Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NICOSIA789
2009-12-22 14:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nicosia
Cable title:
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
how-toVZCZCXYZ0026 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHNC #0789 3561409 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 221409Z DEC 09 FM AMEMBASSY NICOSIA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0377 INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHMFISS/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L NICOSIA 000789
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/22/2019
TAGS: CY MARR MOPS PGOV PREL PTER
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
ANTI-TERRORISM ENGAGEMENT
Classified By: Charge d' Affaires Jonathan R. Cohen for reasons 1.4 B a
nd D.
C O N F I D E N T I A L NICOSIA 000789
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/22/2019
TAGS: CY MARR MOPS PGOV PREL PTER
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
ANTI-TERRORISM ENGAGEMENT
Classified By: Charge d' Affaires Jonathan R. Cohen for reasons 1.4 B a
nd D.
1. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Embassy Nicosia requests Department
approval to initiate the following select Department of
Defense (DoD) engagement activity with the Republic of
Cyprus: United States Coast Guard (USCG) training on
Waterside Port Security. This activity is clearly in the US
national interest.
2. (C) Cyprus has routinely supported US Navy ship visits,
the number of which has increased dramatically over the
preceding three years. The Port of Limassol is currently
undertaking a massive improvement project that will allow our
aircraft carriers to berth "along side" rather than remaining
out at anchorage. The island,s strategic location, its
extensive connections to the maritime industry, and the
seemingly increased frequency of international smuggling
events requiring a Cypriot response (most recently the M/V
Monchegorsk and previously the M/V Slavyanin and M/V
Gregorio); all strongly argue for improving Cypriot
capabilities in the areas of port security, antiterrorism and
the counter-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
3. (SBU) USCG Training on Waterside Port Security serves to
continue gains made under the EXBS program and past USCG
Mobile Training Teams in Cyprus. In particular, the proposed
waterside port security training will complement and follow
on to recent 2009 training in seaport security and
antiterrorism by providing valuable hands-on experience in
more effectively employing small boats to protect visiting
USN warships.
4. (C) Embassy Nicosia believes this is an essential program
that will enable the USG to engage with the ROC in a vital
area without negatively impacting US regional bilateral
relationships. It remains consistent with the legalities of
US policy on Cyprus; is in direct support of vital US
national interests, and supports the protection of our
strategic interests on the island. It will not escalate the
military capabilities of any armed force in Cyprus nor broach
the political redlines of any regional neighbor. It is
post,s judgment that engagement in this area does not
threaten in any way the established peace and stability on
the island or the recent progress towards reunification.
COHEN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/22/2019
TAGS: CY MARR MOPS PGOV PREL PTER
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
ANTI-TERRORISM ENGAGEMENT
Classified By: Charge d' Affaires Jonathan R. Cohen for reasons 1.4 B a
nd D.
1. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Embassy Nicosia requests Department
approval to initiate the following select Department of
Defense (DoD) engagement activity with the Republic of
Cyprus: United States Coast Guard (USCG) training on
Waterside Port Security. This activity is clearly in the US
national interest.
2. (C) Cyprus has routinely supported US Navy ship visits,
the number of which has increased dramatically over the
preceding three years. The Port of Limassol is currently
undertaking a massive improvement project that will allow our
aircraft carriers to berth "along side" rather than remaining
out at anchorage. The island,s strategic location, its
extensive connections to the maritime industry, and the
seemingly increased frequency of international smuggling
events requiring a Cypriot response (most recently the M/V
Monchegorsk and previously the M/V Slavyanin and M/V
Gregorio); all strongly argue for improving Cypriot
capabilities in the areas of port security, antiterrorism and
the counter-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
3. (SBU) USCG Training on Waterside Port Security serves to
continue gains made under the EXBS program and past USCG
Mobile Training Teams in Cyprus. In particular, the proposed
waterside port security training will complement and follow
on to recent 2009 training in seaport security and
antiterrorism by providing valuable hands-on experience in
more effectively employing small boats to protect visiting
USN warships.
4. (C) Embassy Nicosia believes this is an essential program
that will enable the USG to engage with the ROC in a vital
area without negatively impacting US regional bilateral
relationships. It remains consistent with the legalities of
US policy on Cyprus; is in direct support of vital US
national interests, and supports the protection of our
strategic interests on the island. It will not escalate the
military capabilities of any armed force in Cyprus nor broach
the political redlines of any regional neighbor. It is
post,s judgment that engagement in this area does not
threaten in any way the established peace and stability on
the island or the recent progress towards reunification.
COHEN