U.S.-SWAZI SECURITY DIALOGUE

UNCLAS MBABANE 000316 SIPDIS DEPT FOR PM AND AF/S FOR MAYA HARRIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL WZ SUBJECT: U.S.-SWAZI SECURITY DIALOGUE REF: STATE 112900 ¶1. SUMMARY: The United States has an informal security dialogue with Swaziland, characterized by U.S.-sponsored training and exchanges, HIV prevention programs, and ad hoc meetings with civilian and military officials at all levels to discuss security and military issues. The Defense Attache and Security Cooperation Offices in Pretoria, South Africa, cover Swaziland and have frequent meetings with military leaders. Ongoing U.S. defense activities in Swaziland include international military education and training (IMET) courses, the Department of Defense Excess Property and Humanitarian Assistance program, and Africa Center for Strategic Studies seminars. In 2009 Swaziland hosted a U.S. Army Africa sponsored MEDFLAG exercise. Swazi personnel also participated in the U.S. Africa Command sponsored AFRICA ENDEAVOUR 2009 command, control and communications exercise, and in early 2010 will participate in the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's small arms and light weapons program. In 2009 the U.S. and GKOS signed a status of forces agreement in preparation for the MEDFLAG exercise, and post is expecting a request by Swazi military forces to participate in the National Guard State Partnership Program. END SUMMARY. ¶2. The United States has an informal security dialogue with Swaziland, characterized by U.S.-sponsored training, exchanges, HIV prevention programs, and ad hoc meetings with civilian and military officials at all levels to discuss security and military issues. The Defense Attache and Security Cooperation Offices in Pretoria, South Africa, cover Swaziland and have frequent meetings with military leaders. ¶3. The U.S. regularly offers professional military education and training and exchange programs for Swazi military and security officials, including basic infantry, command and general staff, legal aspects of combating terrorism, and civil military response to terrorism courses. Other support includes the Department of Defense Excess Property and Humanitarian Assistance Programs, the 2009 MEDFLAG exercise, Africa Center for Strategic Studies seminars, Africa Endeavour 2009, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's small arms and light weapons program. ¶4. The U.S. has supported efforts by Swaziland's military forces to fight HIV/AIDS. A DOD-funded specialist sits within the PEPFAR Swazi team, whose role is to coordinate HIV/AIDS activities with the Swazi military. The U.S. has provided substantial support to renovate the Phocweni military health clinic, refurbish and equip its laboratory, and provide training and equipment. ¶5. In 2009, military cooperation between the U.S. and Swaziland was enhanced by GKOS's signing of a Status of Forces Agreement in preparation for the 2009 MEDFLAG exercise. In addition, post is expecting a request by Swazi military forces to participate in the National Guard State Partnership Program. IRVING