Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LISBON964
2006-05-26 15:06:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Lisbon
Cable title:  

PORTUGAL: MANAS AIRFIELD AND IRAQI CABINET SUPPORT

Tags:  MARR MOPS PREL PO IZ KG AF 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO9524
RR RUEHAG
DE RUEHLI #0964 1461506
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 261506Z MAY 06
FM AMEMBASSY LISBON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4796
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD 0036
RUEHEK/AMEMBASSY BISHKEK 0017
RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL 0032
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 0444
C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 000964 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/24/2016
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL PO IZ KG AF
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL: MANAS AIRFIELD AND IRAQI CABINET SUPPORT
DEMARCHES DELIVERED

REF: A. SECSTATE 81543

B. SECSTATE 81632

Classified By: Dana M. Brown, Pol-Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon
Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 000964

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/24/2016
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL PO IZ KG AF
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL: MANAS AIRFIELD AND IRAQI CABINET SUPPORT
DEMARCHES DELIVERED

REF: A. SECSTATE 81543

B. SECSTATE 81632

Classified By: Dana M. Brown, Pol-Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon
Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)



1. (C) Summary: On May 24, Pol/Econ Officer delivered
reftels to MFA Director of Defense and Security Coordination
Joao Corte-Real. He concurred with the U.S. concerns about
Manas Airfield (ref A) and agreed to refer the matter to the
Portuguese embassy in Moscow. With regard to Iraq (ref B),
the MFA released a press statement on May 23 supporting the
formation of the new Iraqi cabinet and congratulating the
Iraqi people. Corte-Real added that Portugal planned to
augment its presence in Iraq. End summary.

Portugal Shares Manas Airfield Concerns
--------------


2. (C) Corte-Real stated that the GOP is fully supportive of
the U.S. position on Manas Airfield and said Portugal would
have difficulty with higher fees. Portugal currently has 178
troops stationed in Afghanistan, and recognizes that
continued access to Manas Airfield is critical to maintaining
stability in the region. (Note: Portugal's limited budget
constrains most of its international engagements and a higher
base access fee could impact on the number of Portuguese
personnel stationed in Afghanistan.) Corte-Real said he
would transmit the message to the Portuguese Embassy in
Russia for further action.

Iraq: Portugal Supports New Cabinet and Anticipates Deeper
Involvement
-------------- --------------


3. (C) On May 23, the MFA released a press statement
supporting the formation of the new Iraqi cabinet and
congratulating the Iraqi people on this important step on the
road to democratization. However, Iraq Desk Officer Fernando
Brito specified on May 24 that Portugal has no plans for high
level visits to Iraq at this time. With regard to training,
Corte-Real noted that the GOP plans to host Iraqi officials
for a training seminar. Brito added that the course would
train 20 Iraqi police and 20 Iraqi prosecutors in
investigational evidence processing in June as a part of an
EU-sponsored rule of law series. Corte-Real also said the
GOP had authorized three Portuguese trainers for Iraq
training missions in addition to the six trainers already
there.


4. (C) Comment: Based on Corte-Real's and Brito's comments,
Portugal is attempting to remain engaged in Iraq and
Afghanistan reconstruction efforts on a very tight budget.
The addition of three trainers to Portugal's six already
stationed in Iraq sends a clear message of the country's
commitment in this arena. End comment.
Hoffman