ROMANIA REAFFIRMS STRONG CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR CONTINUED TROOP PRESENCE IN IRAQ DESPITE FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 BUCHAREST 001644

SIPDIS

STATE DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/NCE WSILKWORTH

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS MARR EFIN OVIP RO IZ
SUBJECT: ROMANIA REAFFIRMS STRONG CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR
CONTINUED TROOP PRESENCE IN IRAQ DESPITE FINANCIAL
CONSTRAINTS

REF: A. SECSTATE 131524

B. BUCHAREST 1609

C. BAGHDAD 3010

Classified By: POLITICAL SECTION CHIEF ROBERT S. GILCHRIST FOR REASONS
1.4 A, B AND D


1. (S) Summary. President Traian Basescu told an interagency
team led by Ambassador Richard Jones, Senior Advisor to the
Secretary and Coordinator for Iraq Policy, July 21 that

SIPDIS
Romania is "unconditionally committed" to a continued troop
presence in Iraq. Basescu highlighted the armed forces'
financial burdens in light of recent massive domestic flood
relief efforts and stated that additional USG financial
support for defense reform might permit Romania to increase
its contribution in Iraq. Though not a member of the Paris
Club, Basescu confirmed that Romania has agreed to Paris Club
terms and will forgive 80 percent of Iraq's debts, which
total USD 2.6 billion. President Basescu also raised
Romania's request to interview security detainee and
Iraqi-American citizen Mohammed Munaf, who is a criminal
suspect in Romania. Defense Minister Atanasiu reaffirmed the
GOR's commitment in Iraq but provided insights into cost
saving measures under consideration by the MOD, including
possible reductions of overseas deployments in 2006. Senior
MFA interlocutors also underscored the GOR's support for a
continued GOR presence in Iraq, stressing the importance of a
renewed UNSC mandate as well as an Iraqi government request
for a Multinational Force (MNF) presence. End Summary.

President Basescu: Unconditional Commitment to Iraq
-------------- --------------

2. (C) Ambassador Jones initiated the meeting with President
Basescu, accompanied by State Counselor for National Security
General Constantin Degeratu and State Counselor for
International Relations Anca Ilinoiu, by expressing gratitude
for Romania's steadfast commitment in Iraq. Ambassador Jones
singled out Romania's contribution to UN force protection in
Basra as particularly significant, given that an abiding
international civilian presence in Iraq, such as the UN
mission, remains a high priority and constitutes a bellwether
for other international organizations of improved security
conditions.


3. (C) Basescu stated that the GOR faces deep budgetary
problems in the wake of recent severe flooding across Romania
(Ref B). He characterized the flood-affected areas as
covering a "small surface but having a huge impact," with
bridges, railroads and villages destroyed and thousands
rendered temporarily homeless. He noted that the GOR has
incurred mammoth costs operating an "air bridge" between
Bucharest and flood ravaged zones. Naturally, he continued,
Romania's armed forces have played a key role in providing
relief and organizing cleanup and repair. So far, the
Romanian military has spent about USD 60 million and
anticipates spending USD 100 million on flood related
activities. Flood relief costs have placed tremendous
pressures on the armed forces' budget. In addition to limits
imposed by fiscal constraints, Basescu said that despite the
absence of "signals from the population" opposing Romania's
overseas deployments, some journalists could begin to ask
"Why not use our troops here?" given the urgency of the flood
crisis.


4. (C) Basescu explained that the armed forces face another
"major problem" - delays in planned MOD modernization and
reform this year and in 2004. "I am really disappointed that
reform is not going fast enough, there are still too many
conscripts," the President observed. (Note: The MOD's goal
is an all-professional armed forces by 2007. End Note.)
Basescu asked if it would be possible for the USG to increase
support for defense reform.


5. (C) Basescu immediately added, however, "we will not put
any condition on participation in Iraq and Afghanistan if
support cannot be increased." He promised that Romania will
"remain an ally until the end of the mission, we won't play
politically." Romania will not put a "question mark" around
its participation and "will not in any event diminish
participation in Afghanistan and Iraq." Nonetheless, he
continued, financial support could permit the GOR to consider
increasing its contribution in Iraq. Basescu stated that, in
any event, troop withdrawal by the end of 2006 is
"optimistic" and "we are mentally prepared for the extension
of our presence in Iraq."


6. (C) Ambassador Jones expressed appreciation for Basescu's
realistic assessment of the need for a continued
Multinational Force (MNF) presence beyond 2006. Both the
Ambassador and team member Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, US
Army CENTCOM, discussed ongoing efforts to increase the
quality of Iraqi security forces, such as embedding MNF teams
in Iraqi units, with the ultimate goal of enabling the Iraqis
to take over the fight against terrorists and insurgents. BG
Kimmitt underscored that on-the-ground conditions rather than
an artificial calendar must drive MNF force contributions.

Basescu Proposes Possible Gendarme Training
--------------

7. (C) Basescu stated he had spoken with the Romanian
Interior Minister Vasile Blaga regarding possible additional
contributions Romania could make to strengthen Iraqi
institutions. He said that Romania "could send trainers to
train the gendarmerie in Iraq." BG Kimmitt described the
enduring need for a well-trained Iraqi gendarmerie and
outlined possible training modalities. Basescu affirmed that
although Romania is a small country with "limited resources"
it will remain a "solid partner" and contribute in areas
where it can, such as gendarme training.

Debt Reduction Pledge
--------------

8. (C) President Basescu stated that following a recent Paris
Club agreement Romania has decided to reduce its Iraq debt
(which totals USD 2.6 billion) by 80 percent. He noted that
Romania is not a member of the Paris Club but voluntarily
complied with its debt reduction Recommendation. Ambassador
Jones expressed appreciation for Romania's decision to
substantially forgive its Iraqi debt, observing that among
the three prongs of international support for Iraq -
military, political and economic - economic assistance has
been the weakest prong. Ambassador Jones noted that Romania
is a good example for other creditors, especially non-Paris
Club members and nations like Romania that face financial
constraints.

Romanian Access to Security Detainee Munaf
--------------

9. (S) Basescu raised the subject of Iraqi-American national
Mohammed Munaf, now held as a security internee by Coalition
Forces in Iraq under the authority of UNSCR 1546, asserting
that Romanian "prosecutors need to have a discussion with
him" because of his suspected involvement in the kidnapping
of three Romanian journalists earlier this year. He stated
that the GOR continues to seek the approval of American
authorities to meet with Munaf for a "four hour discussion."
He continued that the GOR believes Munaf can provide key
information about the ongoing prosecution of alleged
kidnapping mastermind,
Syrian-Romanian businessman Omar Hayssam, whom Basescu
asserted is suspected of providing "financial resources to
terrorists." Basescu promised that the GOR would "respect
all procedures" during the interview and would conduct the
interview in any location designated by the USG, given that
he is a security detainee. He added that, pursuant to
Romanian law, his lawyer would "probably like to attend" the
interview. In response to a direct query from Ambassador
Jones, Basescu said that the interview did not need to take
place in the Romanian Embassy as a previous diplomatic note
had indicated. Ambassador Jones promised to help facilitate
appropriate GOR access to Munaf. Regarding Munaf's final
disposition, Ambassador Jones encouraged Romania to engage in
a close dialogue with Iraq. Basescu replied that Romania
already has an "extremely close" dialogue with Iraq on Munaf
and other issues.

Committed - But Cautious - Defense Ministry
--------------

10. (C) In a separate meeting at the MOD, Defense Minister
Teodor Atanasiu, accompanied by State Secretary for
Euro-Atlantic Integration and Defense Policy Ion Mircea
Plangu and CHOD General Eugen Badalan, began his comments by
noting that the GOR has "the commitment to remain until the
Iraqi armed forces can take over." Atanasiu asserted that
costs related to the recent flooding compel Romania to
consider either reducing its overseas deployments or seeking
"cofinancing." Absent "substantial financing," Atanasiu
continued, Romania "should consider reduction of its troops
overseas by 300" in 2006. (Note: According to MOD
statistics, about 1700 Romanian troops are currently deployed
overseas, with more than 850 in Iraq and 540 in Afghanistan.
End Note.)

11. (C) Atanasiu iterated that "we will maintain our forces
in Iraq until the Iraqi forces can take over" but Romania
must consider various options for its 2006 overseas
deployments including "proportional reductions" or "equal
reductions." In the latter alternative, Romania would
withdraw a total of three companies (i.e. about one hundred
troops in each company) from the Western Balkans, Afghanistan
and Iraq. Atanasiu added that the GOR is currently weighing
whether to withdraw its frigate from participation in
Operation Active Endeavor in Mediterranean, with a decision
likely this month or in August. Atanasiu and CHOD Badalan
outlined several possible cost saving measures, including
overseas deployment reductions, "delay in equipment
modernization," and cancellation of exercises, before
concluding that the MOD will consider a "mixture of options"
for cost saving. Badalan interjected that the bottom line is
that the MOD must seek a solution
to save the 60 million dollars it has already spent on flood
relief efforts. Atanasiu explained that the GOR also faces
"budgetary concerns" related to anticipated EU accession in
2007, which limit excessive deficits. BG Kimmitt encouraged
the MOD and MFA to consult closely with the U.S. before
making any changes in Romania's force presence overseas. He
emphasized that maintaining the force protection unit for the
UN at Basra is and should remain a top priority.


12. (C) The CHOD added that the MOD needs to justify its
activities in a post flood environment, which means telling
the Romanian people either that money earmarked for overseas
deployments comes from external sources (read: donors) or the
MOD is reducing its overseas commitments. The Charge noted
that the USG is exploring ways to assist with flood relief.

The Centrality of a UN Mandate
--------------

13. (SBU) Following a working lunch with MFA officials, MFA
Director General for Global Affairs Stelian Stoian chaired an
interagency working group that discussed the GOR's continued
commitment to a troop presence in Iraq. Key GOR participants
were MOD Director General Claudiu Degeratu, External
Intelligence Service (SIE) Director General Silviu Predoiu,
Internal Intelligence Service (SRI) Colonel Mihai Munteanu,
MFA NATO Division Director Mirela Maghiar, and MFA Middle
East Division Deputy Director Laura Mircea.


14. (C) MFA State Secretary for Global Affairs Teodor
Baconschi, the de facto number two Foreign Ministry official,
joined the interagency meeting in progress and reaffirmed the
GOR's commitment to a continued presence in Iraq as expressed
earlier in the day by President Basescu's "message." He
underscored that the GOR supports the "extension of the
mandate" authorizing the presence of the MNF, as provided by
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546. MFA DG
Stoian stressed that a new UN mandate should be
"comprehensive, so that the MNF
can defend itself and the people, covering all
possibilities." Stoian also asked whether the Iraqi
government "is ready to request officially that the UN
authorize a military presence in Iraq post-elections?"
Ambassador Jones observed that Iraq recognizes that a
continued MNF presence there is essential and the USG will
engage in "close consultations" with the Iraqis. (Note:
UNSC 1546, Articles 9 and 10, provide that the "presence of
the MNF is at the request of the incoming Interim Government
of Iraq and that the MNF will have the authority "to take all
necessary measures to contribute to the maintenance of
security and stability in Iraq." Senior GOR leaders strongly
seek a continued UN mandate and explicit Iraqi government
request for an MNF presence. Additionally, they recognize
the importance of robust ROE for MNF participants. End Note.)

Engaging Reluctant Europeans
--------------

15. (C) Baconschi asked about the possible impact on USG
relations with "new" European states that have "announced
their intention to withdraw," opining that Romania and Poland
are the United States' "strongest" Eastern European allies in
Iraq. BG Kimmitt noted that the coalition remains solid;
with the exception of Spain, no other nation in the 62-member
coalition has formally announced that it is concluding its
activities in Iraq, although some states have reduced or
modified their contribution or already carried out their
pledged contribution. He continued that the leadership of
Romania and Poland has been significant in maintaining the
coalition's solidarity. Ambassador Jones pointed out that
after nearly two and one half years the coalition remains
alive and well.


16. (C) DG Stoian stressed that the GOR, an EU aspirant, now
participates in the EU working group addressing the
development of an EU common foreign policy. The GOR is
working to "generate support" from EU countries for
engagement in Iraq and "EU reluctance is not as strong as it
was one year ago." Stoian cited the possible engagement of
gendarme units in training Iraqi forces as one example of how
the U.S. "can count on Romania to try to get more Europeans
involved." Baconschi underscored these remarks by promising
that the GOR will remain "proactive in the EU and seek a new
climate among member states."

UN Force Protection
--------------

17. (C) During the interagency meeting, Ambassador Jones
highlighted the importance of Romania's contributions to UN
force protection, noting that a successful UN presence
encourages the presence of other international organization.
DG Stoian praised UN "experience and expertise" in preparing
for Iraqi elections and observed that the UN presence boosts
the electoral process' credibility. Stoian also solicited
the team's views about NATO's role in Iraq. BG Kimmitt
responded that NATO provides "value added" in Iraq and that
the MNF and NATO complement each other's activities.


18. (C) Comment. The GOR has demonstrated steady progress
on its defense modernization efforts notwithstanding
Basescu's expressed concerns about the slow pace of reforms.
According to a close presidential advisor, Basescu raised the
topic in order to suggest a possible source of USG funding
support that would, ultimately, allow the GOR to continue,
possibly even increase, its impressive troop commitment in
Iraq. The Romanians' worries about funding sources in the
wake of this summer's flooding are well founded. Over the
past several weeks, Romania has faced its most serious
humanitarian crisis since the fall of communism in 1989.
Humanitarian concerns aside, the financial impact has been
devastating, not just in the MOD but throughout the GOR,
which is cash strapped at the best of times. Against this
backdrop, overseas deployments could "backfire" against the
GOR as ordinary Romanians question the presence of Romanian
troops overseas when their manpower, know how and equipment
are needed to clean up and reconstruct in the wake of the
flooding. Under these circumstances, Romania's unequivocal
promise to maintain troops in Iraq, its pledge to forgive the
lion's share of its Iraq debt and its willingness to help
train Iraqi gendarmes even if additional funding support is
not available, demonstrate the depth of its engagement to
building democracy and fighting terrorism in Iraq. End
Comment.


19. (U) Amembassy Bucharest's reporting telegrams are
available on the Bucharest SIPRNet website:
www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/bucharest


20. (U) Ambassador Jones cleared this cable.
TAPLIN