GEORGIANS OFFER LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING FOR IRAQI

C O N F I D E N T I A L TBILISI 000050 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/CARC ANDINL/AAE E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/14/2020 TAGS: PREL SNAR MARR GG AF IZ SUBJECT: GEORGIANS OFFER LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING FOR IRAQI AND AFGHAN POLICE Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Kent D. Logsdon for reasons 1.4( b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 4. ¶2. (C) Post received the below letter addressed to the Ambassador from Minister of Internal Affairs Vano Merabishvili offering law enforcement training assistance for Iraqi and Afghan police. The Embassy received identical letters addressed to the DATT and CIADirector Panetta. Post seeks Washington guidance regarding this offer so that we can provide a coordinated response to this offer of law enforcement training assistance. If Washington believes that there may be a need for this kind of support, post strongly recommends that an assessment be made of Georgia's capabilities prior to providing a positive response. ¶3. (C) Comment: While the GOG's offer of support for coalition operations is well-intentioned, Post has concerns about the Georgians' ability to effectively implement the specified training. Post's experience with our ongoing bilateral law enforcement assistance program raises questions about the GOG's training capacity, in particular, whether their law enforcement facilities have sufficiently experienced instructors and adequate resources to adequately train third-country nationals. 4 (U) Action Request: Please provide guidance for the Ambassador's response to Minister Merabishvili. ¶5. (U) Text of the letter received January 12, 2010 follows. Text of letter: Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia No. 1/12-129 11-01-2010 To: John R. Bass Ambassador of the United States of America to Georgia Your Excellency, The Government of Georgia would like to reiterate its support to the efforts of the US and its allies in the global war on terror, as well as the development of democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a member of the global anti-terrorist coalition, Georgia is ready to contribute to the strengthening of law-enforcement and security agencies in Afghanistan and Iraq and thus add support to bringing peace to these countries. Apart from sending troops to Afghanistan and Iraq, the Government of Georgia can assist these countries by organizing trainings for their police and security service officers. The material-technical base and human resources of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia are available for this purpose. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia can provide two of its training centers: "Police Academy" and "Combat Training Center" for training Afghan and Iraqi officers in the following areas: - De-mining and post explosion response; - Freeing hostages in buildings and vehicles; - Covert reconnaissance and intelligence information gathering; - Riot control; - Forensics; - Border patrolling; - Shooting, both in real-life conditions and with simulators; - Special weapons and tactics; - Mapping; - Field medical support; - Police and society: effective public relations and communication; - Driving and maintenance of different civilian and police cars, including armed vehicles; - Financial management and logistics; The facilities of these training centers include: Buildings Campuses can accommodate 24 groups - 640 students in total. All classrooms are equipped with laptops, projectors, special screens, etc. Computer classes There are 8 computer classrooms with 180 computers in total, allowing lessons and testing for 180 attendants simultaneously. Campuses Campuses can accommodate 220 visitors simultaneously, among them 24 females. Rooms for men and women are located on different floors. Open and closed shooting ranges Different types of open and closed shooting ranges are located on the territories of the centers. Ranges have electronic equipment and moving targets installed. Centers have two shooting range simulators, equipped with FATS, LASER-SHOOT simulators, and different situational scenarios. English language training center Visitors can use the library and attend English language classes capable of accepting 30 students simultaneously. Arabic language interpreters are available. Sports facilities Centers contain open and closed sports halls, including gyms, basketball, volleyball and soccer fields. Canteen Food for employees and visitors are available in both centers. Security The outside perimeters of the training centers are protected 24 hours. Entrances and hallways are controlled by security cameras. In case of further interest, we are ready to provide all necessary information. We also welcome the participation of US visiting specialists in these trainings. Respectfully yours, Ivane Merabishvili Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia End Text. LOGSDON