EMBASSY MAPUTO SUPPORT FOR FY 2009 SECTION 1206

UNCLAS MAPUTO 001082 SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/ISO AND PM/PPA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KTIA MARR MASS PREL MZ SUBJECT: EMBASSY MAPUTO SUPPORT FOR FY 2009 SECTION 1206 PROPOSALS REF: SECSTATE 118337 ¶1. (SBU) Embassy Maputo has reviewed and the Chief of Mission supports two AFRICOM proposals requesting FY09 1206 funds to conduct, train, and equip the military of the Government of the Republic of Mozambique (GRM),in support of larger Eastern Africa efforts to counter terrorism. The first proposal will effect maritime security capabilities enhancement; the second proposal will focus on maritime domain awareness and counterterrorism capacity building. ¶2. (SBU) Although the GRM has repeatedly stated that it wants to assert control of its maritime domain, due to an insufficiently resourced military with a decaying infrastructure, mostly inoperable equipment and untrained personnel, Mozambique is currently unable to establish maritime security along it 2,500 kilometer coastline and territorial waters. The training and equipment provided by these proposals will enhance Mozambique's contributions to U.S. counter terrorism efforts and will build GRM capacity for peace and security. ¶3. (SBU) Currently Mozambique lacks the capacity to identify, locate and defeat possible terrorist elements operating within its borders or attempting to use its uncontrolled maritime borders for terrorist activities. The capabilities provided under these proposals will allow Mozambique to more fully participate in U.S. counter terrorism efforts and will help the GRM to detect and identify terrorist elements attempting to use its coastline and territorial waters. ¶4. (SBU) POC for this program is Lt. Col. Andrew Olson, Defense Attachi, telephone +258 82 492 797 x 3433, email diolsaa@dia.smil.mil. Chapman