Uruguay Offers K-9 SAR Team for Rescue Efforts in Haiti

UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000028 SIPDIS STATE FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE TASK FORCE USAID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MASS MOPS AEMR MARR PREL HA UY SUBJECT: Uruguay Offers K-9 SAR Team for Rescue Efforts in Haiti REF: STATE 4208 ¶1. The GOU has offered to send a K-9 Search and Rescue unit comprised of five dogs and five handlers to assist in rescue operations in Haiti. The team has U.S. visas and will fly commercial air to Miami if onward transport into Haiti or the Dominican Republic can be confirmed. In addition, a general offer of assistance was forwarded to the to the United Nations. Uruguay maintains a significant contingent of peacekeeping troops in MINUSTAH and anticipates its team will attach itself to Uruguayan PKOs for logistical support in Haiti. Embassy milgroup assesses the Uruguayan K-9 SAR capability as "very good." ¶2. As of January 15 the team was on stand by in Buenos Aires, Argentina exploring transport options with Argentine milair flights carrying relief supplies to Port au Prince. The team continues to explore possible transport options with other neighboring countries as well. They can reactivate the commercial air option within 24 hours in case their assets are useful for the mission. Matthewman