PREPARATIONS FOR DIAG TOKYO CONFERENCE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 002962 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS TOKYO PASS SCA/DAS GASTRIGHT STATE FOR SCA/FO, SA/A, S/CRS, SA/PAB, S/CT, EUR/RPM, EAP/J STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE, AID/DCHA/DG NSC FOR AHARRIMAN OSD FOR BREZINSKI CENTCOM FOR CFC-A, CG CJTF-76, POLAD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR AF JA SUBJECT: PREPARATIONS FOR DIAG TOKYO CONFERENCE KABUL 00002962 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. (SBU) At the June 28 pre-meeting before the bi- weekly DIAG Forum, Japanese Ambassador Okuda briefed international representatives on plans for the July 5 DIAG Conference in Toyko. In addition to the planned presentations (DAS Gastright is listed as presenting on the ANA),Canada, the Netherlands, Russia, and the EU have all requested to speak. They will be accommodated in a late afternoon session, before the closing discussion. ¶2. (SBU) Okuda noted that this is not a pledging session. The purpose is to reaffirm the commitment of both the Afghan government and international donors. He did say that while Karzai is in Japan, the Japanese government intends to make an announcement regarding a contribution to CNTF, ANBP, and/or LOTFA. ¶3. (SBU) Also in the pre-meeting, UNAMA DSRSG Alexander said that DIAG is making some limited progress in three of the six Phase I provinces: Kapisa, Laghman, and Takhar. He noted that in those areas where disarmament is making progress, the Joint Secretariat needs to follow up with development assistance. (Note: Funds for development in disarmed areas are provided by the Japanese government but administered through the GOA. End note.) ¶4. (SBU) ANBP,s Peter Babbington reported that it has been decided to begin the DIAG process in three Phase II provinces (vice an original list of eight). These are Bamian (July 19),Sar-e Pul (July 30) and Nangarhar (August 9). He said there is a good chance of success in these provinces, which also bring the DIAG process into areas outside the north, including a Pashtun province. This decision was also briefed by GOA officials in the DIAG Forum. ¶5. (SBU) Following strong pressure from the Japanese Embassy, UNAMA, and the DIAG Commission, the Afghan Office of the Spokesman to the President on June 29 released the following statement, affirming the President Karzai,s support for the DIAG program. ¶6. (U) Begin Press Release: Arg (Presidential Palace),Kabul. H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, will leave for Japan next week to attend the conference on the Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) and Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG) programmes and to make an official visit to Tokyo after the conference. The DDR and DIAG conference will be hosted by Japan and jointly chaired by the Governments of Afghanistan and Japan and the United Nations. The conference will be attended by high ranking representatives of countries and aid agencies involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The President will address the conference on many issues regarding the DDR and DIAG programmes and thank the people of Japan for their assistance to KABUL 00002962 002.2 OF 002 the implementation of the DDR and DIAG programmes. Regarding the conference, the President said, "In spite of many difficulties and concerns, the Government of Afghanistan stands firm to continue DIAG, believing that DIAG is inevitable for ensuring the rule of law in Afghanistan." "Backed by (the) Afghan people,s strong desire to get ride of all the illegal armed groups in Afghanistan and to make this country safe and prosperous, the Government of Afghanistan has committed itself to accomplish DIAG at any cost." "While many obstacles lie ahead, I am fully committed to achieving the benchmark of DIAG as stipulated in the Afghanistan Compact. The Government of Afghanistan will not allow any disruptions to the implementation of (the) DIAG programme." During his official visit to Tokyo, the President will meet with H.E. Junichiro Koizumi, the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Taro Aso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E. Kanzaki, Head of KOMEI Party and the House of Representatives to discuss bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest. The President will address the students, teachers, and researchers at the UN University in Tokyo on a wide range of issues relating to Afghanistan. ¶6. (U) End Press Release. NEUMANN