AMB VISIT: DEVELOPMENT, POLICING AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 003914 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA.FO DAS GASTRIGHT, SCA/A, STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE NSC FOR JWOOD OSD FOR SHIVERS CENTCOM FOR CG CJTF-82 AND POLAD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER EAID AF SUBJECT: AMB VISIT: DEVELOPMENT, POLICING AND RECONCILIATION KEY IN PAKTIA PROVINCE REF: KABUL 2341 ¶1. (SBU) During the Ambassador's November 12 visit to Paktia province in the east, locals stressed the key themes of security and development in the province. In meetings with the Governor, Provincial Council, and Provincial Development Council, the Ambassador underscored the U.S. dedication to partnering with the Afghans in policing and rehabilitation efforts, our respect for Islam and the U.S. commitment to development projects in the east. Gardez MPs who met with the Ambassador prior to the trip in Kabul raised what they saw as problems with U.S. efforts to rehabilitate former insurgents. SECURITY SEEN AS KEY -------------- ¶2. (SBU) During the Ambassador's November 12 meetings with Gardez Provincial Governor Rahmatullah Rahmat, members of the Provincial Council, Provincial Development Council and the local ulema council, security emerged as a key theme. Governor Rahmat, speaking forcefully, stressed that security was the key challenge in the province, but he also highlighted the need for better governance and more rule of law. Rahmat noted his wish, echoed by many other eastern representatives, for a community-based policing system organized along tribal lines, which he said would work in Paktia to strengthen border security. The Governor's comments on the need for community policing echoed those of Paktia MPs, who had met with the Ambassador in Kabul on November 10. The Ambassador acknowledged to both the Governor and the MPs the importance of tribal alliances in the country, but stressed the need for national oversight of any local police force in order to avoid favoritism and selective application of the law. He underlined the importance of loyalty to the central government. ¶3. (SBU) All groups highlighted the need to strengthen the Program Takhim-e-Solhi (PTS),the "Strengthening the Peace" reconciliation program. MP from the upper house Bakhtar Aminzai noted concerns regarding insecurity in the province, and complained that he felt that PTS, as it currently functions, is a "weak, failed program." In contrast, MP Gul Padsha Mojadidi expressed support for PTS and its continuation. The Ambassador underlined the U.S. commitment to PTS and its improvement. He reiterated the position that any member of the Taliban who wished to live a decent life should be able to do so under PTS, with proper monitoring to ensure compliance with the program. ¶4. (SBU) Responding to a query from a Provincial Council member regarding possible opium poppy eradication programs, the Ambassador said that, thus far, the international community was concerned that, if effective eradication action were taken, there would be violence. The international community wished to avoid an additional complication in an already hard situation. Gardez Chief of Police Brigadier General Ismatullah responded that there would be support for any possible eradication programs. DEVELOPMENT ISSUES ALSO RAISED -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Development issues were discussed at length by all interlocutors, with appeals for roads, electricity projects, madrassas and hospitals voiced in all meetings. The Ambassador and USAID Mission Director outlined U.S. assistance to the province, highlighting the Gardez-Khost road, which Governor Rahmat said would be key to moving people and goods to improve commerce in the province. Both MP Mohammad Dawood Zazai and Governor Rahmat queried the Ambassador about a planned USAID-funded hospital in Gardez city. USAID Mission Director noted that the funding for the project would be approved shortly, with construction slated to begin in mid 2008. The Ambassador, in each meeting, noted that more assistance was going to Gardez Province during the current year than had been provided in the five previous years, and reiterated the U.S. commitment to keeping the Gardez-Khost pass usable over the winter. Responding to requests for support for madrassas, the Ambassador underlined U.S. respect for Islam and religious education institutions. KABUL 00003914 002 OF 002 WOOD