SOME UNMEE GEAR TO AMISOM

S E C R E T ASMARA 000039 DEPARTMENT FOR AF/EX AND AF/E E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2010 TAGS: KPKO PREL PBTS MOPS ER SUBJECT: SOME UNMEE GEAR TO AMISOM Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d) ¶1. (SBU) At a Norwegian-hosted "Friends of UNMEE" luncheon in Asmara January 27, Dr. Lebohang Moleko, UNMEE's chief in Eritrea, reported that much of UNMEE's equipment has been dispatched to Sudan for use by UNAMID and UNMIS. He said some "Category Two Items" will be shipped to Italy for "destruction or recycling" and others to Mogadishu for use by AMISOM. He did not specify what gear would go to Mogadishu. UNMEE supplies and equipment not sent out of the country will be transferred to UNICEF or other UN agencies in Eritrea, UNMEE staff added. Moleko said there were currently about 80 UNMEE staff in Asmara and he hoped all could depart by mid-to late February once the liquidation process was wrapped up. ¶2. (S) Moleko surprised some present by announcing in front of Eritrean military and MFA officials that UNMEE gear would be going to AMISOM. Eritrea's UNMEE military liaison officer, Colonel Zekarias, made no comment when Moleko mentioned the transfer to AMISOM. Colonel Zekarias (whose wife and child have reportedly been granted political asylum in the United States) seemed relaxed and relieved that UNMEE's drawn-out death rattle was finally coming to a close. MCMULLEN