Cablegate: Demarche: Request to the Governments Of

VZCZCXRO0710
OO RUEHGI RUEHMA RUEHROV RUEHTRO
DE RUEHC #9518/01 3521858
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 181857Z DEC 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE IMMEDIATE 1032
RUEHKA/AMEMBASSY DHAKA IMMEDIATE 2366
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI IMMEDIATE 1545
INFO DARFUR COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 129518

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BG KPKO LY MARR YI
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE: REQUEST TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF
BANGLADESH, LIBYA, AND SERBIA FOR CONTRIBUTION OF
HELICOPTERS TO THE UN/AU MISSION IN DARFUR (UNAMID)

SUMMARY
--------------

1. Summary. This is an action request. Please see paragraph
7. Department requests the assistance of Embassies Belgrade,
Dhaka, and Tripoli in obtaining a commitment from their host
governments to provide helicopters to the AU/UN Mission in
Darfur (UNAMID). The mission is looking for up to 18 medium
transport utility helicopters, with a goal of 6 helicopters
per sector and operating crews for deployment to UNAMID at
the earliest possible time. The helicopters would be
utilized for mission critical activities in Darfur, and
permit UNAMID to improve operational capability in fulfilling
its mandate. End Summary.

OBJECTIVES
----------------

2. Department instructs Embassies Belgrade, Dhaka, and
Tripoli to pursue the following objectives:

--Impress upon the host governments there is a critical need
for 18 medium utility helicopters and crews for deployment to
UNAMID, without which the mission cannot meet its operational
goals and objectives. The requirement is for military
elements to ideally consist of six operational, rotary wing
aircraft with the capability to deploy anywhere within
Darfur, with each aircraft providing up to 40 flying hours
per month. The unit must be self-sufficient in all
categories, except fuel, for the first 90 days of deployment.
The aviation unit must deploy with support and maintenance
elements. UN Force Generation Services can provide additional
details on unit requirements;

--Persuade the host governments to identify and donate to
UNAMID UN-certifiable medium transport helicopters on a
UN-reimbursable basis, or determine if there is any interest
by the respective governments in providing these assets;

--Encourage officials of the host government's Foreign
Ministry and Ministry of Defense, as appropriate, to initiate
discussions as soon as possible with officials within the
United Nations, Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO)
and Department of Field Support to commence negotiations
leading to the deployment of the helicopters and operating
crews.

REPORTING DEADLINE
----------------

3. Embassy should report results of efforts by cable to Erin
Whitney, IO/PSC by January 5, 2010.

BACKGROUND
----------------

4. Since inception, UNAMID has unsuccessfully sought to
acquire utility helicopters for the mission. The concept of
operations calls for 18 medium transport helicopters to
perform essential mission functions. Despite the best
efforts of DPKO and the international community, UNAMID has
been unable to obtain the necessary helicopters. The
operating conditions in Darfur are some of the harshest for
UN peacekeepers, with poor roads, poor airfields, and a
brutal climate. Air transportation, particularly during the
rainy season when all movement is severely curtailed, is the
only viable mode of transportation.

5. The concept of operations calls for each UNAMID sector to
have one military helicopter operating 24 hours per day, 7
days per week, although the Government of Sudan has not yet
granted clearance for night flights. A major use for the
helicopters would be for medical and casualty evacuations.
Given the operating conditions in Darfur for UNAMID troops,
the large internally displaced population in camps, and their
fragile health, welfare, and security conditions, it is
essential to have reliable medical transport capabilities
whenever needed. The helicopters will also be used to
enhance the safety and security of UNAMID troops, including
for troop transport and re-supply, to conduct patrols and
search and rescue operations, and to investigate and monitor
reports and incidents of conflict within UNAMID,s area of
operations.

STATE 00129518 002 OF 002

6. The ability for UNAMID to fulfill its mandate is dictated
by the level of contributions of member states. UNAMID must
be capable of rapid mobility over vast distances and
difficult terrain. Given the lack of adequate roads, this
mobility cannot be achieved without the helicopters.
UNAMID,s area of operations covers almost 200,000 square
miles ) an area larger than California. The 18 medium
transport utility helicopters are a key enabler to mission
success, increasing the mobility and operational impact of
the mission.

7. Action request. Embassies Belgrade, Dhaka, and Tripoli
are requested to approach their respective host governments
at the highest appropriate level to obtain a commitment to
donate up to 18 medium transport helicopters to UNAMID for
service in Darfur. If any host government responds
positively to this request, Department requests Embassies to
obtain assurances from the host government that the
helicopters to be offered to UNAMID are, or will be,
UN-certifiable prior to or immediately after delivery to
UNAMID. Please inform the Department if a firm commitment is
not immediately forthcoming but interest in exploring the
option is exhibited by the host government. Department
requests the involvement of each Embassy's Defense Attache's
Office in this effort. Department appreciates the assistance
from Embassies Dhaka, Tripoli, and Belgrade.

--Please note that follow on assessments may be conducted
should the host government identify equipment for use in
UNAMID that does not meet UN standards. These assessments
will determine if upgrades are possible, or if the US can
engage with the UN to accept minimal differences in their
stated requirements. Troop Contributing Countries may engage
in a dry lease arrangement with the UN in which the UN
provides for equipment maintenance.

End action request.

POINT OF CONTACT
----------------

9. Please contact Erin Whitney at (202) 736-7740 or Thomas
Brown at (202) 736-7789 or via e-mail for any necessary
further background information or argumentation to meet our
objectives.

10. Tripoli minimize considered.
CLINTON

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