US embassy cable - 05TUNIS1324

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 001324 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NEA/MAG (LAWRENCE) AND PM 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2015 
TAGS: MARR, MOPS, PREL, TS 
SUBJECT:  STATUS OF REQUEST FOR SOFA IN TUNISIA 
 
REF: SECSTATE 85939 
 
Classified By: Charg d'Affaires David Ballard; reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) 
 
1. (C)   We have no Status of Forces Agreement currently with 
the GOT.   In connection with training exercise Flintlock, we 
have signed an  MOA (administrative agreement) that is valid 
for the duration of the exercise (June 3-17, 2005).    We 
have a waiver from EUCOM for the Tunisia portion of 
Flintlock.  The lack of a SOFA or verbal assurances did not 
appear to hinder the conduct of the exercise. 
 
2.  (C)  Embassy Tunis has made a formal request at the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Presidential levels (by the 
Ambassador and by diplomatic note) for both exercise-specific 
SOFAs (now OBE relative to Flintlock) and a permanent SOFA. 
Despite assurances June 1 from the Presidency that we would 
have an answer in "a few days," we still do not have a 
response.   The DCM has raised the request and lack of 
response almost daily at the MFA Director General level since 
June 1, either in person or telephonically, without result. 
 
3. (C) Comment:  While our mil-mil relationship with Tunisia 
remains strong, we should expect the GOT to move very slowly 
and deliberately on this issue; officials likely do not make 
large distinctions between oral assurances, exercise 
specific- and permanent SOFAs.   Embassy Tunis will continue 
to engage appropriate officials on concluding a permanent 
SOFA. 
BALLARD