NEW MINISTER OF DEFENSE WELCOMES STRONG BILATERAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 001934


STATE FOR NEA/MAG - WILLIAMS, LAWRENCE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/30/2015
TAGS: MARR PGOV TS
SUBJECT: NEW MINISTER OF DEFENSE WELCOMES STRONG BILATERAL
TIES

REF: A. TUNIS 1812

B. TUNIS 1805

Classified By: AMBASSADOR WILLIAM HUDSON FOR REASONS 1.5 (b) AND (d)

1.(C) SUMMARY. During a courtesy call with the Ambassador on
August 31, new Tunisian Minister of Defense Kamel Morjane
(reftels),citing common concerns, highlighted his intention
to continue the long tradition of close bilateral military
cooperation with the United States. He stated that the GOT is
positive about concluding a SOFA and that he would look into
the possibilities of GOT security assistance to Iraq. Morjane
said that one of his priorities is aviation to control
Tunisia's borders against terrorists, but that he was still
familiarizing himself with his portfolio. END SUMMARY.

SOFA/IMET/FMF
--------------


2. (C) Despite having only ten days of experience in the
position, Morjane seemed well-briefed on Tunisia's military
relations with the United States. Morjane was aware of
September's planned Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)
discussions and said that, although Tunisia has some
questions, the GOT will work with the U.S. to conclude a
SOFA. He noted "this is the type of relationship we should
have." Regarding the West Point Instructor Exchange, the
Minister said that there was an agreement; however, Tunisian
participation was hindered by financial concerns. The
Ambassador confirmed USG commitment to identifying a
solution. He also encouraged Morjane to work with Tunisian
Ambassador to Washington Nejib Hachana to reach out to
Washington decision makers to gather further support for
Tunisian-American military cooperation. Morjane recognized
the value of Ambassador Hachana's efforts "on the Hill" and
said he would be in touch with Hachana immediately. The
Minister also added that he was aware of the U.S. interest in
Sahel security issues and that he personally had a great deal
of experience in Africa from his UN work, most recently as
Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION/IRAQ
--------------


3. (C) Citing Tunisia's history of participating in
peacekeeping operations, and his own UN experience, Morjane
said that President Ben Ali was considering how Tunisia could
reinforce international peacekeeping efforts. Tunisia's
reputation as a neutral, peaceful country makes it a logical
participant; however, financial issues sometimes constrained
its contributions. In response to the Ambassador's question
about Tunisia's support for Iraq, Morjane said that the GOT
had not trained Iraqi police or security forces. The
Ambassador repeated Morjane's comment that Mediterranean
countries send officials for military training in Tunisia and
said that he thought there was a positive role Tunisia could
play in supporting Iraqi security and stability. Morjane said
that the GOT was concerned about the Iraqi security situation
and that he would follow up on this point with the Ambassador
when he was more familiar with the Tunisian position.

GOT PRIORITIES - SECURITY AND COUNTER-TERRORISM
-------------- --


4. (C) Morjane said that he was still reviewing his new
portfolio and that his only prior defense experience was
working on peacekeeping issues. However, two of his first
priorities are aviation and security. On the latter, he
commented extensively on the risks for cross-border
terrorists and the regional environment. That said, Tunisia
is a peaceful country and will continue its efforts to
maintain a small but modern army that takes into
consideration the regional environment. To date, the Minister
said he has found the Ministry of Defense to be very well
organized. Morjane explained that President Ben Ali was one
of the first world leaders to focus on counter-terrorism, at
a time when Western leaders did not understand. Today, said
Morjane, we recognize that his efforts were visionary, and
security remains the President's key focus. The GOT will
continue to focus on security issues and cooperation with
those who support these efforts, because "we can't achieve
stability and freedom" without security.


5. (C) COMMENT. Morjane speaks fluent English and appears
favorably inclined towards the U.S. He also highlighted his
positive personal relationships with a number of USG
officials during his years with the United Nations (see ref b
and para 6 bio information). It was clear that his past UN
experience gives him a much broader view of international and
bilateral relations than his predecessor and that he is
likely to be an ally for the USG in Tunisia. END COMMENT.


6. (U) Bio data: Morjane explained that he studied briefly in
Wisconsin in 1985. In 1989, he started the MFA institute for
the training of new diplomats and served as the institute
director. In 1996, President Ben Ali named him the Tunisian
Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.
Morjane said that in 2003 he was considered for the position
of Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Iraq
and sought President Ben Ali's permission for this mission,
before Sergio Vieira de Mello was named. After de Mello's
death, Morjane said he was again asked to serve in Iraq but
uncomfortable given the security concerns.


HUDSON