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OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #9277 1300209
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 090203Z MAY 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN IMMEDIATE 0000
RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO IMMEDIATE 0000
RUEHKA/AMEMBASSY DHAKA IMMEDIATE 0000
RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD IMMEDIATE 0000
RUEHKV/AMEMBASSY KYIV IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO RHMFISS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
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RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
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RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000

UNCLAS STATE 049277 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV MARR KPKO UK CE PA JO BG
SUBJECT: URGENT DARFUR DEMARCHE FOR AVIATION SUPPORT AND 
ENABLING ASSETS 
 
¶1.  This is an action request. See para 2. Aviation assets 
are needed to support UN-AU hybrid peacekeeping operation 
in Darfur (UNAMID). Following is a list of the aviation 
assets for which UNAMID still lacks any contributions: 
 
      -- 4 attack helicopters close air support 
      -- 18 utility helicopters for sector support 
      -- 3 fixed wing for aerial reconnaissance 
 
¶2.  Action addressees are requested to demarche host 
governments at the Ambassadorial or DCM level to request 
that host country work with the United Nations Department 
of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO) and the United States 
Government to provide the critical aviation support listed 
below.  The Department recognizes that some action 
addressees have already requested their host country to 
consider providing aviation assets to UMAMID. Action 
addressees in countries that previously made offers to 
UNDPKO are requested to revisit those offers in light of 
possible U.S. assistance in fulfilling mission 
requirements (see paras 5-7).  The United States will 
engage UNDPKO in direct discussions to determine the 
specific aviation UN requirements to include the host 
country's previously rejected offers (in the cases of 
Jordan, Bangladesh and Pakistan) and is prepared to 
consider specific targeted requests for USG assistance in 
upgrading those aviation assets that failed UNDPKO 
deployment requirements.  Department believes that 
senior-level calls could follow Embassy efforts where 
appropriate.  The President and the Secretary believe the 
USG must exhaust all efforts to secure these assets for 
UNAMID.  Department therefore requests Embassies to make 
every reasonable effort to engage senior-level host nation 
authorities in a discussion regarding their willingness to 
offer (or renew an offer) for the deployment of their 
aviation assets to UNAMID.  In addition, Embassies are 
requested to provide Washington with a preliminary 
assessment of whether USG assistance with training and/or 
equipment upgrades might significantly increase the host 
government's capacity to deploy these assets. For example, 
the USG may be able to assist in training pilots in the 
use of night vision devices.  Embassies should alert host 
countries that USG officials are engaging with UNDPKO to 
ensure that subsequent USG efforts to make host country 
air assets mission-capable will be approved for deployment 
by UNDPKO.  In this regard, Embassies are further 
requested to assure host countries that the USG is 
prepared to assist them in their discussions with UNDPKO 
in support of their aviation contribution to UNAMID. 
 
¶3.  Deadline: the deadline for Embassies to respond is May 
12, 2008 (Department welcomes any interim reports prior to 
the response date). 
 
¶4.  Background:  The United Nations-African Union Mission 
in Darfur (UNAMID) is one of the Department's top 
priorities.  UNAMID currently lacks critical aviation, 
transportation and logistical capabilities. UNAMID's 
mandate calls for a predominantly African force, and it 
has received pledges and actual contributions from many 
African infantry units (including from Rwanda, Nigeria, 
Senegal, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Malawi). 
Nevertheless, UNAMID still lacks commitments for critical 
force multipliers/enablers, including aviation, logistical 
and transportation support assets.  The Department wishes 
to assist host nations in their rapid deployment of 
available aviation assets to Darfur, which is a critical 
part of our strategy for sustainable peace in Darfur and 
central to the success of UNAMID.  Given Darfur's large 
territory and difficult terrain, the lack of 
combat-capable attack helicopters deprives UNAMID ground 
forces of the close air support that could be necessary to 
conduct effective civilian protection operations against 
well-armed adversaries, while the absence of military 
utility helicopters prevents UNAMID from sending rapid 
reaction forces to reinforce ground troops confronted by 
hostile forces in remote combat zones.  Host countries 
that may be able to respond positively to this request and 
wish to contribute assets to UNAMID should be asked to 
bring their capabilities to the urgent attention of the 
Embassy and UNDPKO in New York.  The United States 
welcomes the opportunity to engage DPKO in direct 
discussions of the UN's requirements to include the host 
country's previously rejected offers (in the cases of 
Jordan, Bangladesh and Pakistan) and is prepared to offer 
and consider specific targeted requests for USG assistance 
in upgrading those assets. 
 
¶5. For Embassy Kyiv:  The Department recognizes that this 
demarche request comes as Ukraine is still considering a 
December request from UNDPKO to transfer its helicopter 
assets to UNAMID from UNMIL.  President Bush has also raised 
this issue with President Yushchenko.  The Department 
understands this decision is still pending with the Government 
and ultimately requires approval by the Parliament.   Embassy 
should inquire into the status of this request as it 
currently represents our single best and quickest option 
for deploying the needed air assets to Darfur.  The USG 
stands ready to assist if these or other assets are 
authorized by the GOU. Department notes Ukraine is 
observing the Orthodox Easter-Labor Day holiday and 
response will follow later. 
 
¶6. For Embassy Islamabad: Pakistan pledged a fixed wing 
unit of three Aerial reconnaissance air craft in September 
2007, but the offer was rejected due to the aircraft's 
limited technical capability to conduct reconnaissance 
(need for better electronics and cameras, etc). Pakistan 
is currently looking at ways of enhancing the capability 
with third party support if necessary, according to 
UNDPKO.  Dept recognizes that Ambassador and DCM are 
currently away from post but requests that Embassy present 
this demarche to appropriately senior civilian and/or 
military officials. 
 
¶7.  For Embassy Dhaka: A Bangladesh offer of five Bell 
Utility helicopters was declined by UNDPKO, because these 
helicopters would not provide the required capacity to 
transport a company-sized quick reaction force. 
 
¶8.  For Embassy Amman: Jordan pledged Utility Helicopters 
in August 2007, but the offer was rejected mainly due to 
the aircraft's limited capabilities for night vision and 
potential fuel limitations. 
 
¶9. Point of contact: Colonel Lawrence Mrozinski, IO/PSC, 
202-736-7930, Mrozinskilg@state.sgov.gov. 
RICE