FRENCH UNLIKELY TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS UN FINANCIAL

UNCLAS PARIS 002614 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PGOV PREL AF FR SUBJECT: FRENCH UNLIKELY TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS UN FINANCIAL SHORTFALLS FOR ELECTION COSTS IN AFGHANISTAN REF: SECSTATE 57541 ¶1. On April 12 reftel points were delivered to French MFA Afghanistan Desk Officer, Cyril Gerardon. Gerardon said that he was not optimistic that France would make a contribution to offset Afghanistan election cost shortfalls, noting that it would be more difficult now to generate enthusiasm for the project given that the parliamentary elections had already taken place. He added that the current economic climate in France ensured that contributions in excess of what France has already pledged would be difficult to secure in any case. ¶2. Gerardon said that he would nonetheless refer the issue to the office of Arnaud Danjean in FM Douste-Blazy's cabinet, with whom he had shared the points, to see if a portion of the necessary funding could be provided. He was doubtful, however, that the GoF would be able to contribute more at present or in the immediate future. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm Stapleton