ACTION REQUEST: ENGAGING COALITION PARTNERS TO QUICKLY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 003981 DEPARTMENT FOR SRAP, SCA/FO, SCA/A, EUR/RPM STATE PASS TO AID FOR ASIA/SCAA USFOR-A FOR POLAD SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV EAID UK NO SW GM HU CA NL LH FR SP IT NZ EZ PL TU AF SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: ENGAGING COALITION PARTNERS TO QUICKLY REVIEW DRAFT MOU ON LIFE, SECURITY AND MOBILITY SUPPORT REF 3870 ¶1. This message contains an action request in para 4 ¶2. (U) Begin Summary. Embassy Kabul continues to engage with coalition partners with Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) to press for conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Life, Security and Mobility Support. We understand coalition partner capitals are reviewing these agreements, and we have asked our PRT officers at coalition-led PRTs to urge coalition colleagues to press their foreign ministries for a quick turnaround. Embassy Kabul requests that the Department instruct Posts in capitals of these coalition partners to engage with appropriate Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials to similarly highlight the importance of quickly concluding these agreements. End Summary. ¶3. (U) Embassy Kabul is in the process of significantly increasing the number of USG civilians at Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and other field locations. Of the 27 PRTs in Afghanistan, 15 are ISAF Coalition-led. There are more than 50 U.S. civilians based at Coalition-led locations, and we hope to deploy many more in the coming months. In order to facilitate this increase, we are trying to conclude MOUs that will support such deployments. Currently, arrangements for accommodation and support of U.S. civilians at partner PRTs have been ad hoc and informal. Several partners have asked for an MOU. Assistant Chief of Mission Mussomeli recently met with ambassadors of all coalition countries that have PRTs in which the USG has or may seek to place civilians in the coming months (reftel). He presented them with draft MOUs on Life, Security and Mobility, which were positively received. A brief summation of the current status of negotiation of the individual MOUs is outlined below: -- U.K.: The latest version of the MOU is in the final stages of discussion. Post expects to conclude discussions with UK colleagues in the next week. -- Norway: The last contact with the Embassy was on November 30. The Norwegians report that the MOU was sent to Oslo, but there is no response yet. -- Sweden: The last contact with the Embassy was on November 30. The Swedes report that the MOU was sent to Stockholm and is being processed. -- Germany: The last contact with the Embassy was on December 10. The initial response from the German government was positive and included some technical questions from the Ministry of Defense that we are working through. -- Hungary: The last contact with the Embassy was on November 18. The Hungarians reported that the MOU was sent to Budapest where it will need to be negotiated, rather than in Afghanistan. -- Canada: The last contact with the Embassy was on December 3. The Canadians report that the MOU was sent to Ottawa and that comments would be returned to us on December 6 (as of December 10, Post had not received the comments). Additionally, the PRT reports some initial concerns were raised by the Canadian PRT with the requirement to support three movements per day and will want to work on revised language on this point. -- The Netherlands: The last contact with the Embassy was on December 4. The Dutch report that the MOU was sent to the Foreign Ministry and Tarin Kowt for comments. -- Lithuania: The last contact with the Embassy was on December 4. The Lithuanians report that the MOU was sent to Vilnius for review. -- France: The last contact with the Embassy was on December 4. KABUL 00003981 002 OF 002 The French report that the MOU was sent to TF Lafayette and Paris for review on November 23. The Embassy said that they have been very busy and have not had time to review the document but have not forgotten about it. -- Spain: The last contact with the Embassy was on November 24. SCR-West Brad Hanson discussed with the Spanish PRT Commander on November 30 changes to be incorporated regarding the self-drive requirements. Post RSO is considering revised language. -- Italy: The last contact with the Embassy was on November 21. SCR-West Brad Hanson discussed with the Italian PRT Commander on November 30 changes to be incorporated regarding the self-drive requirements. Post RSO is considering revised language. -- New Zealand: As New Zealand's diplomatic representation is based in Tehran, we will provide a copy of the agreement to the Embassy via email and via the PRT in Bamyan. Additionally, it will be helpful if our mission in Wellington provides a copy of the agreement to the Foreign Ministry per the action request below. -- Czech Republic: The last contact with the Embassy was on November 25. As the Czech Republic does not provide support to U.S. personnel (and is located on a USFOR-A base),the MOU is not necessary. The Czech Embassy reported that the MOU was sent to Prague for information. -- Poland: The last contact with the Embassy was on November 24. As the Polish Government does not provide support to U.S. personnel, the MOU is not necessary. The Polish Ambassador was provided the agreement for information. -- Turkey: As the Turkish PRT does not provide support to U.S. personnel, the MOU is not necessary. We will provide a copy of the MOU to the embassy for its information. ¶4. (U) Action Requested: Embassy Kabul recommends that Department instruct posts in the following countries to approach the appropriate officials in the host government Ministry of Foreign Affairs to emphasize the importance of concluding the MOU. Countries to approach include: Norway, Sweden, Germany, Hungary, Canada, The Netherlands, Lithuania, France, Spain, and Italy. Additionally, Post requests that Embassy Wellington provide a copy of the draft MOU with New Zealand to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the MOU will be emailed separately. Recommended points are as follows: -- Our Embassy in Kabul recently presented your government with a draft Memorandum of Understanding on Life, Security and Mobility Support. -- This agreement, while not legally binding, would establish a framework for cooperation for support to U.S. civilians at coalition led Provincial Reconstruction Teams(PRT) or other bases. -- The MOU would establish a framework for cooperation for what have been until now largely ad hoc arrangements, and would provide a mechanism for USG payment to coalition partners for support services provided to U.S. civilians at PRTs or other bases. -- We understand that it will take some time to review the document, but we appreciate your expeditious review. -- We will be happy to pass any questions or concerns that you may have back to Embassy Kabul. ¶5. Post appreciates Department's assistance in this request. POC's for questions or comments on the MOUs are Ann Marie Yastishock at Kabul/USAID and Patricia McNerney at Kabul/IPA.