POSSIBLE DATES FOR THE U.S.-AFGHAN STRATEGIC

UNCLAS KABUL 003286 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR D, SCA/FO A/S BOUCHER, SCA/A, EUR/RPM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL AF SUBJECT: POSSIBLE DATES FOR THE U.S.-AFGHAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP MEETING ¶1. (SBU) The Afghan side has proposed September 6-7 for the upcoming U.S.-Afghan Strategic Partnership meeting. These dates conflict with the September 4-6 visit to Kabul of the North Atlantic Council (NAC, including the 26 NATO Ambassadors),for many of whom we will need to provide housing and possibly transportation and security support. However, we have discussed with Deputy Foreign Minister Saikol a somewhat shortened Strategic Partnership meeting, which could start at 16:00 on September 6, followed by an official dinner; re-commencing early on September 7 and continuing throughout that day. ¶2. (SBU) Saikol appeared amenable to this somewhat shortened schedule, but said he would have to speak with colleagues before giving official GOA approval. While Afghans normally do not schedule meetings on Fridays, which would rule out September 8 as a possibility, Saikol did not dismiss this option out of hand, saying only that it would be something to consider. Saikol noted that President Karzai would be available on September 6 and 7. ¶3. (SBU) Please advise if starting at 16:00 on September 6 would be feasible. (Note: in order for adequate housing to be available for the U.S. delegation, they would need to arrive no earlier than mid-day on September 6, probably via milair. End Note) NEUMANN