Cablegate: Bolivia Commits 200 Additional Minustah Peacekeepers

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R 172037Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ
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INFO RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
RHMFISS/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM SNAR SOCI MCAP MARR ASEC EFIN KJUS
KPKO, HA, XL, BL
SUBJECT: BOLIVIA COMMITS 200 ADDITIONAL MINUSTAH PEACEKEEPERS

REF: 10 STATE 12558

1. (SBU) Per reftel request, Embassy La Paz Military Group officer
spoke with Bolivian Defense Ministry representatives and confirmed
that the GOB plans to replace its current UN Peacekeeping Mission
in Haiti (MINUSTAH) presence of 205 peacekeepers with a fresh
contingent within two weeks.

2. (SBU) The GOB also has made a formal offer to add a 200-person
motorized company within 60 days. Defense Ministry sources said
the UN had accepted the offer and agreed to fund the unit's
salaries. The agreement now requires only final approval by
President Evo Morales. The motorized company, comprised of troop
carriers and trucks, would be deployed for approximately three to
four months before its likely replacement by a follow-up unit.

3. (SBU) GOB military sources said they would need sea lift
assistance in transporting the company's heavy equipment from
Arica, Chile to Haiti. In addition, the sources said the GOB would
likely have a specific equipment request, to include battle-dress
uniforms, containers, field kitchens, kevlar helmets,
anti-ballistic vests, and night-vision goggles.
Creamer

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