Update on CN Activities: 12/21/05 - 01/06/06

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 KABUL 000099 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR INL/FO AND SA/FO AMB QUINN NSC FOR AHARRIMAN/KAMEND E.O. 12958 N/A TAGS: SNAR PREL PGOV PTER KCRM AF SUBJECT: Update on CN Activities: 12/21/05 - 01/06/06 REF A) 05 STATE 230525 REF B) 05 KABUL 5137 REF C) 05 KABUL 5223 ¶1. Summary: The Ministry of Counter Narcotics (MCN) and INL are developing a series of media availabilities to complement the radio and printed products associated with the Governor-led eradication phase of the public information campaign. Afghan Poppy Elimination Program (PEP) team staffing has increased considerably, with 75 percent of the positions filled. The USD 2 million Cash- for-Work program in Uruzgan launched with the first project focusing on rehabilitation of the Nacheen Canal. In Herat, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials aided Border Police in a significant seizure of opium, hashish, and heroin. The Afghanistan Eradication Force (AEF) conducted numerous aerial reconnaissance missions to assist with eradication planning. End Summary. Public Information - Poppy Elimination Program -------------- - ¶2. (U) The Embassy's Counter Narcotics Public Information (CNPI) program officially entered its second phase-- comprehensive eradication messaging--on December 28 with the commencement of radio spots. Distribution of the printed products, including posters, stickers, educational pamphlets, banners, and billboards, began on January 1. All these products have a clear message: poppy is dangerous and illegal and the government will eradicate. A second tranche of products will debut on January 15. This second series, while still focused on eradication, will highlight Rule of Law and Alternative Livelihoods. ¶3. (U) INL is working with the Ministry of Counter Narcotics in developing a series of media availabilities to take place before, during and after eradication season. These availabilities will emphasize the GOA's determined support for governor-led and centralized eradication. The availabilities will also aim to promote Afghanistan's commitment to sustainable rule of law and a comprehensive rural development strategy. Throughout the eradication season, national and international media will be invited to visit AEF headquarters, interview AEF forces and observe their preparations, attend briefs by AEF, Counter Narcotics Police - Afghanistan (CNPA),NIU officials, attend round- table discussions with relevant GOA ministers and government officials, plus visit eradication sites. More than any advertisements, news coverage will convince farmers that eradication is serious. PEP Logistics Update -------------- ¶4. (U) As a follow-up to the governor conferences held December 14-21 (REF C),representatives from INL and the British Embassy Drug Team (BEDT) met with Deputy Minister of the Interior Daud on December 31 and January 2. While the MOI has the lead on any eradication efforts--whether Governor- or centrally-led--it is coordinating its efforts with the MCN. A planning/working group has emerged from these meetings and is meeting regularly with Daud's Special Assistant whom Daud charged to lead the effort in his absence (for the Haj). ¶5. (U) Afghan PEP recruitment continues apace with Farah and Badakhshan boasting a full team of six (office manager position for each to be hired following substantive position recruitment). Kandahar has three team members; Balkh, Helmand, and Nangarhar have five; and Uruzgan ha one. Four additional Uruzgan candidates have passed the interview stage, and are in the midst of completing the formal hiring process. ¶6. (U) Hiring for the PEP International Advisors (IAs) continues. Post has reviewed more than 40 resumes and approved 11 candidates. DynCorp offered positions to these 11 and four have accepted. Post recently approved two British candidates that the BEDT initially recommended. DynCorp is in the process of making contact with these candidates. The group of non-US candidates will be an important addition to these teams demonstrating diversity to the local Afghans and showing that this is not just a US-supported endeavor. Eradication -------------- ¶7. (U) Aerial reconnaissance missions of Nangarhar, Farah, Kandahar and Helmand provinces have been conducted using the MI-8 wet lease aircraft. These initial missions are too early in the season to positively identify poppy; however, the missions are extremely beneficial in identifying the current status of general cultivation, selecting potential Forward Operating Base locations, and updating road viability. Future missions will become more refined as targets are identified. ¶8. (U) Pay problems have been resolved with the AEF. We have paid the last of the AEF their basic salaries and supplements for November and December and have received additional funding from INL Washington (REF A) to support the AEF salaries and supplements. ¶9. (U) Post worked closely with the MCN, MOI, and BEDT during the reporting period to develop a governor-led eradication plan. Post will report more detailed information via septel. Aviation Support: ¶10. Post continues efforts to obtain land usage rights at Kabul International Airport for the Air Wing Main Operating Base. The Minister of Transport has reservations related to how the land will be utilized, for how long, and what will be turned over to the Ministry upon INL vacating the land. The Ambassador is now directly involved in facilitating our efforts to finalize the land usage Memorandum of Understanding with the GOA. The first 19 contract personnel that will be operating UH-1s at Kandahar Air Field arrived in country January 4-6. All will transit to Kandahar by January 8 and establish the temporary footprint to begin reception of materials and remaining personnel. Alternative Livelihoods -------------- ¶11. (U) USAIDs USD 2 million cash-for-work program in Uruzgan, which the Central Asian Development Group is implementing, began in December. The one-year program (December 2005-December 2006) focuses on cash-for-work activities targeting the rehabilitation of roads and water systems. Activities will generate 195,000 labor days and employ approximately 750 laborers. Current activity involves canal rehabilitation on the Nacheen Canal. This task will rehabilitate 20 km of canal which provides water for 3,000 jeribs of agricultural land tended by 1,100 families. The program plans to work in five districts and will expand into more should the security situation improve. ¶12. (U) The Alternative Livelihoods Comprehensive Development Program is working to develop investment partnerships. For example, the AL Program in the southern region is negotiating with three prospective investors regarding the investment in and creation of anchor agribusiness activities for southern Afghanistan. Specific activities will involve the construction and operation of three processing facilities, one each for dried fruit and nuts, dried vegetables and raisins. ALP South is also finalizing plans to build an industrial park to promote overall economic growth and job creation within Helmand. Interdiction -------------- ¶13. (U) During the reporting period, DEA personnel have continued to expand the curriculum of the NIU members to include basic investigative skills. This training includes report writing, note taking, proper use of hand-held radios, basic surveillance skills, and the collection and preservation of evidence. ¶14. (U) In two incidents, DEA investigators have assisted the U.S. military in intercepting IEDs destined for roadside deployment. ¶15. (U) DEA also participated in intelligence gathering operations in Herat with U.S. military and MOI Border Police. The police seized a total of 15 kilograms of opium; 15 kilograms of hashish; and eight kilograms of heroin. No arrests were made. Justice Sector Reform -------------- ¶16. (U) Owing to the holiday period, no major meetings or events occurred during the reporting period. NEUMANN