DONATIONS TO IRAQI AND AFGHAN SECURITY FORCES -

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANTO DOMINGO 000655 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR PM, NEA/I, SA, EUR, WHA/CAR-SEARBY; SECDEF FOR OSD/ISA AND OSD/ISP; SECDEF PASS CENTCOM; JOINT STAFF FOR J-5 E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/18/2031 TAGS: MARR DR AF MASS MOPS PINS PREL SUBJECT: DONATIONS TO IRAQI AND AFGHAN SECURITY FORCES - DOMINICAN PRESIDENT UNRESPONSIVE REF: STATE 022896 Classified By: Ambassador Hans Hertell for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On February 16 the Ambassador reiterated to Dominican President Fernandez the USG request that the Dominican Republic contribute 10-12 staff officers to support operations in Afghanistan. The Ambassador emphasized the symbolic value of a Dominican donation, coalition solidarity and the bilateral relationship. If such a donation were politically sensitive, it could be carried out with no publicity. ¶2. (C) Fernandez replied, "I don't see the logic of sending Dominican military personnel. The situation in Afghanistan has stabilized. The assistance it needs is not military, but economic. We'll study your request." ¶3. (C) Defense attache stressed that security is still an issue in Afghanistan. The Ambassador suggested alternatives that the Dominican Republic might be able to donate, such as cash, clothing, or instructional experts. After further discussion, Fernandez acknowledged the symbolic value of a Dominican donation, but made no commitment. HERTELL