Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RIGA817
2007-11-01 08:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Riga
Cable title:
LATVIAN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IRAQ DEPLOYMENT
how-toVZCZCXYZ0011 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHRA #0817 3050833 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 010833Z NOV 07 FM AMEMBASSY RIGA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4489 INFO RUEHVL/AMEMBASSY VILNIUS PRIORITY 3921 RUEHTL/AMEMBASSY TALLINN PRIORITY 4130 RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0024 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIGA 000817
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NOFORN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/01/2017
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL IZ LG
SUBJECT: LATVIAN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IRAQ DEPLOYMENT
REF: STATE 150164
Classified By: Charge d'affaires, a.i. Stuart M. Seldowitz. Reason:
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIGA 000817
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NOFORN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/01/2017
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL IZ LG
SUBJECT: LATVIAN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IRAQ DEPLOYMENT
REF: STATE 150164
Classified By: Charge d'affaires, a.i. Stuart M. Seldowitz. Reason: 1.
4 (b)
1. (C/NF) We have previously discussed with the Latvian
government the legal requirements for military deployments
overseas in the context of the future of Kosovo. Senior MFA
and MOD officials have affirmed to us that Latvia can deploy
outside of Latvia in three situations: in a
UNSC-mandated/authorized mission; in a NATO-led operation;
and in a coalition led by an ally of Latvia. We also
believe, but would need to reconfirm, that EU-led missions
are covered. A cabinet decision and parliamentary vote would
then be needed to provide final authorization. Currently,
the mandate for Latvian troops in Iraq (all trainers and
headquarters personnel) is reauthorized on an annual basis.
2. (C/NF) While there is a legal basis for continued Latvian
participation in Iraq absent a UNSCR, we believe that it
would be difficult politically and operationally to get
Latvia to significantly increase its contribution in such a
situation. Politically, it would be much easier to continue
to roll over the mandate quietly making only small changes to
the text. But an increased deployment to Iraq would create
political difficulties among a public that have long strongly
opposed the mission and were glad to see the majority of
Latvian troops home earlier this year. Operationally, given
Latvian commitments to ISAF, we do not think it likely that
Latvia could find the troops for a significant augmentation
in Iraq. They especially lack the necessary officers.
SELDOWITZ
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NOFORN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/01/2017
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL IZ LG
SUBJECT: LATVIAN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IRAQ DEPLOYMENT
REF: STATE 150164
Classified By: Charge d'affaires, a.i. Stuart M. Seldowitz. Reason: 1.
4 (b)
1. (C/NF) We have previously discussed with the Latvian
government the legal requirements for military deployments
overseas in the context of the future of Kosovo. Senior MFA
and MOD officials have affirmed to us that Latvia can deploy
outside of Latvia in three situations: in a
UNSC-mandated/authorized mission; in a NATO-led operation;
and in a coalition led by an ally of Latvia. We also
believe, but would need to reconfirm, that EU-led missions
are covered. A cabinet decision and parliamentary vote would
then be needed to provide final authorization. Currently,
the mandate for Latvian troops in Iraq (all trainers and
headquarters personnel) is reauthorized on an annual basis.
2. (C/NF) While there is a legal basis for continued Latvian
participation in Iraq absent a UNSCR, we believe that it
would be difficult politically and operationally to get
Latvia to significantly increase its contribution in such a
situation. Politically, it would be much easier to continue
to roll over the mandate quietly making only small changes to
the text. But an increased deployment to Iraq would create
political difficulties among a public that have long strongly
opposed the mission and were glad to see the majority of
Latvian troops home earlier this year. Operationally, given
Latvian commitments to ISAF, we do not think it likely that
Latvia could find the troops for a significant augmentation
in Iraq. They especially lack the necessary officers.
SELDOWITZ