SPANISH TROOP INCREASE IN QAL I NOW WILL YIELD

UNCLAS KABUL 002173 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID SP AF SUBJECT: SPANISH TROOP INCREASE IN QAL I NOW WILL YIELD GREATER PRT OUTREACH Ambassador Neumann traveled May 7 to the Spanish PRT at Qal I Now. PRT Commander Colonel Alonso gave a presentation focusing on the security situation in Badghis Province and Spanish Aid Agency (AECI) development efforts. Other than in the two northern districts with Pashtun majorities, the threat level is low throughout the province. However, the smallish size of the current Spanish troop contingent has prevented regular patrols outside the capital city and therefore limited the movement of the State PRTOff or the expansion of AECI projects outside the provincial capital. Colonel Alonso indicated that the impending increase in troops would allow the PRT to increase the number of patrols outside the city, allow greater security support of AECI projects in the districts and provide for greater support for PRTOff to conduct outreach and reporting outside of Qal I Now. (Note: according to Madrid Daily Report, the increase of 150 was approved May 11 by the Spanish Parliament. The first 70 departed Spain May 12. End Note.) NEUMANN