Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ROME1590
2008-12-30 16:11:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
HOA PIRACY: ITALY PLEDGES FRIGATE FOR ESDP
how-toVZCZCXRO7256 OO RUEHFL RUEHNP DE RUEHRO #1590 3651611 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 301611Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY ROME TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1396 INFO RUEHFL/AMCONSUL FLORENCE 3367 RUEHMIL/AMCONSUL MILAN 9742 RUEHNP/AMCONSUL NAPLES 3533 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0947 RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 2989 RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 001590
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/31/2018
TAGS: KCRM PREL PGOV MARR MOPS NATO EWWT PBTS
SUBJECT: HOA PIRACY: ITALY PLEDGES FRIGATE FOR ESDP
COUNTER-PIRACY MISSION
REF: ROME 1567
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Barbara A. Leaf. Reasons
1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 001590
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/31/2018
TAGS: KCRM PREL PGOV MARR MOPS NATO EWWT PBTS
SUBJECT: HOA PIRACY: ITALY PLEDGES FRIGATE FOR ESDP
COUNTER-PIRACY MISSION
REF: ROME 1567
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Barbara A. Leaf. Reasons
1.4 (b) and (d)
1. C) The Italian MOD confirmed to Pol-Mil Off on December 24
that Italy plans to contribute a Maestrale-class Frigate or
Soldati-class fleet patrol boat to the ESDP ATALANTA
counter-piracy mission. The mission was approved by the
Concil of Ministers in the year-end GOI overseas missions
decree which included 8 million Euros to fund Italian
participation in the mission. MOD sources inform us that
this is sufficient to sustain an Italian frigate as part of
the EU mission. The issue will now go to Chief of Defense
Gen. Camporini for decision and implementation and then to
Parliament for formal approval. According to Italian Navy
sources these steps are largely a formality but may slow
deployment somewhat. Maestrale-class frigates usually carry
a complement of 227 personnel and two helicopters. The
Italian Navy recommendation is that the vessel be approved
for a six month deployment starting as soon as possible,
perhaps by the end of January. In addition to the vessel,
Italy has already deployed two officers to the UK
headquarters in Norwood who will remain their for the
duration of the operation.
2. C) EMBASSY Rome believes that the GOI decision to
provide subtantial assets for the ESDP mission, in addition
to the resources Italy contributed under Operation Allied
Provider and its on-going contribution of intelligence and
other military capabilities to both the NATO and the EU
effort (outlined in reftel ) strengthens the case for
including Italy in the expanded Contract Group on Somali
Piracy. The Ambassador will meet with Foreign Minister
Frattini on January 5 and we expect the Foreign Minister to
raise Italy's desire to be be part of the Contact Group.
DIBBLE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/31/2018
TAGS: KCRM PREL PGOV MARR MOPS NATO EWWT PBTS
SUBJECT: HOA PIRACY: ITALY PLEDGES FRIGATE FOR ESDP
COUNTER-PIRACY MISSION
REF: ROME 1567
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Barbara A. Leaf. Reasons
1.4 (b) and (d)
1. C) The Italian MOD confirmed to Pol-Mil Off on December 24
that Italy plans to contribute a Maestrale-class Frigate or
Soldati-class fleet patrol boat to the ESDP ATALANTA
counter-piracy mission. The mission was approved by the
Concil of Ministers in the year-end GOI overseas missions
decree which included 8 million Euros to fund Italian
participation in the mission. MOD sources inform us that
this is sufficient to sustain an Italian frigate as part of
the EU mission. The issue will now go to Chief of Defense
Gen. Camporini for decision and implementation and then to
Parliament for formal approval. According to Italian Navy
sources these steps are largely a formality but may slow
deployment somewhat. Maestrale-class frigates usually carry
a complement of 227 personnel and two helicopters. The
Italian Navy recommendation is that the vessel be approved
for a six month deployment starting as soon as possible,
perhaps by the end of January. In addition to the vessel,
Italy has already deployed two officers to the UK
headquarters in Norwood who will remain their for the
duration of the operation.
2. C) EMBASSY Rome believes that the GOI decision to
provide subtantial assets for the ESDP mission, in addition
to the resources Italy contributed under Operation Allied
Provider and its on-going contribution of intelligence and
other military capabilities to both the NATO and the EU
effort (outlined in reftel ) strengthens the case for
including Italy in the expanded Contract Group on Somali
Piracy. The Ambassador will meet with Foreign Minister
Frattini on January 5 and we expect the Foreign Minister to
raise Italy's desire to be be part of the Contact Group.
DIBBLE