ITALY SUPPORTS CONCEPT OF SEEBRIG DEPLOYMENT

UNCLAS ROME 002629

SIPDIS


DEPT: EUR/RPM; PM/PPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPKO MARR MASS AF IT NATO AFGHANISTAN
SUBJECT: ITALY SUPPORTS CONCEPT OF SEEBRIG DEPLOYMENT

REF: A) STATE 139663 B) STATE 110073


1. Summary. Italy confirms its support for the concept of a
SEEBRIG deployment as described in reftels and will work with
the U.S. on details of possible implementation. End Summary.


2. On August 4, DATT delivered Reftel A talking points to LTG
Fabrizio Castegnetti, newly appointed chief of the Italian
Interforce Operational Command (COI). In his previous post
as Deputy CHOD, Castegnetti had already promoted the concept
of an Afghanistan mission for SEEBRIG at the most recent
DCHOD meeting during Italy's turn as SEEBRIG commander (Note:
SEEBRIG command has now passed to Bulgaria). In regard to a
possible SEEBRIG deployment in Afghanistan, Castegnetti said
he did not immediately see how Italy itself could come up
with logistical resources because Italy is currently
overstretched in overseas military operations. However,
Castegnetti said that his commitment to the concept of the
SEEBRIG deployment remained firm, that he would study ways to
move the project forward, and that he would work with the
U.S. in developing ideas. The Embassy will approach
Castegnetti again on SEEBRIG deployment when Italy goes back
to work after August holidays.


3. Comment. Castegnetti's new role as chief of COI, his
previous involvement in SEEBRIG, and his longstanding close
working relationship with this Embassy, mean that he will be
an effective partner with the U.S. in laying the groundwork
for a SEEBRIG deployment. End Comment.
BORG


NNNN
2005ROME02629 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED