PRT/TARIN KOWT:AMBASSADOR EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 003975 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/FO DAS GASTRIGHT, SCA/A, S/CRS, SA/PB, S/CT, EUR/RPM 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: DECL: 09/05/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER ASEC AF SUBJECT: PRT/TARIN KOWT:AMBASSADOR EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR URUZGAN GOVERNOR MUNIB Classified By: Ambassador Ronald Neumann for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). ¶1. (C) Summary: Ambassador Neumann promised Governor Munib and leaders of Uruzgan, that the U.S. would remain committed to assisting with security and reconstruction, and work closely with our Dutch and Australian partners, during his August 27 visit to PRT Tarin Kowt. He explained that with Munib's leadership and efforts at good governance, USAID would, security permitting, restart development projects that were stalled under previous Governor Jan Mohammad. The Ambassador stressed that only with good government and a good security environment provided by Coalition and ANSF cooperation, can aid be effective. Governor Munib said he would work to fight crime and corruption, but hoped his province might receive additional international assistance in reconstruction and security, including additional police. Dutch DCM Yvonne Stassen and PRT Commander LTC Nico Tak expressed Dutch desire to assist with security and reconstruction in the province in partnership with the U.S. and Australia. End Summary. The Ambassador's Message -------------- ¶2. (C) The Ambassador told Governor Munib and provincial leaders that Uruzgan had a new opportunity to make progress with a new Governor the international community strongly supports, committed international partners in the Dutch, Australians and Americans and Coalition security operations that have created more space for reconstruction and development. He also said that, for international efforts to succeed, the people of Uruzgan would have to decide what they can do for themselves. He expressed strong confidence that this province, which is important to the U.S., ISAF and President Karzai, can succeed if we all work together. Governor Munib Works Hard to Govern Well -------------- ¶3. (C) Governor Munib said he works hard to understand the people of Uruzgan's needs. He urges provincial officials to focus on gaining the trust of the people. He said he met regularly with the Provincial Council, local representatives of line ministries, tribal councils, elders and representatives of the religious Ulema to understand the people's needs. Munib claimed that fighting crime and elimination of corruption to clean up provincial government are major goals of his administration. Security operations are ongoing and remain a concern, as key roads and districts fall in and out of government control. The Governor presented one-year and five-year development plans to the Ambassador that had been developed with the input and cooperation of provincial leaders. Important project requests included roads to districts, schools, buildings, health centers, electrification of Tarin Kowt, and dams for irrigation and electricity. ¶4. (C) Governor Munib said most district police chiefs in Uruzgan have recently been changed with more capable people installed, but the numbers of police in the province were not high enough to ensure security. Munib said he could work with any auxiliary police plan created by the MOI to increase numbers. He thought it would be relatively easy to recruit people locally to serve as police in Uruzgan, but few locals would accept police work outside the province. Dutch Eager to Succeed -------------- KABUL 00003975 002 OF 002 ¶5. (C) Dutch DCM Yvonne Stassen told Governor Munib and provincial leaders that the Dutch had come to Uruzgan to assist and help, along with their Australian and American partners. Dutch PRT Commander LTC Nico Tak told the local Health Ministry representative that the PRT had brought technical health specialists that could assist with projects in women's health, a sign of Dutch eagerness to be responsive to local needs and make a difference. Comment -------------- ¶6. (C) The Ambassador's visit to Uruzgan (his second to the province in 2006) was designed to support Governor Munib's efforts improve in governance, where his predecessor so clearly failed. The Governor's and local leaders, stated goals to promote good government and work on behalf of the whole province appear commendable. NEUMANN