PAKISTAN KEEN ON GPOI, SEEKS MORE INFO

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 022237

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

PM/PPA - RFEATHERSTONE
SCA/RA - FMILLER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPKO MARR MASS PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN KEEN ON GPOI, SEEKS MORE INFO

REF: STATE 169199


1. (U) This cable contains an action request -- please see
para 6.


2. (SBU) On November 28, PolOff met MFA Director (UN I)
Haider Shah to follow up on reftel USG proposal for Pakistan
to participate in the Global Peace Operations Initiative
(GPOI). Shah said that Pakistan is amenable to taking part
in GPOI, but on two conditions: a) No pressure to send
Pakistani peacekeepers on operations outside the UN umbrella;
and b) U.S. support for Pakistan's own peacekeeping training
proposal. Pakistan is ready in principle to move ahead on
GPOI but wants a clearer roadmap of next steps in the process.


3. (SBU) Shah appreciated our talking point that each nation
makes a sovereign decision whether to deploy peace operations
troops. Pakistan is reluctant to participate in any
initiative that might compel Pakistani troops to support
non-UN operations. Shah reiterated Pakistani principles
regarding peacekeeping operations: a) UN mandate, preferably
a UN Security Council resolution; b) recipient country
supports the operation; and c) "peacekeeping" rather than
"peace enforcement".


4. (SBU) Shah mentioned his government's existing proposal to
establish an international peacekeeping training institute in
Pakistan. Shah said this concept does not conflict with
GPOI. Moreover, Pakistan wants U.S. support for this
proposal in conjunction with GPOI.


5. (U) Shah asked for clarification regarding how to
formalize Pakistan's participation in GPOI (i.e., bilateral
agreement, joint statement). He said a more formal response
to the USG's invitation is forthcoming.


6. (U) Post requests Department's guidance soonest on the
next steps for Pakistan's involvement in GPOI. Post also
requests Department transmit the powerpoint presentation on
GPOI as described reftel.

CROCKER