C O N F I D E N T I A L RIGA 000611

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/10/2012
TAGS: PREL SNAR MOPS AF LG
SUBJECT: LATVIA/AFGHANISTAN: CN PLAN AND TROUBLES WITH
CIVILIAN DEPLOYMENTS

REF: STATE 110089

Classified By: Ambassador Catherine Todd Bailey. Reason: 1.4 (D)

(C) Pol/econ chief delivered reftel points on our
counternarcotics strategy in Afghanistan to MFA PolDir
Ilgvars Klava August 10. Klava appreciated the information
on our policy and pledged to share with relevant parts of the
GOL. He lamented difficulties in enhancing Latvia's civilian
contribution to Afghanistan. Two police officers had
recently gone over to help on law enforcement matters, but
getting them there and supporting them was proving difficult
for the Latvians, who lack experience providing civilian
support to missions outside of Europe. Also, the MFA
political advisor to the Latvian troops in ISAF will be
departing by the end of the month, but is only funded through
2007, Klava said. Efforts to work with the Finance and
Defense Ministries to fund the position, as well as a
development assistance coordinator, for 2008 have stalled and
it is unclear whether they will be able to find the money for
next year.
BAILEY