ESTABLISHING A DATE FOR THE INAUGURAL POLITICAL MILITARY DIALOGUE WITH LIBYA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 000284

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/04/2020
TAGS: MASS, MARR, MCAP, MOPS, PARM, PGOV
SUBJECT: ESTABLISHING A DATE FOR THE INAUGURAL POLITICAL
MILITARY DIALOGUE WITH LIBYA

REF: A. TRIPOLI 899
B. TRIPOLI 893

Classified By: PM PDAS Tom Countryman, E.O. 12958, 1.4(b)(d)

1. (U) This is an action request; see para 5.

2. (C) The United States and Libya have an opportunity to
strengthen the bilateral relationship by establishing a
regular political-military dialogue, especially in light of
their recent signing of a 505 agreement (ref a). Furthermore,
the Department concurs with Post's suggestion to establish an
inaugural pol-mil dialogue in early 2010 (ref b),and
supports doing so as early as the January-February 2010
timeframe. These discussions should focus on building trust
on issues such as regional security, defense capabilities and
needs, end use monitoring, and broader security cooperation
issues (proposed agenda themes in para 5). It should be made
clear that Libyan participation in this dialogue is not
transactional in nature, but the goal is to establish a more
effective channel for an effective security-related dialogue
between the USG and GOL.

3. (C) Given the sensitivity of the bilateral relationship at
this time (stemming in particular from the Libyan welcome to
Pan Am 103 bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi,the human rights case
of Fathi al-Jahmi, balking on WMD commitments) and GOL
unfamiliarity with the mechanics and intent of pol-mil talks
with the USG, the Department proposes that Post engage with
the GOL to establish a date for the inaugural pol-mil talks.

4. (C) The Department envisions that the Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs lead the
pol-mil talks with appropriate participation by NEA, DOD/OSD,
DOD/Joint Staff, AFRICOM, the NSC, and other interagency
partners. The timing of inaugural talks will be the subject
of close cooperation with Post, NEA, DOD and the NSC. These
talks are separate from, and broader in scope than, the
military to military "Council of Colonels" discussion (to be
held January 11-13).

5. (C/REL LIBYA) Action Request: Post is requested to draw
upon the U.S.-proposed agenda items below, and elicit GOL
proposals to develop the timing and substance of the pol-mil
dialogue. Post is also requested to begin discussions on the
desired composition of delegations, timing, location, and
other related matters. Regarding post's input for agenda
items in reftel B, the Department views discussion of Libya's
fulfillment of its Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
(SCUD-B destruction) commitments as better suited for
established channels with officials from the Bureau of
International Security and Nonproliferation. We also
consider discussion of the disposition of Libya's efforts to
take delivery of the C-130s located in Marietta, Georgia as
an "if raised" topic only for this forum, as the USG has told
the GOL repeatedly to address any concerns about these
aircraft directly with LOCKHEED Martin.

SECURITY COOPERATION
- USG pol-mil talks globally: history, models and outcomes
(U.S.)
- Expanding cooperation in demining and combating MANPADS -
(U.S.)
- Requirements for the protection of U.S. military technology
- (e.g., the 505 Agreement, a budget transparency waiver, and
opportunities available to Libya now that they have signed
the 505 Agreement) (U.S.)

DEFENSE CAPABILITIES AND COOPERATION
- Resource/security requirements overview - (Libya)
- Strengthening defense trade via Foreign Military Sales -
(U.S.)
- Libya's defense procurement status - (U.S.)

REGIONAL SECURITY
- Regional security overview and strategic priorities - (U.S.
and Libya)
a. Identify common goals
b. Identify common threats (including regional
counterterrorism threats)

- Discuss specific regional security issues and Libya's role
and contributions thereto, including: (U.S. and Libya)
a. The AU North Africa Regional Capability;
b. Counterterrorism and associated issues (AQIM, LIFG,

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foreign fighters);
c. Trans Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP),
and how it can help Libya achieve its regional objectives;
d. Humanitarian demining, and MANPADS removal (Post can
note to the GOL that the delegation will come prepared to
discuss specific programs, and to offer funds toward a
jointly financed pilot program on demining).
e. Migration and illicit networks;
f. Chad
g. Sudan

- Discuss other security issues of mutual interest
a. Update on U.S./Coalition counter-piracy efforts
(U.S.)
b. Libyan participation in U.N. peacekeeping missions
within Africa. (U.S.)
c. Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen (U.S. and Libya)

- Opportunities for AFRICOM and Libya to work together on
regional and continental security -(U.S.)

- Next steps on increasing cooperation in areas of mutual
strategic concern - (U.S. and Libya)

6. Request feedback by January 8. PM Bureau Point of contact
is Tom Mancinelli, 202 647 9531 or
mancinellitj@state.sgov.gov.
CLINTON