Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BAGHDAD1731
2007-05-24 15:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPON RELEASE TO IRAQ
how-toVZCZCXRO5690 OO RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #1731/01 1441541 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 241541Z MAY 07 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1365 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001731
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MOPS MCAP PGOV PTER MARR PINS PNAT IZ
SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPON RELEASE TO IRAQ
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001731
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MOPS MCAP PGOV PTER MARR PINS PNAT IZ
SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPON RELEASE TO IRAQ
1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 10.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Country Team requests the release of
AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and
AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) to
the Government of Iraq. The system will be used by the
Ministry of Interior's Emergency Response Unit to advance
nighttime operational effectiveness while reducing collateral
damage risk. The ERU currently uses the AT Viper NVG a
commercial, off the shelf system that is not designed for
driving or conducting tactical security. The USG will fund
this estimated $800,000 acquisition through a Foreign
Military Sales case. END SUMMARY.
Description of Technology for Release
--------------
3. (SBU) AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and
AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL)
provide high quality image clarity for nighttime operations.
They allow the wearer to select and clearly identify the
enemy and reduces the possibility of collateral damage.
Rationale for Technology Release
--------------
4. (SBU) The Iraqi Ministry of Interior's Emergency Response
Unit, comprised of 774 forces, is in urgent need of a viable
night vision capability that will allow them to operate at
night without dependence on U.S. advisors and equipment.
Release of AN-PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Aiming
Lights will greatly enhance their ability to conduct
counter-terrorism missions, improve interoperability with
Coalition forces, and improve their ability to maintain their
own defense and security. Fielding a modern capable NVG that
improves night vision capability will also allow the
Coalition advisors to transition the ERU to independent
operations.
Iraq Safeguarding Sensitive Technology
--------------
5. (SBU) Iraq has demonstrated the intent and ability to
protect sensitive, classified military technology since
working with U.S. and Coalition forces. An Article 505
agreement (signed by the GOI July 24, 2004) demonstrates
Iraq's commitment to protect grant defense articles and
technology similar to our standards. Additionally, a
Memorandum of Agreement for Compliance for the Storage,
Security and Inventory of Night Vision Devices was signed by
the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, 22 November 2006. We will
continue to mentor the GOI on their protection of sensitive
USG technology in order to provide long-term cooperation with
Iraq. We also will obtain all necessary formal agreements
with the GOI before transferring any sensitive equipment or
technology. Lastly, we will continue to carry out a robust
end-use monitoring (EUM) through the GOLDEN SENTRY program.
Anticipated Reaction from Neighboring Nations
--------------
6. (SBU) We do not anticipate the release of AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3,
1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer
Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) to the Government of Iraq
to adversely affect the regional balance of power or cause
negative reactions from neighboring nations, as this system
is already fielded in many countries of the region.
Iraq's Political Importance to the Region
--------------
7. (SBU) A stable, democratically-elected Iraqi government,
capable of protecting its people and sovereignty, and
remaining at peace with its neighbors is one of the USG's
highest priorities. The release and employment of AN/PVS-7
(Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Target
Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) will facilitate
progress toward this goal, advancing the Iraqi security
forces' ability to identify, target and carry out night
operations against anti-Iraqi forces while reducing the risk
to self and others.
Source of Financing and Economic Impact
--------------
8. (SBU) This purchase will be financed by the USG using
Iraqi Security Forces Funds. The cost is estimated at
$800,000. There is no significant economic impact anticipated
BAGHDAD 00001731 002 OF 002
to be generated by this sale.
Relevant Human Rights Considerations
--------------
9. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations that should
preclude the release of the defense equipment to the Iraqi
Ministry of Interior.
Action Request
--------------
10. (SBU) We request Washington approval for the release of
the AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and
AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) to
the Government of Iraq.
CROCKER
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MOPS MCAP PGOV PTER MARR PINS PNAT IZ
SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPON RELEASE TO IRAQ
1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 10.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Country Team requests the release of
AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and
AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) to
the Government of Iraq. The system will be used by the
Ministry of Interior's Emergency Response Unit to advance
nighttime operational effectiveness while reducing collateral
damage risk. The ERU currently uses the AT Viper NVG a
commercial, off the shelf system that is not designed for
driving or conducting tactical security. The USG will fund
this estimated $800,000 acquisition through a Foreign
Military Sales case. END SUMMARY.
Description of Technology for Release
--------------
3. (SBU) AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and
AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL)
provide high quality image clarity for nighttime operations.
They allow the wearer to select and clearly identify the
enemy and reduces the possibility of collateral damage.
Rationale for Technology Release
--------------
4. (SBU) The Iraqi Ministry of Interior's Emergency Response
Unit, comprised of 774 forces, is in urgent need of a viable
night vision capability that will allow them to operate at
night without dependence on U.S. advisors and equipment.
Release of AN-PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Aiming
Lights will greatly enhance their ability to conduct
counter-terrorism missions, improve interoperability with
Coalition forces, and improve their ability to maintain their
own defense and security. Fielding a modern capable NVG that
improves night vision capability will also allow the
Coalition advisors to transition the ERU to independent
operations.
Iraq Safeguarding Sensitive Technology
--------------
5. (SBU) Iraq has demonstrated the intent and ability to
protect sensitive, classified military technology since
working with U.S. and Coalition forces. An Article 505
agreement (signed by the GOI July 24, 2004) demonstrates
Iraq's commitment to protect grant defense articles and
technology similar to our standards. Additionally, a
Memorandum of Agreement for Compliance for the Storage,
Security and Inventory of Night Vision Devices was signed by
the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, 22 November 2006. We will
continue to mentor the GOI on their protection of sensitive
USG technology in order to provide long-term cooperation with
Iraq. We also will obtain all necessary formal agreements
with the GOI before transferring any sensitive equipment or
technology. Lastly, we will continue to carry out a robust
end-use monitoring (EUM) through the GOLDEN SENTRY program.
Anticipated Reaction from Neighboring Nations
--------------
6. (SBU) We do not anticipate the release of AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3,
1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer
Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) to the Government of Iraq
to adversely affect the regional balance of power or cause
negative reactions from neighboring nations, as this system
is already fielded in many countries of the region.
Iraq's Political Importance to the Region
--------------
7. (SBU) A stable, democratically-elected Iraqi government,
capable of protecting its people and sovereignty, and
remaining at peace with its neighbors is one of the USG's
highest priorities. The release and employment of AN/PVS-7
(Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Target
Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) will facilitate
progress toward this goal, advancing the Iraqi security
forces' ability to identify, target and carry out night
operations against anti-Iraqi forces while reducing the risk
to self and others.
Source of Financing and Economic Impact
--------------
8. (SBU) This purchase will be financed by the USG using
Iraqi Security Forces Funds. The cost is estimated at
$800,000. There is no significant economic impact anticipated
BAGHDAD 00001731 002 OF 002
to be generated by this sale.
Relevant Human Rights Considerations
--------------
9. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations that should
preclude the release of the defense equipment to the Iraqi
Ministry of Interior.
Action Request
--------------
10. (SBU) We request Washington approval for the release of
the AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and
AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) to
the Government of Iraq.
CROCKER