Contributions for the Hybrid Operation in Darfur -- Guinea

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000753 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR IO/PSC - Dennis Hankins E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: PREL KPKO UNSC MASS SU GV SUBJECT: Contributions for the Hybrid Operation in Darfur -- Guinea REF: A) State 90022 B) State 89941 ¶1. (SBU) Per reftels, post urged the government of Guinea to contribute to the upcoming UN/AU Hybrid Operations in Darfur. On July 2, the Defense Attache discussed details of the hybrid operation with the General Secretary Charged with Exterior Relations at the Ministry of Defense. The DATT underscored the importance of Guinea's participation in this peacekeeping operation. The General Secretary promised that he would relay the message to the Chairman SIPDIS of Defense Staff General Diarra Camara. ¶2. (SBU) The General Secretary later contacted the DATT by phone and informed us that the message was also relayed to the Minister of Defense General Bailo Diallo. General Diallo reportedly did not dismiss the request and the Minister of Defense is interested in discussing the matter further. General Diallo said that he would see President Conte later in the day and would discuss the issue with the Head of State who would make any decision on the matter. ¶3. (SBU) After discussing the possibility of participating in the Hybrid Operation with the DATT, senior officers were interested in learning more about the proposition. In particular, the military wanted to know what type of training and equipment may be made available. While Conte usually does not like getting involved in external affairs, the Ministry of Defense is considering the request. Post will report any additional exchanges septel. KAEUPER