REQUEST TO PURSUE STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT WITH

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000876 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR L/PM MICHAEL COFFEE AND L/AF GEORGE TAFT. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PREL SL SUBJECT: REQUEST TO PURSUE STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE REF: STATE 35339 ¶1. This is an action request. See Para. 5 ¶2. Since 2001 DOD has assigned at least three U.S. Military personnel to serve as U.S. liaison at the International Military Advisory Training Team (IMATT). Although the UK concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) concerning the status arrangements for IMATT personnel from the UK, the MOU does not cover U.S. military personnel. ¶3. Embassy Freetown would like to establish a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) to cover U.S. military personnel assigned to Sierra Leone, whether with IMATT or under other orders, to ensure their priveleges and immunities. The three IMATT officers fall under the administrative authority of the Office of the Defense Attache at the U.S. Embassy. In addition to IMATT personnel, DOD has sent two U.S. military training teams to Sierra Leone in 2006 and more are expected that could benefit potentially from SOFA protection. ¶4. Sierra Leone has also received two ship visits from the U.S. Navy in 2006. The most recent visit is the USS Elrod, which is part of a UK Amphibious Task Force exercise, deployed in Sierra Leone waters for three weeks from October to November. A similar, if not more robust schedule, is planned for 2007. ¶5. Action Request: Per Reftel, Embassy Freetown is seeking guidance, authority and sample text to initiate negotiations with the GoSL to conclude a SOFA to ensure protections of U.S. military personnel assigned in the country. POC is DCM Elizabeth Susie Pratt, Prattes2@state.gov. HULL