Faina tanks for South Sudan: Ukrainians not innocent?
The 33 T-72 tanks and other weapons contained in the holds of the MV Faina, hijacked in September 2008 by Somali pirates, were indeed destined for South Sudan. The Americans got the proof. "The delivery of T-72 tanks, BM-1 GRAD armored vehicles, small arms, and other military equipment scheduled for shipment to Kenya in late June or early July, have been procured by the Kenyan Ministry of Defense for South Sudan". This information was known, very quickly, in the press when the BBC, knowledgeable, had come across a contract.
If Kenya seems to be involved in this arms transfer, it is not just Kenya. The telegram from the State Department, unveiled by The Guardian, and published here (1), proves it. The Americans strongly suspect the Ukrainians of having, at the very least, turned a blind eye to the final destination, if not more. The discussion held by US and Ukrainian officials goes a long way.
A Ukrainian on the verge of a nervous breakdown...
Asked whether the Ukrainian authorities have started an investigation, his interlocutor replies that all the contracts have been checked. Van Diepen, who is "Principal Deputy Assistant" at the State Department for International Security and Non-Proliferation (ISN), then hands his Ukrainian counterpart, Valeriy Lysenko, of the export control service, a copy of the contract, which clearly states that the government of the South Sudan as recipient. He then asks if the Ukrainian government maintains its position. Lysenko does not flinch. He maintains his position, expresses doubts on the veracity of the document and asks if he has other proofs. Probably smelling mustard to him Going up in the face, Van Diepen then pulls out the massive evidence: satellite images showing the T 72 tanks being unloaded in Kenya, transferred to trains, and finally to South Sudan.trouble"Ukrainian side, as the telegram indicates (commotion).
A Lesson in Real Politik
With this advantage, the American teaches a lesson of Real Politik: everyone is free to have "different export control policies, it is its sovereign right". But "not telling the truth is something the United States cannot expect from a strategic partner" (you can hear the fly flying in the room from here :-)). And to warn: "Ukraine has nothing to gain from lying and a lot to lose". "Since South Sudan is on the United States' terrorism list, the United States should consider whether to impose sanctions on the transfer". And know "if the Ukrainian government is telling the truth“, would weigh heavily in the decision.
Thus lectured, the Ukrainian maintains his position - “Ukraine only had a relationship with Kenya, and not with South Sudan. (It) cannot be held responsible for the actions of a third country. "is a common problem for the United States and Ukraine to solve", he adds. But he stresses that the special agencies will investigate for "know what happened"and assures that the United States is"a reliable partner".
The moral of the story is not indicated by the telegram. But we can say it: fortunately (for once) the pirates were there!
(1) read telegram
