OVERFLIGHTS: HELP US DO IT OURSELVES

S E C R E T DAR ES SALAAM 000771 SIPDIS SIPDIS PM/ISO FOR KJACKSON, AF/RSA FOR MBITTRICK, AF/E FOR BYODER E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/30/2016 TAGS: MARV MOPS PREL PBTS PTER PINR TZ SUBJECT: OVERFLIGHTS: HELP US DO IT OURSELVES REF: A. DAR ES SALAAM 0592 ¶B. DAR ES SALAAM 0498 Classified By: Political Officer Maureen B. Latour for reasons 1.4(b) a nd (d). ¶1. (S) Ambassador Pastor Ngaiza, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Europe and Americas Division, has informed Ambassador Retzer that the Government of Tanzania (GOT) would like to develop its own capacity to conduct aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions rather than allow USG overflights. Ngaiza requested USG assistance in developing such capacity. ¶2. (S) Ngaiza stressed that the GOT cooperates with the USG on counterterrorism through a number of different channels and wishes to continue that cooperation. He stressed the GOT response on overflights should in no way be construed as a desire to diminish that cooperation. ¶3. (S) COMMENT: In a subsequent meeting with Ambassador Retzer, Tanzanian President Kikwete made clear he wishes not only to continue existing cooperation on counterterrorism, but expand it. He pointed specifically to training and technical assistance from the FBI, U.S. Civil Aviation authorities, the Treasury Department, Justice Department, and other agencies and said he wants to expand such programs. In the run-up to President Kikwete's May 17-18 visit, we urge Washington to develop proposals to build on President Kikwete's interest. RETZER