SLOVAKS CONSIDERING REDEPLOYING TROOPS TO SOUTHERN

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRATISLAVA 000869 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/17/2012 TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS AF LO SUBJECT: SLOVAKS CONSIDERING REDEPLOYING TROOPS TO SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN, BUT CONCERNED ABOUT SECURITY. Classified By: Ambassador Rodolphe Vallee for reason 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This message contains an action request in paragraph 4. ¶2. (C) MoD State Secretary Jaroslav Baska told DCM that Slovakia is considering NATO's request to move Slovak forces in Afghanistan south to Kandahar. The GoS is very concerned about the security situation and the qualitatively different nature of the mission. DCM encouraged Baska to recommend the move, stressing that this is a NATO request and an important responsibility of NATO membership. DCM noted that Afghanistan will receive attention at the Riga summit and that the move would benefit Slovakia's reputation in NATO as well as Afghanistan's transition to democracy and security. DATT advised MoD to consult with NATO in Brussels for more specific information about the requested movement of Slovak forces, force protection equipment and additional training in counter-IED. Baska said that training in C-IED is very important to the GoS. ¶3. (C) At DCM's encouragement, Pavol Hamzik, a former Deputy PM and now an Advisor to FM Kubis, raised the issue of Slovak forces in Afghanistan with FM Kubis, who has a personal interest in Afghanistan. Hamzik told us October 26, that Kubis would welcome more discussions with us prior to a GoS decision. We have heard informally that the MoD is completing an options paper for the Cabinet's decision this week. ¶4. (SBU) Action request. Post will do as much as possible to positively influence Slovakia's decision on Afghanistan. Post requests DOS or DOD assistance in setting up a DVC with appropriate Washington authorities on the implications of moving Slovak forces in Afghanistan. Post is keen to hear any other proposals from DOS or DOD on how we can have a positive influence on Slovakia's decision. End Action request. UNDOF -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Slovakia has been asked by the UN to take command of the UNDOF mission in the Golan Heights. DCM, based on previous experience with UNDOF and visits to the Golan Heights, strongly encouraged Baska to advocate accepting this mission. Post will be following up with GoS on the UNDOF issue and would welcome input from the Department. VALLEE