U.S. PRESENTS MOLDOVA PKF ALTERNATIVES TO ALLIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L USNATO 000372 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/05/2017 TAGS: NATO PREL MOPS RU MD SUBJECT: U.S. PRESENTS MOLDOVA PKF ALTERNATIVES TO ALLIES REF: A. MOSCOW 1579 ¶B. STATE 79597 ¶C. MOSCOW 2775 Classified By: DCM Richard Olson for reasons 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (C) Summary: On 8 June, DAS Kramer presented to Allies the U.S. proposal on internationalizing the peacekeeping force in Moldova (REF A-C). Allies appeared interested in the proposal and engaged with a number of questions about how the force would be implemented. Following the meeting, an aide-memoire was circulated to Allies and, later that day, DAS Kramer provided a non-paper on the proposal to Russian DFM Grushko. End summary. -------------- Kramer Outlines the US Proposal -------------- ¶2. (C) On 8 June, DAS Kramer presented the U.S. position on the current situation in Transnistria pointing out that the Russian Peacekeeping force is simply preserving the status quo while engaging in corruption and guarding the Kolbasna Munitions Depot. He emphasized the following two points: 1) Allies must stand firm on the withdrawal of munitions; 2) Moldova has asked the Russian forces to leave, as they remain an impediment to a solution. One solution is to make a transition to an international force. DAS Kramer then outlined the US proposal for internationalizing the peacekeepers. He explained that there would be an armed component of approximately 200 troops, including military advisors/observers and rapid reaction troops (whose presence would be of limited duration),but the majority of the remaining personnel (400-500) would be civilians. There would be a cap of 25-30 percent on participation by any one country. DAS Kramer told Allies that the U.S. wanted to discuss this option with the Russians as a way forward in solving the current impasse on a Transnistria settlement as well as removing the major obstacle to ratification of the adapted CFE by NATO Allies. -------------- Allies Generally Positive -------------- ¶3. (C) Allies seemed generally positive towards the proposal and did ask a number of questions. Allies wanted to know what organization would provide the mandate (Hungary, Italy, Germany),who would actually run the operation and who would be consulted in the process (Romania, Estonia). Latvia was also interested in whether a Russian commander would be ruled out. Hungary and Spain wanted to know more about the validity of Russian statements that their peacekeepers have legal status. Additionally, Poland asked how the internationalized peacekeeping force proposal would be presented to the Russians and if it would be part of a joint package with the issue of Guduata in Georgia. The UK asked why this issue had been brought up at this time. -------------- DAS Kramer Answers Allied Concerns -------------- ¶4. (C) DAS Kramer explained that the proposal would fall under the mandate of the OSCE but would need implementers. US suggestions were either: 1) EU, Russia and Ukraine; or 2) NATO-Russia Council and Ukraine. Removal of the munitions and the troops guarding them is a &crystal clear requirement8 under the Istanbul Commitments, Kramer said. The Moldovans have asked Russia to remove the rest of the forces. DAS Kramer stressed the need for the Moldovan government to engage diplomatically in key European capitals to tell its side of the story, particularly as a window of opportunity will close as presidential elections in Russia (2008) and Moldova (2009) move closer. On the issue of timing, DAS Kramer explained that the idea had been brought up in the EU context but now it should be broadened to NATO. The current issues on CFE add additional impetus to seek a solution to the current impasse. The issues of command and control of a new peacekeeping force still require considerable thought, he said, and welcomed Allied thoughts and suggestions. He concluded by noting the importance of coming to a united Allied position that ensures a constructive role for Ukraine, but that ultimately the key would be selling this to the Russians. Following the meeting, USNATO circulated an aide-memoire to Allies. Additionally, DAS Kramer provided a non-paper to DFM Grushko, who promised to pass it to CFE Head of Delegation Antonov in advance of the June 12-15 CFE Extraordinary Conference in Vienna. ¶5. (U) DAS Kramer has cleared this cable. NULAND