LEBANON: GENERAL SLEIMAN ASKS ASD RODMAN FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIRUT 003721 SIPDIS SIPDIS NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/MARCHESE/HARDING E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/28/2016 TAGS: MARR PREL MOPS LE SUBJECT: LEBANON: GENERAL SLEIMAN ASKS ASD RODMAN FOR SUPPORT Classified By: Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman. Reason: Sections 1.4 (b) a nd (d). SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (C) An interagency delegation led by ASD Rodman met with LAF Commander Michel Sleiman and pledged USG support for Lebanon and the LAF. Sleiman assured the visiting delegation of the LAF's commitment to democracy, HUMAN rights, and the fight against terrorism. Sleiman pointed out the difficult missions the LAF had recently undertaken, as well as its need for training, communications and transport equipment, and new weapons systems. Finally, Sleiman gave a positive report on the LAF's deployment to and surveillance of Lebanon's border areas and relations with UNIFIL. End Summary. SUPPORT FOR THE LAF -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Assistant Secretary of Defense Rodman called on Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Michel Sleiman on November 9. Accompanying Rodman was an interagency delegation representing the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, CENTCOM, as well as the Ambassador and representatives from Embassy Beirut. Rodman noted that he had just participated with Minister of Defense Murr in a ceremony to sign several Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) for equipment needed by the LAF. Rodman assured Sleiman that USG security assistance is moving urgently through the pipeline. Lebanon is a priority; there is wide support in the United States and in the USG to help the people of Lebanon defend their sovereignty. ¶3. (SBU) Sleiman thanked Rodman and assured him that the LAF has "human values." Despite the fact that the force is small and has complicated problems, the LAF adheres to the values of democracy, HUMAN RIGHTS and freedom just as it combats terrorism and fanaticism. Rodman noted that in Lebanese opinion polls, the Lebanese overwhelmingly support their army, and the Ambassador added that the Lebanese also support international assistance for their army as well. Rodman pledged the USG would do all it could to line up additional international support for the LAF. ¶4. (SBU) Sleiman thanked Rodman for the USG support and noted that the LAF is beginning to improve its cooperation with the international community. There are new arrangements in place for training and technical support, and the force is primed for an infusion of USG and third-country security assistance. ¶5. (C) In addition, he noted, the LAF is taking responsibility for three difficult areas: 1) defending and establishing Lebanese sovereignty in the south; 2) monitoring and preventing smuggling on the Syrian border, on the coast, and internally; and 3) internal security in the context of the tense political climate. In addition to these "heavy responsibilities" the LAF has missions like any other military. However, the force needs weapons, vehicles, boats and other tools for mobility. ¶6. (C) Rodman cited the Central Command evaluation of the LAF which had recorded qualitative improvements and increased jointness, and suggested the USG may be able to provide advice and improve the LAF's effectiveness. Sleiman described the current year as "critical" for the LAF, citing the upcoming presidential election and the implementation of UN Security COUNCIL Resolution 1701, which requires the LAF to assert control over all areas of Lebanon. If the LAF acquires more strength and training, he said, it can occupy all areas of the country. EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Sleiman began to describe the LAF's needs for the USG delegation. The principal LAF needs are transportation and general equipment for the anti-smuggling mission; radar and other equipment for observation of the border; and ammunition and spare parts for much of its existing weaponry including the M113 armored personnel carrier. ¶8. (C) In terms of new capabilities, Sleiman said the LAF BEIRUT 00003721 002 OF 002 needs helicopters, in particular twin-engine helicopters qualified for operations over water, to assert control over its territory and control smuggling. The LAF currently has no capability to operate over water safely or provide heavy lift in mountain areas. This became clear when the GOL had to request a firefighting helicopter from Cyprus to counter a forest fire in 2005. In the same year, facing an Islamist terror cell in a mountainous area, the LAF was forced to deploy troops using UH-1 helicopters which were vulnerable to ground fire. ¶9. (C) Sleiman also named helmets and body armor, HMMWV vehicles, communications equipment, AT-4 unguided rockets, anti-aircraft guns such as the Vulcan system, and wheeled armored vehicles. Sleiman noted that the LAF's entire budget is consumed by salaries and basic maintenance, including facilities maintenance, and that there is no budget for procurement of new systems or capabilities. Finally, Sleiman appealed for help setting up training centers. TRAINING -------------- ¶10. (C) Sleiman identified the principal constraint inhibiting LAF training currently: the fact that the force is fully deployed and occupied with its current mission. There are no reserve units left, he pointed out, which could participate in large training programs. However, the force is expanding and hopefully can focus more on training in a short while. ¶11. (SBU) The LAF prefers training with the US military, Sleiman said, as opposed to training with third parties such as regional militaries, and is hoping that the USG can design a training program tailored for its needs specifically, as it had done for Jordan. The LAF officer corps is very well-educated and adaptable, he asserted, and Office of Defense Cooperation Director LTC Aaron Oglesbee pointed out that LAF officers consistently score high in US military training programs. ¶12. (SBU) Senior Counselor for Coalition Affairs Debra Cagan said that the USG would like to offer a full training program to the LAF but that all its trainers are occupied in Iraq. On the other hand, a program could be arranged with a third country, and Cagan asked Sleiman which partners could best assist Lebanon within its practical and political constraints. Sleiman was not prepared to give a direct answer, but noted that the Jordanian Armed Forces were already providing training in Lebanon. Sleiman promised to get back to the delegation via the Embassy with suggestions. He added that the LAF needs training on type for new equipment more than general training. BORDER SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL -------------- ¶13. (C) Defense Attache LTC Kotlow noted that he had discussed with Sleiman border surveillance equipment to free up LAF troops which were stretched thin in their new deployment. Sleiman said the LAF has 10,000 soldiers deployed around Lebanon's borders. ¶14. (SBU) Rodman asked whether Sleiman was satisfied with the LAF's control of south Lebanon, and Sleiman replied in the affirmative. There have been no violations of 1701, he claimed, no arms trafficking, and good relations with the UN Interim Force for Lebanon (UNIFIL). ¶15. (SBU) Rodman noted that the USG is providing quiet logistical support to UNIFIL and coordinating with France and Italy on their mission with UNIFIL. He asked Sleiman if UNIFIL has the right Rules of Engagement (ROE). Sleiman replied in the affirmative, noting that UNIFIL has the right to defend its soldiers and resolve issues. He hinted, however, that the UNIFIL mission is evolving and that new challenges are likely to emerge. ¶16. (U) This message has been cleared by ASD Rodman. FELTMAN