VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHPL #0358 2841016
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 101016Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY PORT LOUIS
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 4232
UNCLAS PORT LOUIS 000358
SIPDIS
AF/RSA FOR JUN BANDO
NEA/RA FOR STEVE SOUCEK
PM/PPA FOR EVAN FOSTER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PREL MP
SUBJECT: MAURITIUS GIVES POSITIVE REACTION TO AFRICOM
REF: STATE 104550
1. On October 8, Post delivered reftel demarche to Ministry of
Foreign Affairs U.S. Desk Officer, Sameem Gaffar. Gaffar took note
of the demarche points and said that he does not see this change
affecting the positive military-to-military relationship between USG
and Mauritius.
2. On October 9, 2008, RSO and Pol-Mil Officer delivered a
follow-on demarche to Acting Police Commissioner, Jean Bruneau as to
notify Mauritian Security Forces of the stand up of AFRICOM. (NOTE:
Bruneau previously attended an AFRICOM DVC presentation held by
Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates so he has previous knowledge regarding
AFRICOM. END NOTE.)
3. Bruneau said he appreciates Post speaking with him about the
transition, and conveyed Mauritian Security Forces' gratitude for
USG support and training. Bruneau further said he looks forward to
improved interaction under this new command structure, which he
thinks should bring better regional mission focus for Mauritius.
(NOTE: Mauritius is unique in that it does not have a formal
military. Its security forces consist of traditional policing units
and para-military units that carry out traditional military
responsibilities. The Police Commissioner is the commander of the
security forces. END NOTE.)
BLASER