U.S. RESPONSE TO GEORGIAN OFFER OF ADDITIONAL

S E C R E T STATE 023655

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/26/2027
TAGS: PREL PGOV PARM MOPS GG IZ
SUBJECT: U.S. RESPONSE TO GEORGIAN OFFER OF ADDITIONAL
COMBAT ELEMENT TO OIF

REF: A) DIAIMADSWA 2230755 B) EMB TBILISI - DESK EMAILS

Classified By: EUR A/S Daniel Fried for Reasons 1.4 (a),(b),and (d).


1. (U) This is an action request for February 27. Please
see paragraph 3.

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BACKGROUND
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2. (S) Per refs A and B, President Saakashvili has decided
to offer a 2,514-strong infantry brigade (including three
infantry battalions and logistical support) for deployment to
Iraq for a limited period. Georgia wants to be part of the
surge and to actively participate in Coalition operations.
Total Georgian contingent in Iraq would then be over 3,300 *
third in size to the US and UK. The USG accepts the
Government of Georgia,s (GOG) valuable offer with the
understanding that further detailed coordination will be
required to bring the brigade to Iraq. Deputy Secretary of
Defense England plans to convey this message to Georgian
Ambassador to Washington Sikharulidze in a morning meeting on
February 27. The USG will be considering all specifics of
deployment of the Georgian brigade, including timing. The
USG asks the GOG not to go public with its plans for an
increase in its contribution to the Coalition at this time.
We would prefer the GOG engage the Government of Iraq (GOI)
on this so when it is announced it could be portrayed as a
Georgian offer to Iraq. The GOG and the GOI should
coordinate closely on this offer.

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ACTION REQUEST: TALKING POINTS
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3. (S/REL GEORGIA) On February 27, as close as possible to
the time of Deputy Secretary England,s meeting with Georgian
Ambassador Sikharulidze (approximately 8:00 a.m. EST),
Ambassador is requested to accept the Georgian offer in
principle and may draw on the following talking points
cleared by the interagency community. BEGIN TALKING POINTS:

--Express thanks for the Government of Georgia,s (GOG)
steadfast and courageous support. The GOG already
contributes a total of 859 troops to Iraq, both in
Multinational Forces - Iraq and the United Nations Protection
Force.

--Welcome and accept the offer, in principle, recognizing
just how substantial it is.

-- Note that Georgia is at the forefront of allies supporting
the United States in the Global War on Terror. Their
expanded offer of commitment comes at a critical juncture,
and we recognize Georgia,s expanded level of support.

--State that the brigade will be given meaningful missions
that directly contribute to developing and sustaining
momentum in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

--Note that our staffs are already working out the details of
where, how, and when MNF-I would employ the brigade.

--Offer to work with the GOG to determine the training needs,
equipment requirements, and logistics of adding a Georgian
Infantry Brigade in Iraq.

--Ask that the GOG continue to support Operation Iraqi
Freedom at the same force levels after their surge period is
over.

--Suggest that any public announcements will need very
careful handling and co-ordination with the U.S. and the
Government of Iraq (GOI).

--Urge the GOG to make this offer to the GOI. We can help in
communicating with the Iraqi Government if needed. Our
preference would be a public statement simultaneously
announcing the GOG offer and an Iraqi acceptance.

--Note that an announcement would have the greatest impact if
held until after the general concept of operations for the
deployment have been worked out.

--Welcome Georgia,s continued defense reform efforts and
NATO/IPAP progress. Georgia should continue to work with the
U.S. and its European partners on its military reform efforts
and NATO IPAP/PARP commitments concurrently with its planned
large-scale deployment to Iraq. Work on defense
transformation efforts in Georgia should continue apace.

--Look forward to continuing this strong security partnership
in Iraq and other locations around the globe.

--Thank Georgia again for its steadfast friendship with the
United States.

END TALKING POINTS.
RICE