle ation will ~l '
negotiate wit the Saudis regarding the number of lravelcrs and fi ancial matters (including the
possible exemption of the fees). The delegation will be headed Dr. Hakki, designated for this
mission by Governing Council and will include a represcnlaliv from the Iraqi MFA. Once the
Saudi rcprcsentatives~et..,lhc quota for Iraqis, Jocal govemm ts, under the supervision of
Awqaf, will conduct lotteries based on proportion of popul ion. Awqaf intends to cnsure6
transparency by 1£!_cvising the lottery pr~c a 1tm the pcrfonnance . ~
After concluding the selection, Awqaf in coordination with Health wilt superv1se \he
vaccinations required for travel to Saudi Arabia and determine the allotment of any subsidies.
Passport/ Visas
In the past, the Iraqi government issued special "Hajj" passpo11.s allowing travel to Saudi Arabia.
/\I I slocks have hccn looted, as was the printer that produced the passporls. Issuing lTDs to each
traveler would be time consuming ao<l would divert resources from issuing ITDs lo others in
need of them. The most efficient alternative would be for the MOI to j~uc "group pa~speFts"
which arc basically manifest of the bus or airplane. The MFA will be jnstnwtcd to negotiate with
....
th£. Saudis this proce<lw:C; the precursor delegation will ask the same. We should also consider
scn<ling a consul · · · · · nterior officinl wilh th~rccursor group sine'
there is no consulur representation in Saudi Arabia al lhis lam . «.> 1 ' \1'~ ~ ~~ °'J~ C"'-~
Security
C.ITF-7 and MOT arc preparing to oversee security of overland travelers and of movement of air
travelers within lhc airports if a decision is made to allow 1ravcl by air. The Steering Board need
to provide CJTF-7 ;md Interior with proposed routes, schedules and bus manifests as early as
possible so that they can properly plan. The planning process must be started now, involving •
coordinated resources from CJTF-7 C-S and MOI, Customs, Immigration and Border Police. J.~ S'~
vi(>S~ \c:
The necessary securit rotection could be or anizcd b i · · · ourccs such as Iraqi U. ~
Police, ICDC or New Iraqi rmy. A special attention will be given lo security al the bus load tufA}ec,6'1 ·
stutions and bus routes including coordination with local police and highway patrols. \AA~ --t,l~
v- ll''> "'~ '"'
Re-entry or the pilgrims will prcsenl another security challenge; the Ministry or the Interior and
CJTF-7 stwhJ csfj!bljsb procedures l.Q CUfil!fC lhc smooth rkf.urn q( the Hi4i. iis.
' . . .. . . ; 1 -: .... ... : : .... .. 1 •.•. 111 . .. : .. t ••. : ... ' . . . . r ...

UNCLASSIFIED
The Tourism Board is in lhc process of licensing private Jraqi tour companies an<l has begun to
license intcmotional companies. Dr. Hakki said that the Awqaf will not accept private tour
companies licensed exclusively by Tourism without the participation of the Awqaf and other
entities. Religious Affairs has proposed they select and coordinate the use of companied for the
. Hajj. For better coordination of these separate initiatives we recommend that the Steering Board
set and pubHsli the cri~ria for licensing travel companies no later than mid November and
approve lhe licenses. Bolh Tourism and Aw<iaf have agreed to this.
Air Travel
It is likely tln1l one or more countries will offer to provide (paid or sponsored) chartered aircraft
for the Hajj. In such a case. it would be best to offer service from three regional airports.
Ministry of Transportation has recommended the airports in Basra. Mosul and BIAP. CJFf-7
stt:ongly opposes. Security and liability issues remain unresolved. A fcasihility study ts ncc<lcd,
and would require a decision on whether to pursue this option.
Flights into Iraq must be security scrcenc<l and must be approved and coordinated through prior
agreement for the use of Air Fields under the control of CF forces. If limited flights for the Hajj
arc approved by Commander CJTF-7, feasibility study by CJTF-7, MOI, and Ministry of
Trnnsportation including. but not limited to, should address the requirements set forth below:
• Dctcrminatjon of Airport capability for accepting commcrcie1l traffic.
• Risk Assessment for saf cty of Aircraft landing at the proposed Airfields.
• Conduct of Airport operations and manning.
• Basic requirements such as ticketing, baggage handling, fueling, maintenance ;m<.I other
logistics as well as Air Traffic Control (ATC).
IU~COMMl~NDATIONS:
(I): That the CPA c~plorc the rcasibility of using BJAP, Mosul and Dosrn airpo11s for Hajj
travel~ a decision on using airports to he taken aflcr proper investigation by CJTF-7, MOI nn<l
Ministry of Transportation, no later than Nov.15.
Disapprove: Approve with modification:

-------·---·
.
··-·----
I I
UNCLASSIFIED
(3): The Steering Board (Culture/Tourism, Awqaf, Interior, Transportation. Finance. Foreign
Affoirs) will set standards for travel conditions and publish them no later than November 15, and
will approve the licensing of private tour operators.
Approve: ~J..'7<> ... ~Disapprove: Approve with modification:
(4): lraq will not nllow foreign nationals to transit Iraq for this year's Hajj. Aw4af and MFA will
inform their counterparts in Iran, Turkey and other source countries about lhis decision by 1
Nov.15. Le\.. ~ ~~c;,
Approve: Disapprove: Approve with mo<lific«tion: ~\\.e. '~)
(5): Strategic Communications should present a Public Rcllltions Plan to support a transparent
selection of Hajj pilgrims and to project the different approach taken by the new Iraqi
Government and work with the Awqar on its implementation.
Approve: Disapprove:
Approve with modification:
ATf ACHMENTS: NONE
COORDINATION:
.......... 6 ....-----.

I
On tbe Iraqi Hajj: Draft assessme.t and possible recommendations
Brief Presentation
For the most part the mechanisms for effecting the Iraqi Hajj are in pla<:e.
There is need to facilitate the travel of a projected 50,000 to 60,000 persons for chis year' s Hajj
from Iraq. Awqaf will oversee the selection of those wishing to go to the Hajj and in
coordination with the Ministry of Health, will organize the necessary va<:cinations of the Iraqi
pilgrims.
Anew "Steering Board" including representatives from Cultureffourism, Awqaf, Interior,
Transportation, finance, foreign Affairs should develop a plan for, and oversee the selection of
licensed travel agencies to provide the package tours .
The Iraqi MFA, Awqaf and Interior should devise a plan to document the travelers in an efficient
manner so that they may enter Saudi Arabia.
CPA Interior and CJTF-7 wm approve the designation of the three land border crossings (Ar Ar,
Traybil and Safwan) for overland travelers to the Hajj recommended by Awqaf .
CPA will assess the feasibility of using the three airports of BlAP, Mosul and Basra for air
transport of travelers by chartered commercial airlines. A final decision will depend on security
assessments.
Steps Taken
By November 1 2, A wqaf intends to issue instructions and applications for those who wish to
enter the lottery used to select the pilgrims.
In mid-November a precursor delegation will negotiate with the Saudis regarding the number of
travelers and financial matters (including the possible exemption of the fees). The delegation wi ll
be headed by Dr. Hakki, designated for this mission by Governing Council and will include a
representative from the Iraqi MF A.
Once the Saudi representatives set the quota for Iraqis, local governments, under the supervision
of Awqaf, will conduct lotteries based on proportion of population. Awqaf intends to ensure
transparency by televising the lottery procedure and auditing the perfonnance.
After concluding the selection, Awqaf in coordination with Health will supervise the
vaccinations required for travel to Saudi Arabia and detennine the allotment of any subsidies.
Passport/ Visas
In the past, the Iraqi government issued special " Hajj" passports allowing travel to Saudi Arabia.
All stocks have been looted, as was the printer that produced the passports. Issuing ITDs to each

lTaveler would be time consuming and would divert resources from issuing ITDs to others in
need of them.
The most efficient alternative would be for the MOI to issue "group passports" which are
basically manifest of the bus or airplane. The MFA witl be instructed to negotiate with the
Saudis this procedure; the precursor delegation wi ll ask the same.
We should also consider sending a consular official and/or a Ministry of Interior official with the
precursor group since there is no consular representation in Saudi Arabia at this time.
Security
CJTF-7 and Ministry of Interior is preparing to oversee security of the overland travelers and of
movement of air travelers within the airports, if a decision is made to allow travel by air.
The Steering Board should develop a plan to provide CJTF-7 and Interior with proposed routes,
schedules and bus manifests as early as possible so that they can properly plan.
The necessary security protection could be organized by including Iraqi sources such as Iraqi
Police, Iraqi Civil Def ense Corps or New Iraqi Anny.
Re-entry of the pilgrims will present another security challenge; the Ministry of the Interior and
CJTF-7 should establish procedures to ensure the smooth return of the Hajjis.
A specific provision should be imposed with respect to the criteria for re-entry in Iraq such that
all cravelers with the group whose names are included on the group passport or manifest must be
able to prove their identity on exit and entry.
The present security environment in Iraq will not pennit a large number of travelers to the Hajj
to c ransit through Iraq from neighboring countries this year. A wqaf should infonn their
counterpans in the neighboring countries of this decision well in advance (by Nov. 15) and this
should be supported through official MFA channels.
The Tourism Board is in the process of licensing private Iraqi tour companies and has begun to
license international companies. Awqaf representatives will not accept private tour companies
licensed exclusively by Tourism without the participation of the Awqaf and other entities.
Religious Affairs instead has proposed they select and coordinate the use of companies for the
Hajj.
For better coordina1ion we recommend thal the Steering Board will set and publish the criteria
for licensing travel companies no later than mid November and approve the selection of travel
companies licensed for the Hajj.
Air Travel
It is likely that one or more countries will offer to provide (paid or sponsored) chartered aircraft
for the Hajj. In such a case, it would be best to offer service from three regional airports.
Ministry of Transportation has recommended use of the airports in Basra, Mosul and BIAP for
2

special charter flights for the Hajj. However, security and liability issues remain unresolved, and
would require a decision on whether to pursue this option.
Possible adloms:
(J): That the CPA explores the feasibility of using BlAP, Mosul and Bosra airports for Hajj
travel; a decision on using airports to be taken after proper investigation, no later than Nov.15.
(2): CJTF-7 and Minis(Jy of Interior should work with representatives in the Steering Board
on a plan for security for Hajj pilgrims, based on the overland travel routes and schedules and on
possible use of one or more of the three regional airports. The routes and schedules should be
presented by the Steering Board no lacer than Nov. 15.
(3): The Stee1ing Board (Culture!fourism, Awqaf, Interior, Transportation, Finance, Foreign
Affairs) will set standards for travel conditions and publish them no later than November I 5, and
will approve the licensing of private tour operators.
(4): This year, due t.o the security situation and the lack of full border control procedures, Iraq
will not allow foreign nationals to transit Iraq for the Hajj. Awqaf wilJ inform their counterparts
in Iran, Turkey and other source countries about this decision by November IS and the MFA will
follow up through official channels
3

030926-08
s e---~
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORIT0~5
BAGHDAD c;~
For Welcome Home Package
INFO . MEMO
September 28, 2003
TO: THE ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: .___ ____ (b- )(G ...... )lsenior Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
SUBJECT: The Iraqi Hajj : Needs and Support Assessment
The Hajj Task Force (MFA, Religious Affairs, Governance, Finance, CJTF-7, Interior,
Tourism) offers the following assessment for your review. When final pilgrim quotas are
agreed, we will follow up with a specific action plan.
A delegation of 15 representati~ including members of the Awqaf and Governing Council
staff, plan to travel on<o;!~~ to Jeddah and Riyadh to...negotiate the Iraqi guota and the
renting of facilities needed to perform the Hajj . Ibrahim Ja'afari has asked Dr. Said Hakki to
lead the delegation (see attachment), which is scheduled to meet Pri nce Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz,
Minister of the Interior. The GC has expressed an interest in increasing Iraq 's quota from
25.000 to 100,0_90; we expect the Saudis may agree to a total of ~-60,000 persons.
Under Saddam, only a§elect !_ew were chosen to participate in the Hajj; therefore, the
pilgrimage that will take place in mid-January 2QQ4 will be the firs~for
ma!lY everyda~ Iraqis to perform thi~~J of the Islamic_fujth. The pilgrimage lasts 10-11
days, and will include Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia closes its borders ten days prior to the
Hajj. so all preparations and travel must be completed in advance.
Selection
Most Islamic €OPRttiei coa:Jduct a lottery ta d~ide who can participate; we expect the number
of applicants to outweigh heavily the quota this year. The Awqaf or the proposed Council on
Religious Affairs sb.ould control this process taking into consideration the stmcture of the
population, the distribution of the religious and ethnic groups throughout different
govemorates, and the ratio between the population in each govemorate and the total Iraqi
population. The procedure should be-l[fnsparent and well-pubfu;ized in order lo offer the
maximum opportunity for registration. The procedure should be initiated well in advance and
conducted in close cooperation with the leadership of the GC and the governorates.
1

Typically, as much as ~0% of Hajj costs are paid !>.)!the host Islamic government for tbosc
unable to afford the ttip. Fees. travel and accommodation costs total $15Q0 for each pilgrim.
The Saudi . authorities have already agreed to invite, free of c~rge, 250 persons chosen by the
Ministry of Health and 500 Iraqi dignitaries chosen by the GC. Dr. Hakki plans to try and
convince the Saudi authorities to waive the border crossing fee this year. The Awqaf should be
~table to contribute monies and the Iraqi MFA should approach othe.rjfila!Jll£ co~ntri~s _at ~he
1 Donors' Conference or other venues to seek financial cont1ibutj _ Ofil . lO_Qff~~~Qs~~
If we assume a $500 subsidy for a maximum of 60,000 pilgrims, we must raise :b~~_iHiQW'to
cover costs. However, the eventual subsidy will depend on available funds, and not all
pilgrims will qualify for thjuubsidy.:...:Anotb£! option suggested by Awqaf representatives
would be to use a '(:£f~fei·~ntia l ex~l!g_~at~·_:_1or the need§.Q.!L_500_:_!~-~u.g_g.esteE..r a!_<?_~m.!l.d
be ID 500 far I U.SD or, in other terms, a subsidy of $1000 per person). In both cases these
funds can not be subsidized from the CPA budget.
Travel
Our goal is to en.£_ouragc private sector involvemept by using private Iraqi tour operators to v
organize travel either by bus or air chatter. The Awqaf /Council on Religious Affairs will need
to coordinate with the Tourism Board to select tour operators and ensure their compliance with
adequate health and sanitary conditions, and with the Ministry of the Interior co ensure thal
Ba' athist companies do not receive contracts.
We anticipate we will need LOOO buses to move an estimated 70% of 60,000 pilgrims. Bus
travel would require security escorts and border control assistance at the following crossings:
• Ar Ar to Saudi Arabia
• Trnybil to Jordan c>"Y?:
• Safwan to Kuwait
..)I
\.tc.>::1 "'~ 7
~~-= t .
Air vel would re
ennission to use BIAP. Mosul, and/or Kirkuk ai orts c:(t:,d''~
PassportsNisas
We estimate that 80 % of the pilgrims will needpassports and assistance in obtaining visas for
access through neighboring countries. The Ministry of Interior should establish procedures for
procuring and distributing passports based on the lists provided by the Awquf/Council on
Religious Affairs. The MFA shoulrl .. demarcbe Jordan. Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia to.negotiate
fle~ible solutions for "religious" visas. The visas should be obtained through travel agencies,
which should be responsible for ensuring pilgrims have aH req_
uired travel documents.
Security
It is critical to secure designated routes and border crossings to prevent any terrorist attacks on
J ~ajj buses. The travel agencies should organize convoys; the travel schedule of each convoy
2
... • • ·r -•
-
. .

'should be coordinated with lhe Awqaf/Council of Religious Affairs. Based on this centralized
schedule, the necessary security protection could be organized by including Iraqi sources such
as Iraqi Police, ICDC OJ-NC<..._W Iraqi Anny. CJTF-7 should work with the Hajj Task Force on a
~plan for security~!!tcy~df the pilgrims will present another security challenge; the Ministry
of the Interior and CJ> A should establish procedures to ensure the smooth return of the Hajjis.
Public Affairs
As the most high profile and popular activity after the liberation of Iraq, the Hajj will mark the
differences and new liberties brought about by the change of regime. Strategic
v/ Communications shoukf draft a public outreach program targ~.~C:~-~t the Iraqi, regional and
international audiences. Through IMN TV and radio channels and newspaper advertisements,
CPA should help the Awqaf advertise the Hajj lottery and travel procedures.
ATIACHMENT: Delegation List
COORDINATION: Awqaf, Governance, Interior, CJTF~ 7, Tourism,,Finance, Transportation,
Strategic Communications
3

. (
IRAQI DELEGATION FOR PREPARING THE HAJJ PILGRIMAGE OF' IRAQIS
· 1. Dr. Said Hakki - Head of Delegation
I
2. Dr. Jamal Nasser - President, Iraqi Red Crescent
3. Sheikh Jalal Al Din Al-Sagheer
4. Sayyed Hussain Ibrahim Baraka
5. Dr. Mohamed Obeid Al-Kubaisi
6. Dr. Saa'd Allah Ahmed Arif
7. Dr. Abdul Atheem Al-Bakka'
8. Khair Allah Al-Hadithi
9. Dr. Thair Ibrahim Khair Al-Shamary
10. Ghataa • Abdul Nabi Abdul Redha
11. DR. Jamil Abdul Majied Abdulla
12. Mohammed Shalan Hasson
13. Dr. Walid Abdul Ghfaar Shuhaib
14. DR. Mohye Al Din Al Khatib- GC Secretary General
15. Adnan Jawad Filfil -Secretary to Dr. Ibrahim Al-Ja'afari
4
·
·~ .
.
-·•
. ~ . . .. . . : . . .

;; .~w.t,t : ... : .
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UNCLASSIFIED
COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
BAGHDAD
ACTION MEMO
..
. .
....
October 30, 2003
f'OR: THE ADMINJSTRA TOR
FROM: -----( -b) - (G
_
ll Senior Advisor. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
SUBJECT: The lrnq Hajj: Follow up and Recommendations
REF: My lnfo Memo of September 28, 2003
For the most part the mechanisms for effecting the Iraqi Hajj are in place. The CPA role should
primarily be to ensure the preparatory conditions for organizing the travel, facilitate setting the
routes and devising the security plan for the travel wilhin Iraq and at the bor<lcr.
The Hajj Task Force (MFA, Religious Affairs, Governance, Fini\nce, CJTF-7, Interior,
Culturcff ourism) agreed in principle on the need to fodlilate the travel of the projected 50,000 to
60,000 pers2ns. ~wqaf will oversee the selection Qf those wishing to go to the Hajj and organize
in coordmat\on with the Ministry of Health the vaccination of the lrnqi pilgrims.
The Hajj Task fo~cc recommends t ha~ring Bo}ill) including representatives from
CuJlurcfTourism, Awqaf, Interior, Transp<Jrtalion, Finance, Foreign Affairs should develop a
plan for and oversee the selection of licensed travel agencies vide the package tour .
The Iraqi MFA, Awqnf and Jntc · h Id devise a plan documc the travelers in an efficient
manner so that they may enter Saudi Arabia. CP n enor an TF-7 will approve the
designation of the l~ lsmtl border crossings (Ar Ar, Traybil •mu Safwan) for overland lravelcrs
to the Hajj recommended by Awqaf. Particulnrly. the Ar Ar border po~t.must be manned by MOIL
Cusloms, lmmigration and Border police in time for the Hlljj. \\(;\.~ ""-'< ~V'\ csF ?~
' r'(\c.,,' \-c..~\ r- .
The Task Force rc<.1uests your guidance on whether to explore using the three airports of BIAP,
Mosul and Dasra to transport ~(<lvcl e rs by chat1crcd commercial airlines. CJTF-7 has provided .
separate argumentation recommending thal you not approve this option. 1f you <lo approve use
or the airpo1 1s, a set of special measures should be enforced.
•
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UNCLASSIFIED
c).f'pf'· '";: ~~,'(~ .
'vp- ..;¢.. . ~ ~ ... .
By November 12, Awqaf intends to issue instructions and application or those who ~ht~ 'J.(Sc:.. l.-'-7
enter the lottery used lo sele:ct ~he pilgrims. In mid-November a rsor delc alion will -~\ •
negotiate w1ththe Saudis regarding the number of travelers and fi ancial matters (including the ·
possible excmplion of the fees). TI1e delegation will be headed Dr. Hakki, designated for this
mission by Governing Council and will include a representativ. from the Iraqi MFA. Once the
Saudi representatives~et_th e quota for Iraqis, local govern ts, under the supervision of
Awqaf, will conduct lotteries based on proportion of popul ion. Awqaf intends to ensure\.
transparency by televising the lottery proce<lure a 1tm the performance. ~c
After concluding the selection, Awqaf in coordination with Health will supervise the
vaccinations required for travel to Saudi Arabia and determine the allotment of any subsidies.
Passport/ Visas
Jn the past, the Iraqi government issued special "Hajj" passports allowing travel to Saudi Arabia.
All stocks have been looted, as was the printer that produced the passports. Issuing lTDs to each
traveler would be time consuming and would divert resources from issuing ITDs to others in
need of them. The most efficient ahemativc would be for the MOI Lo is~uc
"group pa~&peFls"
which arc basically manifest of the bus or airplane. The MFA wjll be iastructe.d to negotiate with
"""
th£ Saudis this procedw:C ~ the precursor delegation will ask the same. We should also consider
sending a consul · · · nterior official with th~rec ursor group sine<\
there is no consular representation in Saudi Arabia at this llm . «> • · ~,) ~~ ~<::.. C-C.~
Security
CJTF-7 and MOl arc preparing to oversee security of ovcrhmd travelers and of movement of air
travelers within the airports if a decision is ma<lc lo allow travcJ by air. The Steering Board need
to provide CJTF-7 and Interior with proposed roules, schedules nnd bus manifests as early as
possible so that they can properly plan. The planning process musl be started now, involving ,
coordinalcd resources from CJTF-7 C-5 and MOI, Customs, lmmigralion and Border Police. ~'b <jy<:.,
\.M~S~ \<;
The necessar sccuril rotection could be or anizcd b · · · · urccs such as Iraqi <.l (b-')
Police, !CDC or New Iraqi rmy. A special attention will be given to security al the bus toad tuf!A}esr ·
stations and bus routes including coordinntion with local police nnd hi ghway patrols. '"A~ --'le...
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.
Re-entry of the pilgrims will present another security challenge; the Ministry of the Interior and
CJTF-7 sl}2uld establish proccdyrcs. tQ..cnsurc Lhc smoot11 ~turn of 1hc HQ.ijis.
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The Tourism Board is in lhe process or licensing private Jraqi tour companies and has begun lo .
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license international companies. Dr. Hakki said that the Awqaf will not accept private tour · ·. -.:-.·· ::· · ··
companies licensed exclusively by Tourism without the participation of the Awqaf and other · : : ·
entities. Religious Affairs has proposed they select and coordinate the use of companied for the
Hajj. For better coordination of these separate foitiatives we recommend that the Steering Board
set and publisH the cri~rin for licensing travel companies no later than mid November and
ttpprovc the licenses. Both Tourism and Awqaf have agreed to this.
Air Travel
h is likely that one or more countries will offer to provide (paid or sponsored) chartered aircraft
for the Hajj. In such a case, it would be best to offer service from three regional airports.
Ministry of Tn:msportation has recommended the airports in Basra, Mosul and BJAP. CJFT-7
strongly opposes. Securi ty and liability issues remain unresolved. A feasibility study 1s needed,
•m<l would require a decision on whether to pursue this option.
Flights into Iraq must be security screened and must be approved and coordin11tcd through prior
agreement for the use of Air Fields under the control of CF forces. If limited flights for the Hajj
nre approved by Commander CJTF-7, feasibility study by CJTF-7. MOI. and Ministry of
Transportation including, but not limited to, should address the requirements set forth below:
• Determination of Airport capability for accepting commcrci~l traffic.
• Risk Assessment for safety of Aircraft landing at the proposed Airfields.
• Conduct of Airport operations ~mtl manning.
• Basic requirements such as ticketing, baggage handling. f ucling. maintenance and other
logistics us well as Air Trnffic Control (ATC).
HECOMMENOATIONS:
(l): Th<1t the CPA explore the feasibility of using BIAP, Mosul and Dosrn airpo11s for Hajj
travel; a decision on using airpo1ts lo be taken after proper investigation by CJTF~ 7, MOl and
Min i~try of Transportation, no later than Nov. LS.
Disapprove: Approve with mo<lificalion:
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. . UNCLASSIFIED · -. .:,· ::>.n:--. :. : . ... :,- ___ · <j/ i;~-'. · ·~~ >"'~f"~?;i
·
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(3): The Steering Board (Culturc!Tourism, Awqaf, Interior. Transportation, F!nance;· · F<>reign · · r:·
: .-: ·
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Affairs) will set standards fqr travel conditions and pubJish them no later than November is;·and .. : ~ · ! · ~f'J ._ · ~ .. •
will approve the licensing of private tour operators. . . ~•{ ·.'..:. :- ·.: · ·· ·. ·
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Approve:
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· ,a'JC> ... ...Disapprove: Appr~ve with modification:
(4): Iraq will not allow foreign nationals to transit Iraq for this year's Hajj. Awqaf and MFA will
inform their counterparts m Iran, Turkey and other source countries about this decision by ,
Nov.15. Le\- ¥e. -eflS
Approve: Disapprove: Approve with modification: ~~e '\Q:L)
(5): Strategic Communications should present a Public Relations Plan to support a transparent
selection of Hajj pilgrims and to project lhe different approach taken by the new Iraqi
Government and work with the Awqaf on its implementation.
Approve: Disapprove:
Approve with modification:
ATf ACHMENTS: NONE
COORDJNATION:
Governance 6
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RA: (b)(6)
MOI: L TC (b 6)
CJTF-7: LJ.-~~ 6 ~--_,.
Tourism/Culture (b)(6)
Transport:a.;. (b ...:. )..:. (6 ..:. ) ___ ~~--
Slratcgic Communication: (b)(6)
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