STATUS OF REQUEST FOR SOFA IN TUNISIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 001324

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/MAG (LAWRENCE) AND PM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2015
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL TS
SUBJECT: STATUS OF REQUEST FOR SOFA IN TUNISIA

REF: SECSTATE 85939

Classified By: Charg d'Affaires David Ballard; reasons 1.4 (b) & (d)


1. (C) We have no Status of Forces Agreement currently with
the GOT. In connection with training exercise Flintlock, we
have signed an MOA (administrative agreement) that is valid
for the duration of the exercise (June 3-17, 2005). We
have a waiver from EUCOM for the Tunisia portion of
Flintlock. The lack of a SOFA or verbal assurances did not
appear to hinder the conduct of the exercise.


2. (C) Embassy Tunis has made a formal request at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Presidential levels (by the
Ambassador and by diplomatic note) for both exercise-specific
SOFAs (now OBE relative to Flintlock) and a permanent SOFA.
Despite assurances June 1 from the Presidency that we would
have an answer in "a few days," we still do not have a
response. The DCM has raised the request and lack of
response almost daily at the MFA Director General level since
June 1, either in person or telephonically, without result.


3. (C) Comment: While our mil-mil relationship with Tunisia
remains strong, we should expect the GOT to move very slowly
and deliberately on this issue; officials likely do not make
large distinctions between oral assurances, exercise
specific- and permanent SOFAs. Embassy Tunis will continue
to engage appropriate officials on concluding a permanent
SOFA.
BALLARD