MAURITANIA: FY 2010 1206 PROPOSALS TO ESTABLISH

UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000696 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MCAP MASS PGOV MR SUBJECT: MAURITANIA: FY 2010 1206 PROPOSALS TO ESTABLISH VIABLE COUNTERTERRORISM CAPABILITIES REF: A. STATE 92407 ¶B. NOUAKCHOTT 617 ¶C. NOUAKCHOTT 694 This is a corrected copy of REFTEL B to include Human Rights Certification ¶1. (SBU) In response to reftel, Post supports the following two fiscal year 2010 (FY10) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) section 1206 funded proposals totaling $16.1 million from US Africa Command for: - Mauritania counter-terrorism company T&E - $10.50 million - Maintenance/logistics sustainment company - $5.60 million. These proposals support the goals and objectives of US Embassy Nouakchott, the Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorism Partnership (TSCTP) and US Africa Command's Operation Enduring Freedom-Trans Sahara (OEF-TS). The Chief of Mission has reviewed and concurs with these proposals. ¶2. (SBU) Mauritanian cooperation in counterterrorism activities continues to go beyond statements of support and they have taken tangible action. Mauritania, a TSCTP partner nation, has demonstrated the willingness to act against terrorist organizations of interest to the US. However, the government's capacity for action remains limited and the USG needs to continue its efforts to strengthen it. The capabilities that would be provided by these proposals will enhance Mauritania's contribution to the US overseas contingency operations CT efforts and directly support the Embassy's Mission Strategic Plan. ¶3. (SBU) Post certifies that it is aware of no human rights violations having been commited by existing Mauritanian Units selected for training (the GSI 1 and 3). Both units have previously passed Leahy Vetting and updated requests have been initiated per REFTEL c. GSI 2 is a new unit that has no prior history. That unit and its commander are included in REFTEL C. The Maintenance/Logistics Sustainment Company does not yet exist. Leahy Vetting will be initiated for that Unit once it is stood up. BOULWARE