TURKEY REVIEWING A CONTRIBUTION TO AFGHAN ELECTION

UNCLAS ANKARA 002155 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PGOV PREL TU AF SUBJECT: TURKEY REVIEWING A CONTRIBUTION TO AFGHAN ELECTION BUDGET DEFICIT REF: STATE 57541 Per reftel request, we discussed with MFA Deputy Director General for South Asia Affairs Babur Hizlan the budget shortfall remaining from Afghanistan's 2005 parliamentary elections. Hizlan said Turkey was aware of the shortfall and would review the request for a contribution towards the reduction of that deficit. He noted, however, that Turkey is already searching for funds to cover the stand-up of its PRT in Wardak province which is scheduled to begin operation this summer. Turkey has pledged $100M in reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan, but those funds cannot be used to establish the necessary infrastructure for Turkey's PRT. Hizlan was unsure whether they could be utilized to make a contribution to reduce the election budget deficit, or whether other funds are available, but pledged Turkey's review of the request. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON