UPDATE ON GUATEMALA'S NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 000986 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR PM AND WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM SOCI MASS SNAR EAID GT SUBJECT: UPDATE ON GUATEMALA'S NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY PROJECT REF: GUATEMALA 0733 ¶1. (SBU) We would like to provide an update on the status of the National Security Strategy (NSS) project for Guatemala, and confirm our and the Government of Guatemala's (GOG) strong interest in pushing this project forward as the basis for developing an integrated approach to the country's deteriorating security environment. ¶2. (SBU) Our continued consultations with senior GOG officials have made clear that they remain committed to the NSS project and using it to increase national security. They view this project as forming the basis for an integrated approach to addressing security issues. ¶3. (SBU) Given limited funding, we believe that an NSS focused primarily on the Guatemalan military's responsibilities is appropriate at this time. While there is a long-term need to develop additional elements of the NSS, the root cause of much of Guatemala's insecurity is international drug trafficking and traffickers' violation of Guatemalan territory. The Guatemalan military is responsible for protecting sovereign territory, and its ability to do so will be a decisive element in the GOG's ability to defeat the international criminal organizations that traffic cocaine, opium and human beings through the country. An NSS focusing primarily on the military will also build on the military reform process and redefinition of mission mandated under the 1996 Peace Accords and continued under the Berger Administration. ¶4. (SBU) We understand that travel, lodging and per diem expenses for NSS development staff from the Center for Civil Military Relations (CCMR) could be paid using TCA funding from SouthCom. We still need funding, however, for the professional fees and associated expenses for developing the NSS. ¶5. (SBU) Accordingly, we request a one-time, US$80,000 increase to our E-IMET funding in order to pay the professional fees and related expenses of CCMR personnel to come to Guatemala in June 2006 and work with Guatemalan officials to develop and deliver a military-focused NSS. Although this amount is only about one-half the original budget, we believe that by focusing on the military aspects of the NSS, we can make meaningful progress on a smaller budget. ¶6. (SBU) We envision future expansion of the NSS to include police, investigative, intelligence and other elements as funding permits, but view the military part of the NSS as the critical base, given the external threats to Guatemala's territory and security and the military's responsibility for territorial protection. Derham