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