Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06FREETOWN876
2006-10-26 17:13:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:
REQUEST TO PURSUE STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT WITH
how-toVZCZCXYZ0008 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHFN #0876 2991713 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 261713Z OCT 06 FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0432
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
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
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