THE RIGA SUMMIT AND PAKISTAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ISLAMABAD 021931 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/09/2016 TAGS: AF MASS MOPS PK PNAT PREL SUBJECT: THE RIGA SUMMIT AND PAKISTAN Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) During Assistant Secretary Boucher's November 6-7 visit to Islamabad, post was struck by senior Pakistani officials' and politicians' pessimism over Afghanistan. Interlocutors repeatedly expressed concerns that the U.S. and NATO were not in Afghanistan for the long-haul. While we know that USNATO has worked full-out to ensure that the Riga summit focuses on Afghanistan, we wish to emphasize the need to reassure Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other countries in the region that NATO is committed to success in Afghanistan. Both NATO and the USG must publicly and privately highlight NATO's resolve. Post encourages NATO to focus on constructive ways to engage Pakistan on ISAF's goals for Afghanistan. -------------- November 6 Islamabad Meeting -------------- ¶2. (C) During a November 6 meeting in Islamabad of chiefs of mission from NATO troop-contributing countries, many of the ambassadors, including ambassador's from key countries, were under the impression the Riga summit would not adress Afghanistan in a major way. While we have assured our colleagues that we understand that Riga will focus on Afghanistan, it would appear that this message is not reaching our allies' representatives from their own capitals and NATO delegations. -------------- Two Places to Start -------------- ¶3. (C) At the November 6 meeting, ambassadors agreed that NATO should invite President Karzai to Riga to demonstrate NATO's faith in -- and support for -- his leadership, as well as NATO's unwavering commitment to see the Afghanistan mission through to a successful end. Photos of President Karzai standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the heads of state of 26 NATO member countries would send an invigorating and much-needed signal to nay-sayers who question NATO's resolve. An early post-Summit visit by SYG de Hoop Scheffer to Pakistan and Afghanistan would provide an additional shot of adrenaline concerning NATO's commitment. ¶4. (C) Post very much appreciates all that USNATO has accomplished in ensuring that success in Afghanistan is center-stage in Riga. Post also appreciates USNATO's tremendous efforts at keeping us informed of developments in NATO that could affect Pakistan. We look forward to continuing to work together toward a successful summit -- and beyond. CROCKER