SWED AMB: "NOT A SITUATION TO PULL OUT, THIS IS A

C O N F I D E N T I A L KABUL 002717 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/FO, S/CT, SCA/A, NSC FOR AHARRIMAN CENTCOM FOR POLAD, CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76 TREASURY FOR APARAMESWARAN, ABAUKOL STATE PLEASE PASS USAID FOR AID/ANE, AID/DCHA/DG REL NATO/ISAF, AUS, NZ E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/14/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV AF SUBJECT: SWED AMB: "NOT A SITUATION TO PULL OUT, THIS IS A SITUATION TO PULL IN" Classified By: AMBASSADOR RONALD NEUMANN FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) The Swedish Ambassador to Afghanistan and Pakistan met with the Ambassador to discuss growing concern from Swedish officials over increased violence in Afghanistan. Despite the increase, Ambassador Wilkens strongly believed that progress would only be made if the international community increased its efforts and stood fast. Ambassador Wilkens wanted to see Sweden open an Embassy in Afghanistan but was told that funding was not available. Sweden is concerned about the present climate and is holding off on filling vacant positions in Afghanistan. ¶2. (U) Both Ambassadors expressed their thanks for the resolution of the Mazar-i-Sharif PRT staffing difficulties and hope for continued cooperation in the future. ¶3. (C) COMMENT: Hesitation on the part of the Swedes is troubling, but it is likely that continued encouragement for the international community to remain engaged will be needed during the expected summer violence. NEUMANN