Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ADDISABABA1919
2008-07-14 14:32:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Addis Ababa
Cable title:
ETHIOPIA CONCERNED FOR ITS TROOPS IN WAKE OF
how-toVZCZCXRO6432 OO RUEHROV DE RUEHDS #1919 1961432 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 141432Z JUL 08 FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1286 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 1093 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RHMFISS/CJTF HOA RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 001919
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2018
TAGS: PREL KPKO ET
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA CONCERNED FOR ITS TROOPS IN WAKE OF
KILLING OF RWANDANS IN DARFUR
Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto. Reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 001919
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2018
TAGS: PREL KPKO ET
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA CONCERNED FOR ITS TROOPS IN WAKE OF
KILLING OF RWANDANS IN DARFUR
Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto. Reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) Prime Minister Meles told Ambassador July 11 that, in
the wake of the killing of five Rwandan troops in Darfur, he
was concerned for the safety of Ethiopia's 1500 troops now
being deployed to Darfur. Meles asked the United States for
assistance in pressing the United Nations and others for
Ethiopia to be able to bring heavy equipment to ensure the
force protection/self-defense of Ethiopian troops serving in
Darfur. The killing of the Rwandan troops underscored for
Meles the need for more equipment, including tanks and
artillery, as a means of ensuring the Ethiopian contingent's
self-defense.
2. (C) Meles added that Ethiopia's other concerns included
the inability of Ethiopian troops to be commanded by the
country's own battle hardened commanders. He expressed
anxiety that the non-Ethiopian force commanders lack combat
experience, and that through inexperience and caution
non-Ethiopian force commanders may place Ethiopian troops in
greater danger and cause higher and unnecessary casualty
rates in any operation. He also underscored his desire to
see more Ethiopian troops deployed as a measure of protection
and power projection.
3. (C) Meles said he was committed to the Darfur operation
because, as a neighboring state, the stability of Sudan was
of strategic interest to Ethiopia.
4. (C) Comment: Prime Minister Meles and his government has
provided useful information on Sudanese political issues and
has been a strong supporter of the United States and the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement as the basis for peace in the
north-south dialogue in Sudan. Ethiopia has faced recent
border problems with Sudan over disputed border markings but
Meles has committed to finding a peaceful diplomatic effort
to ease border tensions and resolve disputes. On Ethiopia's
troop deployment to Darfur, Meles has stated repeatedly that
he is committed to this operation not only as one of
Africa,s largest troop contributing country to peacekeeping
operations, but also because of Ethiopia,s desire to play a
constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution of
problems in Sudan. Meles has repeatedly stated his desire
that there not be another problem neighbor to add to the
instability in Somalia and the rogue state of Eritrea. End
Comment.
YAMAMOTO
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2018
TAGS: PREL KPKO ET
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA CONCERNED FOR ITS TROOPS IN WAKE OF
KILLING OF RWANDANS IN DARFUR
Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto. Reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) Prime Minister Meles told Ambassador July 11 that, in
the wake of the killing of five Rwandan troops in Darfur, he
was concerned for the safety of Ethiopia's 1500 troops now
being deployed to Darfur. Meles asked the United States for
assistance in pressing the United Nations and others for
Ethiopia to be able to bring heavy equipment to ensure the
force protection/self-defense of Ethiopian troops serving in
Darfur. The killing of the Rwandan troops underscored for
Meles the need for more equipment, including tanks and
artillery, as a means of ensuring the Ethiopian contingent's
self-defense.
2. (C) Meles added that Ethiopia's other concerns included
the inability of Ethiopian troops to be commanded by the
country's own battle hardened commanders. He expressed
anxiety that the non-Ethiopian force commanders lack combat
experience, and that through inexperience and caution
non-Ethiopian force commanders may place Ethiopian troops in
greater danger and cause higher and unnecessary casualty
rates in any operation. He also underscored his desire to
see more Ethiopian troops deployed as a measure of protection
and power projection.
3. (C) Meles said he was committed to the Darfur operation
because, as a neighboring state, the stability of Sudan was
of strategic interest to Ethiopia.
4. (C) Comment: Prime Minister Meles and his government has
provided useful information on Sudanese political issues and
has been a strong supporter of the United States and the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement as the basis for peace in the
north-south dialogue in Sudan. Ethiopia has faced recent
border problems with Sudan over disputed border markings but
Meles has committed to finding a peaceful diplomatic effort
to ease border tensions and resolve disputes. On Ethiopia's
troop deployment to Darfur, Meles has stated repeatedly that
he is committed to this operation not only as one of
Africa,s largest troop contributing country to peacekeeping
operations, but also because of Ethiopia,s desire to play a
constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution of
problems in Sudan. Meles has repeatedly stated his desire
that there not be another problem neighbor to add to the
instability in Somalia and the rogue state of Eritrea. End
Comment.
YAMAMOTO