DONOR SUPPORT FOR PEACEKEEPING TRANSPORT AND

UNCLAS STATE 087194 SIPDIS USUN FOR MSC -- EASTON/MOGG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR MASS KPKO SUBJECT: DONOR SUPPORT FOR PEACEKEEPING TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS: LETTER TO DEPARTMENT OF FIELD SUPPORT REF: ODELL/MOGG TELCON OF 8/13/08 ¶1. (U) Action request: USUN is requested to transmit the letter in paragraph 3 to Mr. Maxwell Kerley, Director, Logistics Support Division, UN Department of Field Support (DFS). The letter invites DFS to participate in the Transportation and Logistics Support Arrangement (TLSA),a virtual donors' mechanism that manages requests for transportation and logistics support for peacekeeping operations. The letter and associated materials have been e-mailed to USUN/MSC; per ref conversation, no signed original is needed. Questions should be addressed to PM/PPA Wing Commander David Potter (202-647-1355; classified: david.potter.aus@dmz.rel.smil.mil; unclassified: PotterDC@state.gov) or PM/PPA Christina Rosati (202-647-3034; classified: RosatiCS@state.sgov.gov; unclassified: RosatiCS@state.gov). ¶2. (U) Background: PM staff first briefed Mr. Kerley on plans to create the TLSA, a G-8 initiative, in February 2007. In a meeting on July 11, 2008 DFS and Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) staff asked to be kept informed of requests for support being circulated within the TLSA. UN staff agreed that the TLSA was compatible with and would complement UN logistical procedures for peacekeeping operations, and that this information would illuminate logistics and transport shortfalls that might impede deployment by potential troop-contributing countries. ¶3. (U) Begin text of letter: Mr. Maxwell Kerley Director, Logistics Support Division Department of Field Support United Nations New York, NY 10017 Dear Mr. Kerley: Personnel of the Department of State,s Office of Plans, Policy and Analysis, Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative staff discussed the Transportation and Logistics Support Arrangement (TLSA),a G8 initiative, with you in early 2007. In its present form, the TLSA is a virtual donors, coordination mechanism which is used to enable urgent transportation and logistics requirements related to peace support operations to be met by voluntary donor pledges of direct funding or in-kind support. While still in its infancy, this mechanism has been used successfully to partially remediate logistic shortfalls for two African nations deploying to a UN Security Council authorized, African Union mission. During staff level discussions held with the Secretariat in July 2008, UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department of Field Support (DFS) staff suggested there might be advantages in sharing the requests circulating within the TLSA with DFS. This would provide DFS with information on logistic shortfalls that could potentially affect the deployment of troop contributing countries (TCC) and also serve as a reminder to DFS staff of a resource available to potential TCCs reporting logistic shortfalls. Enclosed is a brochure on TLSA and a copy of the form that requesting nations submit to initiate the process. We want to highlight that TLSA is a virtual coordination mechanism so there aren,t any of the travel or meeting costs that often accompany other donor mechanisms. Should you see merit in DFS being informed of requests for TLSA assistance and/or wish to explore the potential of this capability further, your staff may contact Ms. Christina Rosati. Ms. Rosati may be reached at (202) 647-3034, or by e-mail at RosatiCS@state.gov. Should you wish to contact me directly, I may be reached at (202) 647-0037, or by e-mail at GanyardST@state.gov. Sincerely, Stephen T. Ganyard Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Plans, Programs, and Operations Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Enclosure: Brochure on TSLA End text. RICE