AUSTRALIA PROPOSES PEACEKEEPING PARTICIPATION IN

UNCLAS CANBERRA 000590 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF, EUR, EAP, PM AND T PACOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPKO PREL PGOV MOPS AS SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA PROPOSES PEACEKEEPING PARTICIPATION IN DARFUR REF: CANBERRA 00025 ¶1. (U) The Prime Minister's office announced on June 8 that Australia will join the United Nations Assistance Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has proposed sending nine officers to join the international force working to restore stability in Sudan. They would work with UNAMID Headquarters in logistics, movement and operational areas. ADF participation is subject to final agreement by the Government of Sudan. ¶2. (U) A decision on the level of participation in Darfur was expected earlier this year (see reftel) as part of the Rudd Cabinet's consideration of non-regional peacekeeping operations. The GOA statement said, "these appointments will provide ADF officers with an opportunity to serve within UNAMID Headquarters and demonstrate the high level of confidence that the UN places in the ADF" and that this contribution demonstrates their "commitment to the UN and restoring peace and stability in Darfur." The Australian government has also pledged AUD 5 million (USD 4.8 million) in humanitarian assistance. MCCALLUM