POLAND TO CONSIDER A PRT IN AFGHANISTAN

UNCLAS KABUL 002743 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/FO, SCA/A, EUR,EUR/RPM CENTCOM FOR CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-82, AND POLAD SENSITIVE E.O. 12958 N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV AF PL SUBJECT: POLAND TO CONSIDER A PRT IN AFGHANISTAN ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Polish Government will soon consider whether to stand up a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Afghanistan. Internal discussions will begin in Warsaw on August 17. Polish diplomats in Kabul have met with Embassy PRT director to sound out initial USG thoughts. Based on input from Department, USNATO and CJTF-82, we have encouraged them to proceed with their deliberations, while stressing that it would be a serious, resource-intensive national commitment that will need to be worked through NATO/ISAF. The Poles responded that they heard our message "loud and clear," that any PRT would be a wholly Polish effort and that they are well aware that there is a great deal of work ahead. END SUMMARY ¶2. (SBU) On August 11, Polish Military Attache Colonel Pyotr Lukasiewicz met with PRT Director to discuss the potential establishment of a Polish PRT. Lukasiewicz stressed that Warsaw is at the start of a long process and that no decision has yet been made. If a PRT is established, the Poles would want to co-locate it with their maneuver battalion in Paktika province. There is a US-led PRT in northern Paktika, but geography and distance make it difficult to operate effectively throughout the province. The Poles state that their soldiers have been successful in reaching out and making contacts and want to deepen these relationships through development efforts. They also noted that locating the PRT with the battle group would be politically welcome in Poland. ¶3. (SBU) Lukasiewicz returned August 15 to follow up. Based on input from the Department, USNATO and CJTF-82, PRT Director urged them to proceed with their deliberations. He stated that they would need to work closely with SHAPE, NATO and ISAF. Additionally, a "sub-provincial" PRT would need to coordinate with the "lead PRT," a move which might include Political Officers assigned to both entities. PRT Director also commented that a PRT is a long-term commitment requiring adequate funding. Also, Poland would have to take on the effort itself and not look to the U.S. for significant support. ¶4. (SBU) Lukasiewicz stated that he had heard our cautions "loud and clear." He reiterated that no decision had been made. He took on our points about coordination with SHAPE/NATO/ISAF, commenting that Poland had been in the Alliance long enough to understand that much hard work lay ahead. He assured us that Warsaw understood that this had to be a Polish effort and that they could not look to others for help. His next step will be a series of visits with ISAF and CJTF-82 to flesh out details and elicit advice. He promised to keep us apprised of his efforts. ¶5. (SBU) COMMENT: This is a positive step. While the Poles have a great deal of work ahead of them, we believe that they should be encouraged. We will have the opportunity to shape and direct their efforts as needed to meet the situation on the ground.