EXBS Afghanistan Advisor Monthly Reporting Cable ?

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 KABUL 002234 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR ISN/ECC PVANSON, ACHURCH, KCROUCH AND JLCOLLINS; CBP/INA FOR JKELLY; DOE/NNSA FOR RSTUBBLEFIELD; DOC FOR ELOCKWOOD-SHABAT; DOT FOR APARAMESWARAN; SECDEF FOR MHOFFMANN, FLIGHT, AND RVIERKANT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC PARM PREL KSTC KNNP AF SUBJECT: EXBS Afghanistan Advisor Monthly Reporting Cable ? April 2006 KABUL 00002234 001.3 OF 006 I.QSUMMARY 1.Q(U) The Border Management Initiative (BMI),spear- headed by the Afghan Reconstruction Group (ARG),Embassy Kabul, has an overarching objective to increase border security and customs revenues through interagency, inter- ministerial, and international coordination and synchronization of reform efforts at key Border Crossing Points (BCPs). To meet these twin objectives, Embassy Kabul is recommending development of a transitional force to develop and manage implementation of the BMI initiative. 2.Q (U) During this reporting period, the EXBS Advisor for Afghanistan met with the BMI Working Group which consists of senior level administrators from the above mentioned organizations and the Islam Qalah Sub-Working Group consisting of senior level administrators, planners and advisors from the various organizations to prepare for the deployment of the International Border Management Team (IBMAT) to the Herat Province on the Iranian border. 3.Q (SBU) On April 11 ? 16, 2006, the IBMAT, accompanied by officials from ARG, USAID-funded Bearing Point and the Ministries of Interior, Finance, and Commerce, conducted a detailed border security and customs operations assessment in the Afghan province of Heart. END SUMMARY II. ITEMS OF BROAD INTEREST. ¶4. (SBU) The Afghan Ministries of Interior and Finance are in the process of reviewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated and signed September 4, 2005 that delineates the Areas of Responsibility (AoR) of the Afghanistan Border Police (ABP) and Customs Police at the Customs Border Crossing Points (BCPs). Although the Customs Police and the ABP are part of the Ministry of Interior (MoI),the Customs Police fall under the direction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) while performing their duties within the Customs BCP facility. This crossover responsibility of the Customs Police has created a ?turf battle? between the ABP and the Customs Police. A recent copy of the MoU has been translated into Dari that has been provided to the two agencies to use as a guide. Furthermore, as a result of an assessment for the Islam Qalah BCP project, officials from MoI and MoF have teamed up together at the Islam Qalah BCP to lay out their respective AoRs in an attempt to end their disputes. MoI and MoF have agreed to promote this practice and adhere to the MoU nation-wide. ¶5. (SBU) The Ministries of Commerce and Finance have reached agreement pertaining to the ownership of BCP property in several of the major BCPs including Islam Qalah and Towraghundi. The land owned by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) is being turned over to the MoF at these locations, affording MoF the opportunity to improve their infrastructure at the customs facility and thereby providing greater control and a more effective and efficient facility to conduct customs operations. It is hoped that these agreements will pave the way for future cooperation between the MoC and MoF in reform efforts at other BCPs. III. COMPLETED ACTIONS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD. ¶6. (SBU) On April 3, 2006, a meeting was held with the Islam Qalah Sub-Working Group (IQSWG) in preparation of an KABUL 00002234 002.3 OF 006 assessment of the Islam Qalah BCP customs operations and border security. The IQSWG consists of representatives from the ARG/BMI; international donors; Combined Forces Command of Afghanistan (CFC-A); Combined Security Transition Command of Afghanistan (CSTC-A) (formerly Office of Security Cooperation of Afghanistan (OSC-A)); and the Ministries of Finance, Interior, and Commerce. Items discussed were the itinerary of the IBMAT, logistical support, team members, GoA dignitaries attending the assessment, and targeted assessment items of interest. The items of interest included the examination of customs processes and procedures, inspection and valuation of cargo, infrastructure, personnel salaries, personnel literacy, training, managerial capacity, immigration, security procedures, corruption, and issues in dispute between the Ministries of Finance, Interior, and Commerce. Letters of authorization from the relevant ministries were received authorizing the IBMAT access to their respective properties and facilities. ¶7. (SBU) On April 10, 2006, a meeting was held with the IQSWG to introduce group members to the USG IBMAT from Washington, DC and familiarize the USG IBMAT with their international partners who would be joining them during the assessment. The members of the IBMAT included subject- matter experts from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Customs and Border Protection (DHS/CBP) headed by the South Asia program manager from the Bureau of International Security and Non-Proliferation Office of Export Control and Cooperation (ISN/ECC),Washington, DC; the Export Control and Related Border Security Advisor for Afghanistan; German Police and Project Office (GPPO); and CSTC-A Police Reform Directorate (PRD). Officials from the Italian Guardia di Finanza and USAID Bearing Point joined the USG IBMAT for portions of the assessment. An advisor to the Ministry of Finance explained the status of the Management Intervention Teams (MITs) that were installed at the Islam Qalah BCP and the Herat Inland Container Depot (ICD) one month prior to the assessment. The MITs were deployed to replace managers suspected of weak performance and possible corruption. It was intended that these MITs prepare the two customs facilities for a cooperative and transparent environment during the IBMAT assessment. The IBMAT was briefed on the items discussed at the April 3, 2006 meeting and given the opportunity to have a Q&A session prior to beginning their assessment. IBMAT VISITS HERAT PROVINCE ¶8. (SBU) On April 11 ? 16, 2006, the IBMAT team, led by Ms. Jimmie Collins, South Asia Program Manager (ISN/ECC), traveled to Herat Province where, during their stay, they met with DynCorp police training instructors and mentors, Afghanistan Customs Authorities, Customs Police and the ABP 6th Brigade Commander and his staff. ¶9. (SBU) The IBMAT team assessed the Herat ICD; Regional Training Center (RTC); ABP 6th Brigade HQ; Islam Qalah, Towraghundi, and Kalatanizar BCPs. (NOTE: the Kalatanizar crossing point is considered an ?unofficial? BCP and is not part of the thirteen GoI priority BCPs. END NOTE). The assessment concentrated on the detailed evaluation of human capital, infrastructure and traffic flow, equipment and supplies, policies and procedures, and resourcing as they relate to Afghan border security and customs operations. Preliminary assessment findings, in general, mirrored findings of previous USG and international donor assessments and studies. The findings also highlighted KABUL 00002234 003.3 OF 006 additional issues not previously identified and that were contributing to the lack of proper operational performance. ¶10. (SBU) The IBMAT assessment found deficiencies in BCP security; proper payment of salaries; training for Customs officials and advanced training for ABP; organizational structure; roles & responsibilities; employee oversight; immigration and customs procedures; resource management; risk management; cargo processing; and revenue collection. The IBMAT team will provide a formal report of its findings and recommendations to interagency partners in Washington, DC, as well as to the IQSWG. ¶11. (SBU) During the assessment, officials and advisors from the Ministries of Finance, Interior, and Commerce reached tentative agreements on disputed topics as they toured the assessment sites. IBMAT OUT-BRIEF AT U.S. EMBASSY ¶12. (SBU) On April 16, 2006, the IBMAT team provided an out-brief to the Kabul Embassy Acting DCM, Alonzo Fulgham. Members of the IQSWG, and representatives from USAID, Kabul Embassy?s Economic Section, CFC-A, and CSTC-A were also present. The team reviewed their preliminary findings, including findings related to GoA and USG/international donor border security and customs reform efforts. The IBMAT team lead also provided recommendations related to IBMAT findings with respect to ARG/BMI staffing to manage the BMI. IBMAT OUT-BRIEF WITH COMMANDING GENERAL ¶13. (SBU) On April 17, 2006, the IBMAT team out-briefed Lieutenant General Eikenberry, Commanding General, CFC-A, reiterating findings and recommendations as presented to the Kabul Embassy Acting DCM. General Eikenberry commented that the use of the reach back concept was less effective in managing programs than having the appropriate personnel in country. General Eikenberry and Ms. Collins discussed in detail the potential options for in country staffing of BMI implementation, including the methods of integrating the on-going efforts of USG, international and GoA reforms. General Eikenberry offered CFC-A assistance in support of the BMI implementation team including possibly housing the team at the CFC-A compound in Kabul. IBMAT REPORT REQUIREMENTS ¶14. (SBU) On April 18, 2006, the IBMAT team compiled assessment reports from all IBMAT members and provided a draft report of findings and recommendations to Edward Smith, Chief of Staff for the Afghan Reconstruction Group and Border Management Initiative. ¶15. (SBU) The IBMAT team is currently in the process of preparing a final report of its findings and recommendations. This report will be forwarded to the ARG/BMI Chief of Staff for submission to the IQSWG for review and discussion on the recommended reforms to be implemented. IBMAT ASSESSMENT FOLLOW-UP MEETINGS ¶16. (SBU) On April 24, 2006, the IQSWG reviewed the draft IBMAT findings and discussed potential implementation of IBMAT recommendations prior to receipt of the final report. Additional items discussed included the April 22, 2006 KABUL 00002234 004.3 OF 006 deployment to Herat of CFC-A Engineers. These engineers were tasked with assessing the Islam Qalah and Towraghundi BCP properties for the purpose of planning future police and border security projects directed by CSTC-A. CSTC-A has announced it would construct 450 border security posts throughout Afghanistan. MoC requested better coordination by MoF regarding tariff policies set by MoC and implemented by MoF. (NOTE: MoC alleged that MoF has been independently making tariff policy without consulting with MoC, which in turn has been receiving a large number of complaints from traders. END NOTE.) ¶17. (SBU) On April 25, 2006, the BMI Working Group circulated the draft findings of the IBMAT team to its members. Additionally, the Working Group further refined their Sub-Working Group structure as follows: a. IQSWG ? Combined with the Ministries of Interior and Finance MoU SWG during the trial project period (NOTE: the trial project is focused on the 6th ABP Brigade AoR. END NOTE.) b. Donor Coordination SWG ? No changes. It is focused on collection of donor contributions and program/project coordination amongst donors. c. Trade Facilitation SWG ? No changes. It is intended to coordinate efforts between the Ministries of Commerce, Interior, Finance, and Transportation. A draft MoU between Commerce and Finance will be prepared to address mutual issues and interests at the BCPs to avoid overlapping and de-confliction of AoRs. d. Infrastructure SWG ? No change. The objective of this SWG is to collect the functional requirements of a BCP from the Ministries of Interior, Finance, Commerce, Agriculture, and Transportation and the Da Afghanistan Bank (Central Bank) to develop a site adaptable design of a model BCP. e. Budget SWG ? This SWG is to be combined with the Metrics SWG to identify sources and application of funds to discover any gaps that need to be addressed. ¶18. (SBU) The BMI Working Group discussed the following items of interest: a. Strongly encourage the Ministry of Interior to participate fully at BMI meetings and be fully engaged in decision-making processes with other Ministries engaged within the BMI. b. Ministry of Finance to contact the Spanish Ambassador regarding the consignment of Spanish subject-matter experts to assist Customs at the Islam Qalah BCP and Herat ICD. c. UNOPS and World Bank Customs Reform Unit (CURE) embedded in the MoF is to prepare a short briefing for the IBMAT team on Afghanistan Customs Department?s fast track finance institute; bonded carrier system; bonded warehouse system; rewards system; and other programs of interest to inform them of activities currently underway or completed. d. Italian Embassy to provide defined specifications of the Guardia di Finanza technical assistance. e. World Bank CURE acquisition of special stamp and inks to prevent forgery of customs documents, e.g. Afghanistan Customs Clearance Document (ACCD). KABUL 00002234 005.3 OF 006 f. USAID Bearing Point exploring the authority of the Deputy Minister of Finance in an effort to empower the Deputy to fire Customs Officials. g. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (ACE) to deploy teams in mid-June 2006 to conduct a reconnaissance/assessment during seven trips to the twelve remaining major BCPs to be completed within two and a half months. h. Ministries agree with and will take steps to have all cargo cleared at the BCPs and not the ICDs. i. BMI Ministries seeking Cabinet approval to appoint the MoF as the ?lead? Ministry having managerial oversight at the BCPs. j. MoC drafting the port handling/transshipment act that will include the issuance of private licensing for privatized port handling. k. MoC and MoF to continue constructive dialogue on the appropriate use of BCP land and facilities to prevent donor funded approved projects from expiring during the current fiscal year. l. Ministries agreed that the collection of revenue at the BCPs must be deposited into the GoA general treasury fund and are seeking a Presidential decree to establish these procedures and the establishment of an MoI and MoF budget for the Border Police and Customs. m. The Ministries of Commerce, Finance, and Interior are working out agreements to resolve outstanding issues relating to the BCP under construction at Shir Khan Bandar on the Afghanistan and Tajikistan border. n. BMI is establishing a timeline for MoC approval of a BCP site-adaptable design. o. Immediate steps to be taken include the implementation of the border management MoU between the MoI and MoF; development of SOPs in accordance with the MoU; training of MoI and MoF Officers on the SOPs; and quality assurance measures. ¶19. (U) TRAINING CONDUCTED DURING REPORTING PERIOD. Nothing to report. ¶20. (U) EQUIPMENT DELIVERED DURING REPORTING PERIOD. Nothing to report. ¶21. (U) IMMINENT TRAINING OR EQUIPMENT STATUS UPDATE. Nothing to report. ¶22. (U) SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN EXPORT CONTROLS, NONPROLIFERATION, OR RELATED BORDER SECURITY. Nothing to report. ¶23. (U) OTHER SIGNIFICANT ISSUES/EVENTS. ¶1. EXBS: The Afghanistan EXBS Advisor issued invitations to the Senior Advisor to the Minister of Commerce and to the Director of International Transit and Trade KABUL 00002234 006.3 OF 006 Facilitation to participate as observers at the 8th Central Asia and Caucasus Regional Forum on Export Controls. This conference is being held in Tbilisi, Georgia on May 16-18, ¶2006. Ministry representatives agreed to discuss the inclusion of EXBS Program assistance into their five-year plan and begin to identify the offices and ministries within the GoA that would participate in such a program after their return from the conference. Both delegates agreed that they would explore the possibility of beginning the process by instituting laws and regulations as a basis for such a program in the immediate future. ¶2. In subsequent meetings with USAID and ARG, held May 8- 10, the new Director General of Customs reiterated his preference to streamline donor assistance to customs reform through USG support. He informed USAID and ARG officials that the World Bank CURE project would end and support from DfID would end in September 2006. USAID representative informed the Director General that resources to expand technical assistance through Bearing Point are unavailable. ¶20. (U) RED FLAG U ISSUES. None to report. ¶21. (U) Please direct any questions or comments to Barry f. Lory, EXBS Advisor to Afghanistan; +93-070-234-236, extension 4735; lorybf@state.gov or to Jimmie L. Collins, South Asia Regional Program Manager, Office of Export Control Cooperation, 202-647-1778, collinsjl2@state.gov. NEUMANN