GOVERNOR DISCUSSES DISARMAMENT IN THE PANJSHIR

UNCLAS KABUL 000495 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR SA/FO AMBASSADOR QUINN, S/CT, SA/A NSC FOR AHARRIMAN, KAMEND CENTCOM FOR POLAD, CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76 TREASURY FOR LMCDONALD, WBALDRIDGE, APARAMESWARAN, ABAUKOL STATE PLEASE PASS USAID USAID FOR AID/ANE, AID/DCHA/DG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV ASEC PREL PINR AF SUBJECT: GOVERNOR DISCUSSES DISARMAMENT IN THE PANJSHIR REF: KABUL 00452 ¶1. (U) Disarmament is still a problem in Panjshir, according to Governor Haji Bahlul, who met with the DCM on February 4. Bahlul praised the PRT's work and said that the relatively permissive security posture (the Panjshir PRT is the first to be led by a civilian) has helped improve community-PRT relations, but tensions still remain surrounding disarmament. Panjshiris have fought against the Soviets, Taliban, and other invaders for many years. Although now in a period of relative peace, they are still concerned about their safety with potential US troop reduction and the ISAF PRT handovers. ¶2. (U) The DCM congratulated the Governor on his successes with disarmament so far, but emphasized the need for continued, steady progress. He observed that disarmament is a nationwide priority and that Panjshir needs to participate in order to generate balance with other provinces. He added that as the weapons leave the valley, investors will be more likely to develop tourism and other local industries. ¶3. (SBU) COMMENT: Disarmament continues to face resistance in Panjshir as illustrated by two recent incidents involving ammunition survey teams from Kabul. While some Panjshiris support disarmament as a means to increase economic development there are distinct rival factions in Panjshir which are reluctant to disarm completely - a situation common throughout Afghanistan. Indeed, as the security situation in the south intensifies, we may be faced with the need in some limited locations to balance our interest in disarmament and DIAG with a pragmatic need to rely on local tribal militias to provide security until the ANA and ANP are up to the task. END COMMENT. NEUMANN