SRSG KOENIGS QUESTIONS IC ENVOYS ON MOI REFORM

C O N F I D E N T I A L KABUL 003510 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/FO DAS GASTRIGHT, SCA/A, S/CRS, S/CT, EUR/RPM, INL/CIVPOL, STATE FOR NSC JWOOD, OSD FOR SHIVERS, CENTCOM FOR CSTC-A, CG CJTF-82, POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/13/2017 TAGS: PGOV AF SUBJECT: SRSG KOENIGS QUESTIONS IC ENVOYS ON MOI REFORM Classified By: Amb. William Wood, Reasons 1.4 B and D. ¶1. SUMMARY: The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) to Afghanistan Tom Koenigs met with SIPDIS the U.S., U.K., and Italian Ambassador and the Canadian DCM to discuss his October 15 presentation to the U.N. Security Council. Koenigs wanted IC impressions prior to reporting to New York. The envoys acknowledged that the international community shares different visions for police reform efforts, but that progress has been made and the MOI Minister Zarar Moqbel should remain in his position. END SUMMARY ¶2. (SBU) Koenigs appeared concerned over the "slow pace" of MOI reform and the lack of consensus among the international community over reform priorities for the ANP. Although, he recognized the reality of the Afghan National Police (ANP) in performing counter-insurgency functions, Koenigs also called for greater development of civilian policing capability. ¶3. (SBU) Koenigs raised issues over the MOI's lack of ownership with the Tashkil (force structure document). He also asked if the envoys could agree that the Afghan National Police (ANP) Rank and Pay Reform has been completed and press for greater financial accountability by the MOI. Additionally, Koenigs asked the envoys about whether or not the international community would continue to support Minister of the Interior Zarar Moqbel. ¶4. (SBU) Deputy SRSG Christopher Alexander acknowledged recent MOI progress on the institution of a merit system for promotions through MOI appointment boards and the removal of documented HUMAN RIGHTS violators from the ANP leadership. He also cited increased numbers of ANP personnel on duty as well as better vehicles and equipment from the United States. ¶5. (SBU) Ambassador Wood said the UN report on the state of the MOI and ANP should convey the sense of an institution in transition and acknowledge the progress as well as the challenges. He added that the international community currently has "dueling visions" of police reform: counter-insurgencny vs. community policing. He characterized Minister Zarar as "not strong but also not an obstacle to reform" and suggested that now is not a good time for the IRoA to replace Zarar. ¶6. (C) British Ambassador Cowper-Coles was more skeptical of Minister Zarar's performance but admitted the U.K. did not have a "smoking gun". He recommended that the Counter-Narcotics Police Afghanistan (CNPA) not be removed from the MOI to the Counter Narcotics Ministry because the CN Ministry lacks command and control systems necessary for police. Canadian DCM Ron Hoffman listed increased counter-insurgency capability and improving governance functions as Canada's main priorities for ANP development. Hoffman said that Canada is prepared devote more resources into evaluation mechanisms for the MOI and suggested an independent policing oversight commission. ¶7. (C) Italian Ambassador Sequi concurred that Zarar should remain at the MOI. He stressed greater financial accountability is critical for donors to continue contributions to the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA). Sequi noted that his difficult time convincing the Italian FM to fund Italy's LOTFA. WOOD