IRAQI CONTRIBUTION TO PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 004386 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2015 TAGS: EAID PHUM PREL MOPS PK IZ SUBJECT: IRAQI CONTRIBUTION TO PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF REF: STATE 195483 Classified By: Economic Minister Counselor Tom Delare for reasons 1.4 ( b) and (d). ¶1. (SBU) The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has offered to send an Iraqi Army engineering company of approximately 140 men to Pakistan to assist in earthquake relief (reftel). A letter was passed to the Iraqi MFA for formal transmission to the government of Pakistan, that must then decide whether or not to accept the Iraqi offer. ¶2. (SBU) On October 24, MFA Deputy Minister Hamidai-Byati told Poloff that he had not yet received formal GOP notification of acceptance, but promised to follow up. ¶3. (C) Assuming the offer will be accepted, MNF-I in conjunction with CENTCOM is making arrangements to assist the Iraqi Army to deploy their men and equipment to Pakistan. In Pakistan, the Iraqi company will team up with a detachment of CENTCOM-provided U.S. Seebees to provide assistance. All transportation, supplies, and security will be provided by the U.S. Satterfield