PRT BAMYAN: SINGAPORE CONSIDERS PROVIDING

UNCLAS KABUL 005841 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/FO, SCA/A, S/CR, S/CT, SCA/PAB, EUR/RPM, EAP/FO STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE NSC FOR AHARRIMAN OSD FOR KIMMETT CENTCOM FOR CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76, AND POLAD RELEASABLE TO NATO/ISAF/AUS/NZ E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV AF SUBJECT: PRT BAMYAN: SINGAPORE CONSIDERS PROVIDING ASSISTANCE ¶1. (SBU) Following internal discussions between Singapore and New Zealand, a four person military delegation from Singapore visited PRT Bamyan the week of November 26. The delegation came to explore the feasibility of pursuing the Singapore government,s stated interest (to the New Zealand government) in possibly joining an established PRT in Afghanistan. (Note: Singapore is particularly interested in joining the Bamyan PRT, based in part on Bamyan,s permissive security environment and Singapore,s strong military relationship with New Zealand. Both countries have worked together cooperatively in East Timor. End Note.). ¶2. (SBU) The four Singapore officers, Colonel Yeo See Peng, Lieutenant Colonel Chua Wei Chng, Major Ming Fook Kuen and Major Lim Meng Soon, held extensive meetings with all PRT heads of sections. They also participated in a one-day patrol within the province and met with key provincial officials to assess the province,s needs and what Singapore might be able to contribute to such an ongoing mission. They expressed particular interest in engineering and medical projects within Bamyan, in concert with the New Zealanders. ¶3. (SBU) COMMENT: It appears that the Singaporeans are pretty far along in their planning to provide assistance to Afghanistan. The question remains as to how substantial their contribution might be. Some encouragement and or pressure might help tip the balance in favor of more rather than less involvement by Singapore. END COMMENT NEUMANN