UNDOF: DRAWDOWN OF CANADIAN CONTINGENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 002103

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IO/PHO, NEA/IPA, WHA/CAN, AND EAP/J

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/23/2013
TAGS: KPKO PREL IS SY CA JA
SUBJECT: UNDOF: DRAWDOWN OF CANADIAN CONTINGENT

REF: (A) STATE 210528 (B) OTTAWA 1779

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Brian Flora,
Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Canada confirmed to us that is does intend to reduce
its contribution to the UN Disengagement Observer Force
(UNDOF) over the next 12 months, but that it will not do so
before ensuring adequate backfill by others. We discussed
reftel (A) concerns with Barbara Martin, Director of Foreign
Affairs' Peacekeeping Division, including reports from third
parties that Canada plans to withdraw from UNDOF. Martin
said that Canada has explicitly told UN, Israeli and Syrian
officials that Canada intends to draw down, but not withdraw
altogether, from UNDOF. Martin said Canada hopes to end up
with approximately 40 "front-line observers" in UNDOF a year
from now, with Canadian specialty support personnel being
replaced by other countries, most likely Japan.


2. (C) Martin emphasized that Canada will not take any steps
that will undermine the UNDOF mission. She said the GoC will
be working closely with the UN to identify backfill, and that
the drawdown of Canadian personnel will be done in
consultation with the UN. She said that Japan has expressed
interest in playing a more prominent role in UNDOF, and that
Canada's decision should give Japan the impetus to move
forward. Canada will continue encouraging Japan to do so,
and will approach other countries as well if needed.


3. (C) Martin said that Canada continues to support UNDOF,
but that there are a number of other countries capable of
filling the support roles that the Canadian contingent is now
providing. After 30 years in UNDOF, Canada is looking to
free up such specialty personnel for other missions.


4. (C) COMMENT: Given Canada's strong commitment to peace in
the Middle East, we do not believe it will leave UNDOF in the
lurch. We will stay in close touch with the GoC over the
issue of backfill, and would be interested in USUN and
Embassy Tokyo's thoughts on an increased Japanese role.
Canada's drawdown plans reflect a more general desire to
rationalize the Canadian Forces' presence, focusing more on
higher-impact missions. They also reflect the fact that the
Canadian Forces are badly overstretched, a problem that is
being exacerbated by the deployment of 1800 troops to ISAF.
CELLUCCI