UNSC SOMALIA SANCTIONS COMMITTEE: ARMS EMBARGO

UNCLAS STATE 083024 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EFIN ETTC KTFN PREL PTER XW UNSC SUBJECT: UNSC SOMALIA SANCTIONS COMMITTEE: ARMS EMBARGO EXEMPTION REQUEST REF: STATE 62888 ¶1. This is an action request. USUN is requested to send a letter to the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia ("the Somalia Sanctions Committee" - www.un.org/sc/committees/751/index.shtml) with the information found in para 2 below in connection with United States' request for an exemption to the arms embargo on Somalia established by the Security Council in resolution 733(1992). -------------- STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE -------------- ¶2. The strategic objective is for the United States to comply with its UN obligation to request an exemption from the Somalia Sanctions Committee at least five working days in advance of any shipment of weapons and military equipment for Somalia or any provision of technical assistance intended solely for the purpose of helping develop security sector institutions, consistent with the political process as described in paragraphs 1 through 5 of UN Security Council resolution 1772 (2007). -------------- LETTER -------------- ¶3. In accordance with paragraph 11 (b) of resolution 1772 (2007),the U.S. Mission hereby requests approval for an exemption to the arms embargo imposed on Somalia by UN Security Council resolution 733 (1992). The United States Government intends to provide the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) with airlift support to transport National Security Forces (NSF) trainees to Uganda for military training in August 2009. After completion of the training, in February or March 2010, the United States will transport the TFG NSF trainees back to Mogadishu from Uganda. The United States also plans to provide airlift support to NSF soldiers currently participating in training in Djibouti back to Mogadishu following the completion of their training in September 2009. This transport support will contribute to military efforts to defeat armed opposition groups in Mogadishu. U.S. support of the NSF will add to the protection of the TFG, whose role is key to the continuation of the political and reconciliation process outlined in paragraphs 1 through 5 of resolution 1772 (2007). All transportation services will be contracted with civilian air transport companies, and Mogadishu will be the port of entry into Somalia. The dates and times of these transportation flights will depend on the security situation and the availability of the civilian contractors. The United States will not be providing any weapons or military equipment as part of the airlift support. Finally, the United States Government plans to provide the Government of Uganda with US$1.25 million of logistical support for basic military training up to the battalion level for 750 TFG NSF soldiers. These funds will be used to provide food rations, accommodation for the trainees, medical supplies, fuel, individual equipment and other logistical supplies as well as to purchase training aids (classroom materials, i.e., pens, paper, projectors) for the training. END LETTER ¶4. Department appreciates Mission's efforts. CLINTON