CANADA SUPPORTS OSCE PARTNER STATUS FOR AFGHANISTAN

UNCLAS OTTAWA 000576

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL OSCE
SUBJECT: CANADA SUPPORTS OSCE PARTNER STATUS FOR AFGHANISTAN

REF: A. A) BRUSSELS 261

B. B) STATE 22232 (NOTAL) C) STATE 53632


1. (U) On March 28, Political Counselor discussed reftel's
proposal for OSCE Partner Status for Afghanistan with Lisa
Helfand at the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade (DFAIT).


2. (SBU) Helfand, who is Deputy Director of DFAIT's Division
for Defense and Security Relations, said that Canada was
definitely on board. She noted they were one of the
initiators of the idea last year and still support it fully.
DFAIT has instructed their delegation in Vienna to
recirculate Foreign Minister Graham's letter proposing the
idea and to continue to push for acceptance of partner status
for Afghanistan.
CELLUCCI