REQUEST TO THE GOVERNMENT OF RUSSIA FOR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 097440 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPKO MARR SU RU SUBJECT: REQUEST TO THE GOVERNMENT OF RUSSIA FOR CONTRIBUTION OF HELICOPTERS TO THE UN/AU MISSION IN DARFUR (UNAMID) REF: KHARTOUM 0126 ¶1. Summary. This is an action request. Please see paragraph 7. Department requests Embassy Moscow,s assistance in obtaining an offer from the Government of Russia (GOR) to provide to the UN/AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) up to 18 military medium transport utility helicopters (a minimum of 6 is preferred but any contribution would be welcomed) and operating crews for deployment to UNAMID at the earliest possible time. The helicopters would be utilized for mission critical activities in Darfur, and permit UNAMID to improve operational capability in fulfilling its mandate. End Summary. OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶2. Embassy Moscow should pursue the following objectives: --Impress upon the Russian government there remains a critical need for 18 military medium utility helicopters and crews for deployment to UNAMID, without which the mission cannot meet its operational goals and objectives; --Persuade the Russian government to identify and donate to UNAMID UN-certifiable medium transport helicopters on a UN-reimbursable basis, or determine if there is any interest by the GOR in providing these assets; --Encourage officials of the Russian Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Defense as appropriate to initiate discussions as soon as possible with officials within the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and Department of Field Support to commence negotiations leading to the deployment of the helicopters and operating crews. REPORTING DEADLINE -------------- ¶3. Embassy should report results of efforts by cable to Thomas Brown, IO/PSC, by September 30, 2009. BACKGROUND -------------- ¶4. The ability of UNAMID to fulfill its mandate is dictated by the level of contributions of member states. UNAMID must be capable of rapid mobility over vast distances and difficult terrain. Since inception, UNAMID has unsuccessfully sought to acquire utility helicopters for the mission. The concept of operations calls for 18 military medium transport helicopters to perform essential mission functions. Despite the best efforts of DPKO and the international community, UNAMID has been unable to obtain the needed helicopters. The operating conditions in Darfur are some of the harshest for UN peacekeepers with poor roads, poor airfields, and a brutal climate. Air transportation, particularly during the rainy season when all ground movement is severely curtailed, is the only viable mode of transportation. ¶5. The concept of operations calls for each UNAMID sector to have one military helicopter operating 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, principally to perform medical and casualty evacuation functions. Given the operating conditions in Darfur for UNAMID troops, the large internally displaced population in camps, and fragile health, welfare, and security conditions, it is essential to have reliable medical transport capabilities. The helicopters will also be used to enhance the safety and security of UNAMID troops, including troop transport and re-supply, to conduct patrols and search and rescue operations, and to investigate incidents of conflict within UNAMID,s area of operations. ¶6. In the past, the Russian Special Envoy for Sudan, Mikhail Margelov, has pledged his continued support for UNAMID (ref Khartoum 0126) in the matter of helicopters. ¶7. Action request. Embassy Moscow is requested to approach the GOR at the highest appropriate level to obtain a GOR commitment to donate up to 18 military medium transport helicopters to UNAMID for service in Darfur. If the GOR responds positively to this request, Department requests Embassy Moscow to obtain assurances that the helicopters the STATE 00097440 002 OF 002 SUBJECT: REQUEST TO THE GOVERNMENT OF RUSSIA FOR CONTRIBUTION OF HELICOPTERS TO THE UN/AU MISSION IN DARFUR (UNAMI GOR intends to offer to UNAMID are or will be UN-certifiable prior to or immediately after delivery to UNAMID. If a firm commitment is not immediately forthcoming, please inform the Department whether or not the GOR is interested in exploring the option. High-level engagement from the USG may be possible if it would move the GOR towards pledging the helicopters. Department requests the Defense Attach,s Office involvement in this effort. Department appreciates Embassy Moscow,s assistance. End action request. POINT OF CONTACT -------------- ¶8. Please contact Thomas Brown at (202) 736-7789 or via e-mail for any necessary further background information or argumentation to meet our objectives. CLINTON