TONGA REQUIREMENTS FOR IRAQ DEPLOYMENT: SECOND

C O N F I D E N T I A L SUVA 000018 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR PM, NEA, AND EAP E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/24/2018 TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS IZ TN SUBJECT: TONGA REQUIREMENTS FOR IRAQ DEPLOYMENT: SECOND SURVEY REF: STATE 4865 Classified By: Amb. Dinger. Sec. 1.4 (B,D). ¶1. (C) Regarding reftel (deadline today),Tonga Prime Minister Sevele and Tonga Defense Service (TDS) Commander BG Uta'atu visited Honolulu this week to observe the next TDS contingent training for deployment to Iraq (MNFI). We understand that Sevele and Uta'atu discussed prospects for future Iraq deployments with PACOM and with Suva DATT during the visit, including what mechanisms might best facilitate such deployments. We have only a very brief read-out of the conversations. BG Uta'atu said in Honolulu that he continues to advocate TDS deployments to Iraq. He would prefer to remain under the U.S. umbrella for such deployments. ¶2. (C) Aside from legal issues, per previous reporting, Sevele and Tonga Foreign/Defense Minister Tu'a have stated repeatedly that future TDS deployments to Iraq will depend on the USG response to Tonga's strong request for visa services on the ground in Nuku'alofa. A letter Sevele sent Commander PACOM Admiral Keating prior to his Honolulu visit reiterated that theme. PM Sevele intends to visit Embassy Suva tomorrow (1/25). We will provide a follow-up report ASAP. DINGER