Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BAGHDAD39
2009-01-08 13:28:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPONS RELEASE TO IRAQ -
how-toVZCZCXRO2227 PP RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #0039/01 0081328 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 081328Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1138 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC//NSC// PRIORITY RHMFISS/USCENTCOM SPECIAL HANDLING MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000039
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: IZ MARR MCAP MOPS PGOV PINS PNAT PTER
SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPONS RELEASE TO IRAQ -
NIGHT VISION DEVICES FOR CTB
REF: MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN IRAQ CTB AND
MNSTC-I FOR ENHANCED END USE MONITORING OF
NIGHT VISION DEVICES - OCT 16 2008
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000039
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: IZ MARR MCAP MOPS PGOV PINS PNAT PTER
SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPONS RELEASE TO IRAQ -
NIGHT VISION DEVICES FOR CTB
REF: MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN IRAQ CTB AND
MNSTC-I FOR ENHANCED END USE MONITORING OF
NIGHT VISION DEVICES - OCT 16 2008
1. (U) This is an action request, see paragraph 10.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Country Team requests the immediate
release of U.S. military specification night vision devices
(NVDs) to the Government of Iraq (GOI). Specifically, this
request is for AN/PVS-7D and AN/PVS-14 NVDs. These U.S
military specification NVDs will be used by the Iraq National
Counter-Terrorism Bureau (CTB) to train and equip Iraqi
Special Operations Forces to fight terrorism in urban and
rural environments at night in total darkness. This will
advance nighttime operational effectiveness while reducing
collateral damage risk. This request is for the sale of
2,250 AN/PVS-7D and 2,250 AN/PVS-14 NVDs valued at an
estimated $21.5M US dollars. END SUMMARY.
--------------
Description of Technology for Release
--------------
3. (SBU) NVDs provide high quality image clarity essential
for safe night time counter-terrorism operations. They allow
the wearer to select and clearly identify the enemy and
reduce the possibility of collateral damage.
--------------
Rationale for Technology Release
--------------
4. (SBU) Iraqi Special Operations Forces are in urgent need
of viable night vision capabilities that will allow them to
safely and effectively execute night counter-terrorism
operations, particularly in conjunction with Coalition
Special Operations Forces. Release of NVDs will greatly
enhance their ability to conduct counter-terrorism missions,
improve interoperability with Coalition forces, and improve
their ability to maintain their own defense and security.
Fielding modern capable NVDs will also contribute to eventual
Coalition advisory transition of Iraqi forces to independent
operations.
--------------
Iraq Safeguarding Sensitive Technology
--------------
5. (SBU) Iraq has demonstrated the intent and ability to
protect sensitive, classified military technology since
working with U.S. and Coalition forces. An Article 505
agreement (signed by the GOI July 24, 2004) demonstrates
Iraq's commitment to protect grant defense articles and
technology similar to our standards. Additionally, a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Enhanced End Use Monitoring
(EEUM) of NVDs was signed by the Iraqi CTB on 16 October
2008, detailing requirements for the storage, security and
inventory of NVDs. The MOA defines Iraqi responsibility for
controlled access and 100% physical count inventory to
safeguard NVDs purchased through Foreign Military Sales
(FMS). Upon request, inventory and accountability records
maintained by the Iraqis will made available to U.S.
personnel conducting EEUM through the GOLDEN SENTRY program
and Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq (MNSTC-I)
Security Assistance Office (SAO) Standard Operating
Procedures. We will also continue to mentor the Iraqi Forces
on their accountability and control of NVDs in order to
provide long-term cooperation with GOI. All the necessary
documentation of U.S. to GOI transfer, receipt and inventory
of NVDs will be obtained, reviewed and recorded for GOLDEN
SENTRY EEUM purposes.
QSENTRY EEUM purposes.
--------------
Anticipated Reaction from Neighboring Nations
--------------
6. (SBU) We do not anticipate the release of NVDs to the
Government of Iraq to adversely affect the regional balance
of power or cause negative reactions from neighboring
nations, as these system are already fielded in many
countries of the region.
--------------
Iraq's Political Importance to the Region
--------------
7. (SBU) A stable, democratically-elected Iraqi government,
BAGHDAD 00000039 002 OF 002
capable of protecting its people and sovereignty, and
remaining at peace with its neighbors is one of the USG's
highest priorities. The release and employment of NVDs will
facilitate progress toward this goal, advancing the Iraqi
security forces' ability to identify, target and carry out
night operations against anti-Iraqi forces while reducing the
risk to self and others.
--------------
Source of Financing and Economic Impact
--------------
8. (SBU) This purchase will be financed by Government of Iraq
funds. The cost is estimated at $21.5M US dollars. There is
no significant economic impact anticipated to be generated by
this sale.
--------------
Relevant Human Rights Considerations
--------------
9. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations that should
preclude the release of the defense equipment to the Iraqi
Armed Forces.
--------------
Action Request
--------------
10. (SBU) We request immediate Washington approval for the
release of U.S. military specification AN/PVS-7D and
AN/PVS-14 Night Vision Devices to the Government of Iraq, for
use by the Counter-Terrorism Bureau.
CROCKER
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: IZ MARR MCAP MOPS PGOV PINS PNAT PTER
SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPONS RELEASE TO IRAQ -
NIGHT VISION DEVICES FOR CTB
REF: MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN IRAQ CTB AND
MNSTC-I FOR ENHANCED END USE MONITORING OF
NIGHT VISION DEVICES - OCT 16 2008
1. (U) This is an action request, see paragraph 10.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Country Team requests the immediate
release of U.S. military specification night vision devices
(NVDs) to the Government of Iraq (GOI). Specifically, this
request is for AN/PVS-7D and AN/PVS-14 NVDs. These U.S
military specification NVDs will be used by the Iraq National
Counter-Terrorism Bureau (CTB) to train and equip Iraqi
Special Operations Forces to fight terrorism in urban and
rural environments at night in total darkness. This will
advance nighttime operational effectiveness while reducing
collateral damage risk. This request is for the sale of
2,250 AN/PVS-7D and 2,250 AN/PVS-14 NVDs valued at an
estimated $21.5M US dollars. END SUMMARY.
--------------
Description of Technology for Release
--------------
3. (SBU) NVDs provide high quality image clarity essential
for safe night time counter-terrorism operations. They allow
the wearer to select and clearly identify the enemy and
reduce the possibility of collateral damage.
--------------
Rationale for Technology Release
--------------
4. (SBU) Iraqi Special Operations Forces are in urgent need
of viable night vision capabilities that will allow them to
safely and effectively execute night counter-terrorism
operations, particularly in conjunction with Coalition
Special Operations Forces. Release of NVDs will greatly
enhance their ability to conduct counter-terrorism missions,
improve interoperability with Coalition forces, and improve
their ability to maintain their own defense and security.
Fielding modern capable NVDs will also contribute to eventual
Coalition advisory transition of Iraqi forces to independent
operations.
--------------
Iraq Safeguarding Sensitive Technology
--------------
5. (SBU) Iraq has demonstrated the intent and ability to
protect sensitive, classified military technology since
working with U.S. and Coalition forces. An Article 505
agreement (signed by the GOI July 24, 2004) demonstrates
Iraq's commitment to protect grant defense articles and
technology similar to our standards. Additionally, a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Enhanced End Use Monitoring
(EEUM) of NVDs was signed by the Iraqi CTB on 16 October
2008, detailing requirements for the storage, security and
inventory of NVDs. The MOA defines Iraqi responsibility for
controlled access and 100% physical count inventory to
safeguard NVDs purchased through Foreign Military Sales
(FMS). Upon request, inventory and accountability records
maintained by the Iraqis will made available to U.S.
personnel conducting EEUM through the GOLDEN SENTRY program
and Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq (MNSTC-I)
Security Assistance Office (SAO) Standard Operating
Procedures. We will also continue to mentor the Iraqi Forces
on their accountability and control of NVDs in order to
provide long-term cooperation with GOI. All the necessary
documentation of U.S. to GOI transfer, receipt and inventory
of NVDs will be obtained, reviewed and recorded for GOLDEN
SENTRY EEUM purposes.
QSENTRY EEUM purposes.
--------------
Anticipated Reaction from Neighboring Nations
--------------
6. (SBU) We do not anticipate the release of NVDs to the
Government of Iraq to adversely affect the regional balance
of power or cause negative reactions from neighboring
nations, as these system are already fielded in many
countries of the region.
--------------
Iraq's Political Importance to the Region
--------------
7. (SBU) A stable, democratically-elected Iraqi government,
BAGHDAD 00000039 002 OF 002
capable of protecting its people and sovereignty, and
remaining at peace with its neighbors is one of the USG's
highest priorities. The release and employment of NVDs will
facilitate progress toward this goal, advancing the Iraqi
security forces' ability to identify, target and carry out
night operations against anti-Iraqi forces while reducing the
risk to self and others.
--------------
Source of Financing and Economic Impact
--------------
8. (SBU) This purchase will be financed by Government of Iraq
funds. The cost is estimated at $21.5M US dollars. There is
no significant economic impact anticipated to be generated by
this sale.
--------------
Relevant Human Rights Considerations
--------------
9. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations that should
preclude the release of the defense equipment to the Iraqi
Armed Forces.
--------------
Action Request
--------------
10. (SBU) We request immediate Washington approval for the
release of U.S. military specification AN/PVS-7D and
AN/PVS-14 Night Vision Devices to the Government of Iraq, for
use by the Counter-Terrorism Bureau.
CROCKER