SOMALIA - IGAD DEPLOYMENT PLAN: EU RESPONSE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BRUSSELS 001109

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT, PLEASE PASS USAID

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/17/2015
TAGS: PREL EAID SO USEU BRUSSELS
SUBJECT: SOMALIA - IGAD DEPLOYMENT PLAN: EU RESPONSE

REF: SECSTATE 47850

Classified By: PRMOFF MARC J. MEZNAR. REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D).


1. (C) The EU broadly shares U.S. concerns over the IGAD
peacekeeping plan. However, it prefers a low-profile
approach which allows the plan to collapse under its own
weight for lack of Somali support. The EU will not fund any
peacekeeping operation that includes troops from frontline
states. The EU views the current peace process as a window
of opportunity and hopes the U.S. will join in providing
assistance to solidify gains and rebuild the country. End
Summary.

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EU Council: Shares U.S. Concerns
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2. (C) On March 17, PRMOFF discussed points contained in
reftel with the Head of the EU Council,s Africa Task Force
Koen Vervaeke and with DG Development Somalia Desk Officer
Michele Cervone. Vervaeke said that the EU has yet to react
publicly to the IGAD plan, but that Member States expressed
many of the same concerns raised in reftel during the COAFR
working group in mid-February. Vervaeke said that at a PSC
meeting on March 15, the EU agreed on the following four
points:

-- No action can be taken until there is full agreement by
the transitional government for the IGAD plan;
-- Although Ethiopia,s interest is understandable, it cannot
be part of the peacekeeping force; however, Ethiopians could
work on outside activities, such as planning support;
-- Sudan cannot be part of the peacekeeping force; and,
-- Better communication is needed among the principal actors
(i.e., IGAD, AU, the Somali factions, and the CMC).


3. (C) Vervaeke said that on March 16 the EU had received
planning documents for the IGAD peacekeeping mission.
However, the plans contained many problems, including the
inclusion of frontline states, no clarity of mandate and
unclear relationship between IGAD and the AU. For these
reasons, the EU is nowhere near ready to discuss financing
options for any peacekeeping mission.


4. (C) Vervaeke expressed optimism over the possibility of
peace in Somalia and said the EU would work hard to keep the
opportunity alive. He said that both the European Commission
(EC) and EU Council Secretariat would participate (at a
working level) at the April 21 meeting of the CMC.

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EC: Interested in U.S. strategy
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5, (C) Cervone repeated many of the points made by Vervaeke,
but with more emphasis on U.S. thinking and future
contributions. He noted that while the EC shared many of the
U.S.,s concerns about the IGAD plans, their strategy to move
the peace process forward was different. Cervone said that
the EC, as the largest donor to Somalia, had been engaged in
quiet diplomacy for quite some time while the U.S. (as well
as the EU Member States) have largely been absent from the
scene. Instead of publicly saying "no" to peacekeeping
troops from front-line states, the EC prefers this opinion be
expressed by Somalis themselves. Cervone said that in order
for the EC to provide any funds for peacekeeping, the request
must have the support of all factions in Somalia, as well as
endorsement from the AU and the UN.


6. (C) Cervone said that the EC expected the IGAD plan to
wither away and the Hawiye Plan put forth by the Parliament
to gather steam. He noted that the draft IGAD plan received
in Brussels on March 16 was unfeasible, both for political
and technical reasons. Cervone mentioned that the "strong"
U.S. statement regarding IGAD came as a "small bomb" in the
IGAD meeting and may have hardened the Ethiopian stance.


7. (C) DG Development Director for East, South and the Horn
of Africa Anders Henriksson will be in Washington March 21-22
for discussions with the Department on a variety of issues,
including Somalia. Cervone said this will be a good
opportunity to hear more from the U.S. regarding its vision,
political strategy and funding sources for solidifying peace
in Somalia.

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EC: Robust assistance program
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8. (C) According to Cervone, the EC has had no problem
disbursing the approximately 50 million euros per year that
it has earmarked for Somalia. (Note. Unlike most other
African countries, the EC can make decisions without
consulting Somali authorities or gaining their approval for
lack of a full-fledged, functioning government. End note.)
This year,s priorities include training police and
supporting the reconciliation process. The EC has also
earmarked 5 million euros, channeled through UNDP, to help
relocate the government. Cervone said that the CMC, a
mini-donor roundtable, is expected to take place in late
April to garner financial support for the relocation project
and related security expenses.


9. (C) Cervone also said the EC looks forward to U.S.
participation at the large donor conference that is scheduled
to take place in Rome at the end of this year, where the
World Bank and UN needs assessments will be presented to the
donors.

McKINLEY
.