CANADA: DEMARCHE ON FUNDING AFGHANISTAN'S

C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 001226

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR SA/A (MEGHAN BRADLEY)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/22/2015
TAGS: PREL EAID AF CA UNSC
SUBJECT: CANADA: DEMARCHE ON FUNDING AFGHANISTAN'S
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

REF: STATE 061560

Classified By: POL M/C Brian Flora, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) In a conversation on April 20 with Foreign Affairs
Canada contacts (please protect),poloff was told privately
that GoC financial assistance to the Afghanistan elections
could be in the range of CDN 5-10 million (approximately USD
4-8 million). The amount of the contribution is expected to
be finalized within the next month or so, subject to approval
by the Minister of International Cooperation, Aileen Carroll.


2. (SBU) According to information provided by the Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA),once approved by the
Minister, the unearmarked contribution will be quickly
transferred to the UNDP. More generally, GoC aid remains on
target, with Afghanistan being Canada's largest aid
recipient. Allocations totaling CDN 616.5 million
(approximately USD 493.2) have been committed to Afghanistan
for the period 2001-2009, and the Canadian contribution to
the upcoming Afghan elections will be drawn from this fund.


Visit Canada's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/ottawa

DICKSON