TONGA DEPLOYMENTS TO IRAQ; RELATED ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SUVA 000064

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/14/2018
TAGS: PREL MARR CVIS SENV TN
SUBJECT: TONGA DEPLOYMENTS TO IRAQ; RELATED ISSUES

REF: SUVA 020

Classified By: Amb. Dinger. Sec. 1.4 (B,D).

Another reminder: Iraq deployments linked to visa issue
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1. (C) During a meeting with Ambassador Dinger in Nuku'alofa
Feb. 6, Tonga Foreign/Defense Minister Tu'a re-confirmed
that, per reftel, if Tonga decides to continue deploying
forces to Iraq into 2009, past the end of the current UN
resolution, Tonga expects any such deployments to come under
the umbrella of a U.S.-Iraq Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Tu'a recalled with pride the obviously high regard which U.S.
military leaders have in the contributions of TDS troops
serving at Camp Victory. Tu'a noted, though, that the Tonga
Government continues to link future Iraq deployments to a
satisfactory outcome from the request for delivery of some
sort of USG non-immigrant visa services on the ground in
Tonga.

Request for wharf project aid; environmental query
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2. (C) In conversations with senior Tonga officials, the
Ambassador noted PM Sevele's request in Honolulu, per reftel,
for U.S. military engineers to help Tonga's Public Works
Ministry complete reconstruction and expansion of the main
wharf in Nuku'alofa as a visible symbol to the people of
Tonga that Iraq deployments gain concrete benefits. One
well-placed official was clearly taken aback at the news. He
noted that the wharf construction project has controversial
aspects, including that Public Works commenced it without a
required environmental-impact study. Another senior official
later said the same and claimed that wharf re-construction
already seems to be affecting marine life along the
shoreline. If the U.S. military were to assist with the
wharf project, would an environmental-impact assessment need
to be in place?

Helping deportees; a possible mil-aid angle?
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3. (U) During the trip, tied to a successful port visit by
the USS Reuben James, the Ambassador also followed up on past
efforts to stimulate Tongans to provide a safety net of sorts
for deportees. The U.S. deports around 25 Tongans per year
because of criminal activity or immigration violations.
Until recently, those deportees, many of whom emigrated to
the U.S. in early childhood and have no recollection of
Tonga, received no assistance to adapt back "home." As a
result, some are reportedly engaging in crime, including
violent crime. The deportees arrive from Australia and New
Zealand, as well as the U.S., but U.S. .deportees seem most
visible. The Ambassador has urged churches (Free Wesleyan and
Mormon),civil society, and elements of the Tonga Government
to assist. Tonga Immigration and the Free Wesleyan Church
have now taken the lead, with other churches and NGOs on
board, to provide a "LifeLine Tonga" orientation program
that, it is hoped, will help provide the needed safety net.


4. (U) LifeLine reported that the Free Wesleyan Church has
donated land for a building in Nuku'alofa to house
deportee-oriented activities permanently. The LifeLine
organizers asked if the USG might help construct the
building. Embassy Suva would gladly work with PACOM or
others to evaluate that potentially useful
humanitarian-assistance construction project.
DINGER