Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BERLIN3551
2006-12-20 15:44:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Berlin
Cable title:  

GERMAN PARLIAMENT DEBATES SUPPORT IN DARFUR

Tags:  MOPS PREL GM XA SU 
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VZCZCXRO0160
PP RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR
DE RUEHRL #3551 3541544
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 201544Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY BERLIN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6482
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 0011
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 9123
C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 003551 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/19/2016
TAGS: MOPS PREL GM XA SU
SUBJECT: GERMAN PARLIAMENT DEBATES SUPPORT IN DARFUR

Classified By: Political Minister-Counselor John Bauman for Reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 003551

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/19/2016
TAGS: MOPS PREL GM XA SU
SUBJECT: GERMAN PARLIAMENT DEBATES SUPPORT IN DARFUR

Classified By: Political Minister-Counselor John Bauman for Reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) A parliamentary debate on the future of German
contributions to a peace operation in Darfur shows that there
is an emerging - if vague - support for an enhanced operation
in Sudan. SPD, Greens and FDP expressed cautious support,
depending on the details, of an extended peace support
operation in Darfur. The CDU/CSU caucus remains reluctant to
support extended German participation in Darfur, partially
due to intra-party squabbles and a lack of leadership on this
issue. End summary.

--------------
Congo Ends, AMIS/Sudan Extended
--------------


2. (C) With the EUFOR Congo mission nearly complete, the
Chancellory is considering ways to increase support in
Darfur. According to DAO sources, discussion of possible
expanded support has intensified with "capability building"
rather than "boots on the ground" the more likely scenerio.
No decisions were made prior to the AMIS mandate vote.


3. (U) On December 15, the parliament had a one hour debate
on the way ahead for German assistance in Sudan followed by a
vote on the continuation the Bundeswehr's airlift support
operation for the African Union's Darfur operation. With the
exception of the Left/PDS caucus, all parties supported the
extension, which extends the mission until July 2, 2007.

--------------
Red-Green Support
--------------


4. (U) Parliamentarians from the SPD (commonly known in
Germany by the party's red color),the Greens, and the FDP
expressed a readiness to support increased German
contributions in Darfur, without suggesting specific
capabilities. All expressed support for the concept of
African ownership of the operation in Darfur. The Greens,
especially foreign policy spokeswoman Kerstin Mller,
stressed that the "ongoing genocide" requires action.


5. (U) SPD defense policy spokesman Rainer Arnold suggested
that in the light of a "collapsed peace process" one has to
empower the African Union (AU) to do its job properly in
Darfur. In this regard he hinted at training and extended
logistical and equipment support as key to resolving the
problem. Meanwhile, the opposition FDP accused the Merkel
government of doing too little, without indicating what the
party would support.

-------------- --------------
CDU/CSU caucus and Defense Mininster Jung At Odds over Sudan
-------------- --------------


6. (C) Defense Minister Jung (CDU) attempted to cushion
recent criticism from his "own" CDU/CSU caucus by mainly
addressing the extension of the existing mandate - the formal
reason for the debate. However, differences between Jung,
who is supportive of extended support for a UN operation in
Darfur, and the CDU/CSU caucus leadership (Kauder/Ramsauer)
remain clearly visible.


7. (C) Eckart von Klaeden, CDU/CSU spokesman on foreign
affairs, repeatedly stressed any Darfur peace operation
should only deploy with the consent of the Khartoum
government. Klaeden stressed the need for the African Union
and the Arab League to do more before other actors should
step in. CDU/CSU staffers privately admitted to PolOff that
such a requirement would effectively limit additional
efforts, as they believe Khartoum is not likely to consent.
They note further that the CDU/CSU remains divided on whether
Germany has vital interests in Africa. Post will continue to
monitor the ongoing debate.
KOENIG