UKRAINE: MILITARY HELICOPTERS FOR UNAMID REQUESTED

C O N F I D E N T I A L KYIV 002515 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT ALSO FOR IO/PSC, EUR/UMB AND EUR/PGI E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/03/2017 TAGS: PREL UNSC KPKO SU UK UP SUBJECT: UKRAINE: MILITARY HELICOPTERS FOR UNAMID REQUESTED REF: A. LONDON 3746 ¶B. PARIS 4084 ¶C. STATE 136068 Classified By: Political Counselor Kent Logsdon for reasons 1.4(b,d) ¶1. (U) Per input received ref A, we joined UK Embassy Head of Political Section Duncan Allan on a joint demarche October 3 to MFA UN Directorate head Petro Datsenko to request that Ukraine consider providing six to twelve military utility helicopters (ref C) for UNAMID (United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur). (Per ref B, we did not ask that a French Embassy representative join us.) ¶2. (C) Datsenko welcomed our approach, noting that Ukrainian President Yushchenko puts a high priority on Ukrainian participation in peacekeeping operations. Immediately after passage of UNSC Resolution 1769 authorizing UNAMID, MFA had sent a request to the Ministry of Defense (MOD) to consider possible Ukrainian participation in the Darfur operation. To date, MOD has hesitated, concerned about Sudan's position that it preferred participation of primarily African countries and the poor security for the operation. MOD, however, had been considering possible troop participation, so Datsenko opined that MOD would more favorably consider a request to provide utility helicopters. ¶3. (U) Datsenko asked whether the UN was seeking Mi-8 helicopters or another type. In response to his question, we clarified that "military utility" helicopters probably meant light transport helicopters. Allan undertook to provide a non-paper in response to Datsenko's request for details in writing that he could attach to his renewed request to MOD. (Allan said he would also provide us with a copy.) After the meeting, Allan telephoned to advise us that Datsenko had further inquired whether Ukraine was being asked to provide pilots for the helicopters or logistical support. Allan said he would seek clarification from London. ¶4. (C) Comment: While Ukraine could eventually provide a positive answer, we do not expect a firm response for several months. In reply to our question, Datsenko said a Presidential decree could authorize Ukrainian participation in UNAMID, but that Parliament would also need to ratify the decree. Parliamentary elections just took place September 30, and the process of seating the new Parliament and forming a new government could be a protracted one. At the same time, however, early consideration of our request will allow MFA and MOD to move quickly once the domestic political situation clarifies. ¶5. (U) Visit Embassy Kyiv's classified website: www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/kiev. Taylor