VZCZCXRO2959
PP RUEHROV
DE RUEHLO #2883 3221602
ZNY EEEEE ZZH
P 171602Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY LONDON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0434
INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHNJ/AMEMBASSY NDJAMENA PRIORITY 0105
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 3317
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 1309

UNCLAS E F T O LONDON 002883 
 
NOFORN 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2018 
TAGS: PREL KPKO MASS PINR CD CT SU FR UK
SUBJECT: MINURCAT/EUFOR: EARLY UK VIEWS ON THE MANDATE 
 
¶1. (SBU/NF) Foreign Office contacts have informally told us 
that the UK continues to question the need for a United 
Nations peacekeeping presence in the Central Africa Republic 
(CAR) and plans to advocate for the smallest force possible 
in the extension of the MINURCAT mandate, even as the UN 
force takes on EUFOR's responsibilities.  The FCO has not 
received any clear indications on French thinking about the 
mandate, but understands that the French may agree to extend 
the EUFOR mandate for a few months beyond the March 15 
cut-off (until the UN force is in place) but that France 
wants to be out of the UN force as soon as possible. 
Additionally, HMG thinks that France is supportive of 
maintaining a PKO presence in CAR, contrary to the British 
position. 
 
¶2. (SBU/NF) While HMG does not see a compelling reason for 
the PKO to continue in CAR, it is fully supportive of its 
role in Chad.  Under its "evidence-based approach to 
peacekeeping," HMG wants the MINURCAT renewal to have a clear 
mandate, including an exit strategy based on long-term 
planning.  The UK would like to see a greater emphasis on 
rule of law and less rebel chasing.  The main problem at 
present is banditry, and the UN operation should focus on 
establishing systems that bring the bandits to justice.  HMG 
welcomes greater P-3 coordination in the run-up to the 
MINURCAT mandate renewal. 
 
 
Visit London's Classified Website: 
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Unit ed_Kingdom 
 
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