URGENT DARFUR DEMARCHE FOR AVIATION SUPPORT AND

UNCLAS STATE 049277

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV MARR KPKO UK CE PA JO BG
SUBJECT: URGENT DARFUR DEMARCHE FOR AVIATION SUPPORT AND
ENABLING ASSETS


1. This is an action request. See para 2. Aviation assets
are needed to support UN-AU hybrid peacekeeping operation
in Darfur (UNAMID). Following is a list of the aviation
assets for which UNAMID still lacks any contributions:

-- 4 attack helicopters close air support
-- 18 utility helicopters for sector support
-- 3 fixed wing for aerial reconnaissance


2. Action addressees are requested to demarche host
governments at the Ambassadorial or DCM level to request
that host country work with the United Nations Department
of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO) and the United States
Government to provide the critical aviation support listed
below. The Department recognizes that some action
addressees have already requested their host country to
consider providing aviation assets to UMAMID. Action
addressees in countries that previously made offers to
UNDPKO are requested to revisit those offers in light of
possible U.S. assistance in fulfilling mission
requirements (see paras 5-7). The United States will
engage UNDPKO in direct discussions to determine the
specific aviation UN requirements to include the host
country's previously rejected offers (in the cases of
Jordan, Bangladesh and Pakistan) and is prepared to
consider specific targeted requests for USG assistance in
upgrading those aviation assets that failed UNDPKO
deployment requirements. Department believes that
senior-level calls could follow Embassy efforts where
appropriate. The President and the Secretary believe the
USG must exhaust all efforts to secure these assets for
UNAMID. Department therefore requests Embassies to make
every reasonable effort to engage senior-level host nation
authorities in a discussion regarding their willingness to
offer (or renew an offer) for the deployment of their
aviation assets to UNAMID. In addition, Embassies are
requested to provide Washington with a preliminary
assessment of whether USG assistance with training and/or
equipment upgrades might significantly increase the host
government's capacity to deploy these assets. For example,
the USG may be able to assist in training pilots in the
use of night vision devices. Embassies should alert host
countries that USG officials are engaging with UNDPKO to
ensure that subsequent USG efforts to make host country
air assets mission-capable will be approved for deployment
by UNDPKO. In this regard, Embassies are further
requested to assure host countries that the USG is
prepared to assist them in their discussions with UNDPKO
in support of their aviation contribution to UNAMID.


3. Deadline: the deadline for Embassies to respond is May
12, 2008 (Department welcomes any interim reports prior to
the response date).


4. Background: The United Nations-African Union Mission
in Darfur (UNAMID) is one of the Department's top
priorities. UNAMID currently lacks critical aviation,
transportation and logistical capabilities. UNAMID's
mandate calls for a predominantly African force, and it
has received pledges and actual contributions from many
African infantry units (including from Rwanda, Nigeria,
Senegal, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Malawi).
Nevertheless, UNAMID still lacks commitments for critical
force multipliers/enablers, including aviation, logistical
and transportation support assets. The Department wishes
to assist host nations in their rapid deployment of
available aviation assets to Darfur, which is a critical
part of our strategy for sustainable peace in Darfur and
central to the success of UNAMID. Given Darfur's large
territory and difficult terrain, the lack of
combat-capable attack helicopters deprives UNAMID ground
forces of the close air support that could be necessary to
conduct effective civilian protection operations against
well-armed adversaries, while the absence of military
utility helicopters prevents UNAMID from sending rapid
reaction forces to reinforce ground troops confronted by
hostile forces in remote combat zones. Host countries
that may be able to respond positively to this request and
wish to contribute assets to UNAMID should be asked to
bring their capabilities to the urgent attention of the
Embassy and UNDPKO in New York. The United States
welcomes the opportunity to engage DPKO in direct
discussions of the UN's requirements to include the host
country's previously rejected offers (in the cases of
Jordan, Bangladesh and Pakistan) and is prepared to offer
and consider specific targeted requests for USG assistance
in upgrading those assets.


5. For Embassy Kyiv: The Department recognizes that this
demarche request comes as Ukraine is still considering a
December request from UNDPKO to transfer its helicopter
assets to UNAMID from UNMIL. President Bush has also raised
this issue with President Yushchenko. The Department
understands this decision is still pending with the Government
and ultimately requires approval by the Parliament. Embassy
should inquire into the status of this request as it
currently represents our single best and quickest option
for deploying the needed air assets to Darfur. The USG
stands ready to assist if these or other assets are
authorized by the GOU. Department notes Ukraine is
observing the Orthodox Easter-Labor Day holiday and
response will follow later.


6. For Embassy Islamabad: Pakistan pledged a fixed wing
unit of three Aerial reconnaissance air craft in September
2007, but the offer was rejected due to the aircraft's
limited technical capability to conduct reconnaissance
(need for better electronics and cameras, etc). Pakistan
is currently looking at ways of enhancing the capability
with third party support if necessary, according to
UNDPKO. Dept recognizes that Ambassador and DCM are
currently away from post but requests that Embassy present
this demarche to appropriately senior civilian and/or
military officials.


7. For Embassy Dhaka: A Bangladesh offer of five Bell
Utility helicopters was declined by UNDPKO, because these
helicopters would not provide the required capacity to
transport a company-sized quick reaction force.


8. For Embassy Amman: Jordan pledged Utility Helicopters
in August 2007, but the offer was rejected mainly due to
the aircraft's limited capabilities for night vision and
potential fuel limitations.


9. Point of contact: Colonel Lawrence Mrozinski, IO/PSC,
202-736-7930, Mrozinskilg@state.sgov.gov.
RICE