(SBU) SUDAN: UK SUPPORT FOR JOINT INTEGRATED

UNCLAS LONDON 000092 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/SPG:PFIERST AND RSESHADRI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR PGOV PHUM SU UK SUBJECT: (SBU) SUDAN: UK SUPPORT FOR JOINT INTEGRATED UNITS REF: STATE 1335 (U) SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PROTECT ACCORDINGLY. NOT FOR INTERNET DISSEMINATION. ¶1. (SBU) The UK considers the Joint Integrated Units (JIUs) vital to full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the future of security in Sudan, according to Peter Lord, Senior Political Officer for North-South Issues in FCO's Sudan Unit. (Lord happens to be an American FSO seconded to FCO on a diplomatic exchange program.) Lord shared details of UK support to the JIUs (see para. 2). He noted that the UK understands from UNMIS Force Commander General Lidder that the JIUs need additional military training support, conducted in Sudan or abroad. The UK also understands that there are significant gaps in financial and logistical support, as well as in such non-military support areas as integration and conflict resolution courses. Reminding that the UK chairs the Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) security sub-committee, Lord said HMG would be interested to know other countries' responses to the USG's demarche, and what China and Russia are telling the USG. ¶2. (SBU) Lord shared the following details on British support to the JIUs, noting that the American and British DATTs in Khartoum coordinate closely, so these details will probably not come as news to the USG: - Demining courses and follow-up evaluation and advice, conducted by British Army Training Team in Kenya. In 2008, two short-term training teams will conduct in-country training on topics other than demining. - English language courses at various levels to provide a common language of operation. This will continue in 2008 for a third year. - Sponsorship and funding for students, on an equitable SAF/SPLA basis, to professional military schools including Sandhurst, International Battlegroup Commanders' Course, and International Peacekeepers' Course. - Non-military training courses on conflict management and re-integration in southern Sudan, focusing on transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the SPLA. - Unofficial assistance in developing standard operating procedures and appropriate military structures. ¶3. (U) Embassy poc is Political Officer Richard Bell, who can be reached at bellrk@state.gov, bellrk@state.sgov.gov, IVG 492 2149. Visit London's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/london/index. cfm LeBaron