UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000200

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/E AND AF/RSA MBITTRICK
DAR ES SALAAM FOR DAO
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS KDEM PHUM PINR CN
SUBJECT: Comorans Describe Transport Needs; Op Plan Pending

REF: ANTAN 195


1. (SBU) Union of the Comoros Defense Minister Dossar sent the
Ambassador March 13 a two-page fax outlining "characteristics of the
boat needed" to support the combined Comoran/AU military action
against Anjouan (complete translation below). While helpful, this
is clearly insufficient detail and Post has informed Minister Dossar
we need the complete operational plan. Dossar told PolEcon Chief
March 13 he did not have the complete plan, the Tanzanians have it,
but he would try to obtain it to share with us. Post notes it may
be more practical for Embassy Dar es Salaam Defense Attache to
obtain the plan on their end.

Minister Dossar's March 13 Letter To The Ambassador
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


2. (SBU) Following the Ambassador's March 12 conversation with
Minister Dossar, Post received the following letter by fax March
13:

Excellency,

Following our conversation yesterday, I attach for you the
characteristics for the boat we need. I thank you in advance for
your support.

Signed

//

Minister of Defense Mohamed Bacar DOSSAR

Attachment:

Boat Characteristics

Mission: To transport troops from ports in Moroni (Grande Comore)
and Moheli toward Anjouan and return.

The boat must be able to stop on the high seas, open its doors, and
safely discharge zodiacs and personnel.

Transport capacity:

-- 400-500 men;
-- 15-40 zodiacs;
-- 30 vehicles.

END LETTER.


3. (U) Post will continue to follow up with Minister Dossar to get
a copy a comprehensive action plan to share with Washington.

MARQUARDT