Comorans Describe Transport Needs; Op Plan Pending

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