Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06PRAGUE966
2006-08-16 14:45:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Prague
Cable title:
CZECHS CONSIDER TROOP CONTRIBUTION TO UNIFIL;
how-toVZCZCXRO2002 OO RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHPG #0966 2281445 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 161445Z AUG 06 FM AMEMBASSY PRAGUE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7803 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 0036 RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 0678 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0161 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0173 RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 1763
C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000966
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
EUR/NCE FOR ERIC FICHTE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2016
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL LE EZ
SUBJECT: CZECHS CONSIDER TROOP CONTRIBUTION TO UNIFIL;
DECISION MAY COME WITHIN DAYS
REF: STATE 134133
Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor
Michael Dodman for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000966
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
EUR/NCE FOR ERIC FICHTE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2016
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL LE EZ
SUBJECT: CZECHS CONSIDER TROOP CONTRIBUTION TO UNIFIL;
DECISION MAY COME WITHIN DAYS
REF: STATE 134133
Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor
Michael Dodman for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) Poloff and Army Attache met with Czech MFA Director of
the UN Department Jan Kara, and Czech MOD Deputy Director of
the Defense Policy Department, NATO and EU Section, Lt. Col.
Petr Cech, on August 16 to discuss the possibility of Czech
troop contributions to UNIFIL. Kara said the Czechs are
currently debating the question. In recent days, the local
press reported that PM Jiri Paroubek supports contributing
troops to UNIFIL, while FM Cyril Svoboda expressed concern
that such a contribution could hamper existing Czech
commitments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. Kara said FM
Svoboda would likely support commitment to UNIFIL if the MOD
can guarantee that other commitments will not be affected.
The decision could be made within days.
2. (C) Cech said the MOD believes that promoting stability in
Lebanon is in the interest of Czech security policy.
Therefore, the MOD is carefully considering the question of
contributing troops to UNIFIL. High-level meetings to debate
the issue will take place today, August 16. The MOD's
recommendation will be based on the following factors: (a) no
reduction in other military commitments, (b) budgetary
constraints, (c) the likelihood of a long-term commitment. In
light of these factors, the MOD is considering a rotational
commitment of a single company. Cech said the MOD would
welcome further details of UNIFIL needs, and the troop
mandate. The Czechs may make a commitment in line with these
needs and their own niche capabilities, such as providing
medics or engineers. They would appreciate logistical
support, such as transportation assistance for the troops,
from UN or allied forces.
3. (C) Comment. The Czechs have the will to support the
UNIFIL mission, and are searching for the way to make a
contribution without endangering existing high-priority
engagements in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. Post predicts
the Czechs will make a contribution, but that it will
necessarily be small and discreet.
CABANISS
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
EUR/NCE FOR ERIC FICHTE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2016
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL LE EZ
SUBJECT: CZECHS CONSIDER TROOP CONTRIBUTION TO UNIFIL;
DECISION MAY COME WITHIN DAYS
REF: STATE 134133
Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor
Michael Dodman for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) Poloff and Army Attache met with Czech MFA Director of
the UN Department Jan Kara, and Czech MOD Deputy Director of
the Defense Policy Department, NATO and EU Section, Lt. Col.
Petr Cech, on August 16 to discuss the possibility of Czech
troop contributions to UNIFIL. Kara said the Czechs are
currently debating the question. In recent days, the local
press reported that PM Jiri Paroubek supports contributing
troops to UNIFIL, while FM Cyril Svoboda expressed concern
that such a contribution could hamper existing Czech
commitments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. Kara said FM
Svoboda would likely support commitment to UNIFIL if the MOD
can guarantee that other commitments will not be affected.
The decision could be made within days.
2. (C) Cech said the MOD believes that promoting stability in
Lebanon is in the interest of Czech security policy.
Therefore, the MOD is carefully considering the question of
contributing troops to UNIFIL. High-level meetings to debate
the issue will take place today, August 16. The MOD's
recommendation will be based on the following factors: (a) no
reduction in other military commitments, (b) budgetary
constraints, (c) the likelihood of a long-term commitment. In
light of these factors, the MOD is considering a rotational
commitment of a single company. Cech said the MOD would
welcome further details of UNIFIL needs, and the troop
mandate. The Czechs may make a commitment in line with these
needs and their own niche capabilities, such as providing
medics or engineers. They would appreciate logistical
support, such as transportation assistance for the troops,
from UN or allied forces.
3. (C) Comment. The Czechs have the will to support the
UNIFIL mission, and are searching for the way to make a
contribution without endangering existing high-priority
engagements in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. Post predicts
the Czechs will make a contribution, but that it will
necessarily be small and discreet.
CABANISS