GENERAL EIKENBERRY MEETS WITH MOD VICE MINISTER

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 000941 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2017 TAGS: PREL PINR PK AF JA SUBJECT: GENERAL EIKENBERRY MEETS WITH MOD VICE MINISTER MORIYA: TALK AFGHAN OPPORTUNITIES Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4 (b) and ( d). ¶1. Summary. The military situation in Afghanistan has improved, but policing and governance problems must be addressed in the near future, Lt. Gen. Eikenberry of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan told MOD Sr. VM Moriya March 1. Gen. Eikenberry praised Japan's commitment to the Global War on Terror as well as its financial support for Afghanistan reconstruction. Moriya expressed interest in exploring possible opportunities for expanded Japanese involvement in Afghanistan, including through closer NATO ties. He stressed, however, that any decision on expanded involvement would take time. End Summary. ¶2. (U) In a March 1, 2007 meeting Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry and Senior Vice Minister of Defense Moriya talked about the near-term future of Afghanistan. Also present were Director General Tenjiro Monji of the MOD International Affairs Bureau, DCM, Army Attache Joy Leapheart, and PolOff (notetaker). The discussion opened with congratulations by Gen. Eikenberry to VM Moriya on the upgrade of the Japan Defense Agency to the Ministry of Defense. Over the last nine months, Moriya pointed out, much has happened for Japan in the area of defense and the future would bring even more changes. VM Moriya made special note of the continuing efforts to implement USFJ realignment and talked about his optimism for the future of the alliance. Afghanistan and GWOT -------------- ¶3. (C) VM Moriya opened the discussions on Afghanistan by pointing out that 9/11 served as a wake-up call to the Japanese people. In the aftermath of 9/11, Japan's leadership became more aware of the international dangers of extremism and the need for engagement with the international community to combat terrorism. Gen. Eikenberry acknowledged Japan's constructive role in Afghanistan and the Asia region as a whole. In particular, he noted Japan's support for Afghan reconstruction and its willingness to provide oil tankers in the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. VM Moriya responded by expressing his expectation that Japan's support in the Indian Ocean would continue for the foreseeable future. ¶4. (C) Although LTG. Eikenberry predicted an upsurge in seasonal fighting as the winter snows melt (especially in southern and eastern Afghanistan),he emphasized that the Afghan forces and NATO allies are prepared. Moreover, the U.S. decision to dedicate more troops in the region has further improved the overall security picture. LTG. Eikenberry consequently expects steady progress in the south and east of Afghanistan in the coming year. He noted that the stability in the southern and eastern regions are essential for the future of the Karzai government and for overall Afghan peace. In response, VM Moriya noted that despite significant opposition within the Japanese public about Japan's involvement in OEF, the charismatic leadership of former Prime Minister Koizumi had made it possible, both legally and politically. Consequently, Moriya expected Japan to remain involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Beyond Military Matters -------------- ¶5. (C) Turning to the future, LTG. Eikenberry observed that the current challenge is strengthening the Afghan central government. While the military is now relatively strong, a lot of work remains to be done improving the police forces and supporting the central government overall. To that end, LTG. Eikenberry expressed his hope that the international community would continue economic assistance for Afghanistan reconstruction. He stressed the need to build a strong judicial system, free of the threats of local warlords and the Taliban. ¶6. (C) According to Eikenberry, two major problems must be addressed in the near term. First, we must focus more on TOKYO 00000941 002 OF 002 Pakistan as a sanctuary for the Taliban and deal with the porous border. Second, we must address and end narco-trafficking. As long as narco-trafficking continues, money will be funneled to terrorists and, just as dangerously, governmental corruption will remain high. Similarly, the disarmament of illegally armed groups remains a priority. The upcoming year would be the best time to push those with illegal arms even harder, he suggested. Afghanistan Equals Opportunity -------------- ¶7. (C) With the military situation more stable, now is the time for Japan to become more involved in Afghanistan, Eikenberry proposed. While acknowledging that any decision was up to Japan, he offered several suggestions. The Afghanistan conflict, he noted, has many of the hallmarks of what conflict will look like for the next 20 or 30 years and counties involved there will gain valuable experience for possible future conflicts. Moreover, Afghanistan provides an excellent opportunity for Japan to engage in a meaningful way with NATO. Moriya, in response, agreed that improved interactions with NATO are in Japan's interest and that Afghanistan could prove a good venue for continued cooperation with the international community. Moriya concluded by stressing that Japan is a democracy and that it would take time to reach political consensus to increase Japan's involvement in Afghanistan. ¶8. (U) LTG Eikenberry has cleared the text of this cable. SCHIEFFER