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