ROMANIA: UNCHANGED SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANDED NATO

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUCHAREST 000576 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2013 TAGS: PREL MARR NATO IZ RO SUBJECT: ROMANIA: UNCHANGED SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANDED NATO TRAINING MISSION-IRAQ REF: USNATO 00144 Classified By: Political Counselor Ted Tanoue; 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Though the GOR fully appreciates the issues raised in reftel demarche and supports the NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) program objectives, there are no plans to increase Romanian personnel committed to NTM-I, according to MFA NATO Director Ana Tinca. Tinca also noted that the current number of two Romanian trainers could migrate upwards within the 5-person NTM-I limit set in June by the Supreme National Defense Council (CSAT),according to resources, availability, and other mission priorities. ¶2. (C) Comment: The CSAT by law must set the following year's troop levels for Romania's overseas deployments before July. The CSAT decided on June 25 that Romanian troop levels in Iraq for 2009 would remain at 515, including the authorized five positions Romania designated for the NTM-I. The Romanian troop levels for Iraq, however, are contingent upon an acceptable legal framework--like a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)--that must be ratified by Parliament before the end of the calendar year. Since Parliamentary elections are planned for November, the GOR hopes to have the SOFA or other legal framework document in front of Parliament with sufficient time so it does not become hostage to the political campaign. End Comment. TAUBMAN