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