TERRORIST FINANCING/USNATO: DISRUPTING EXTERNAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L USNATO 000384 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/CT, EUR/RPM E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/21/2012 TAGS: PTER KTFN NATO PREL SUBJECT: TERRORIST FINANCING/USNATO: DISRUPTING EXTERNAL FINANCING TO THE TALIBAN REF: STATE 54918 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Richard G. Olson, for reasons 1. 4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) In response to reftel, Mission has continuously raised the importance of denying all sources of support to the Taliban, including financial support, with NATO and other foreign officials. The issue of illicit financial support to the Taliban is highlighted particularly starkly during discussion of financial gains stemming from the narcotics trade. Senior NATO officials have brought the connections between opium trafficking and Taliban financing to the attention of the U.S. and international press. Mission has also supported the visits of Cabinet-level and other senior USG officials who further influence NATO and Allied thinking on these issues. ¶2. (C) Most recently, during the June 14-15 Defense Ministerial at NATO HQ, NATO defense ministers agreed to communique language highlighting the close connection between terrorism, the narcotics industry, and organized crime, and stressing NATO's commitment to support the Afghan government's efforts in the fight against drugs according to ISAF's operational plan. The full text of the communique follows in paragraph 3. ¶3. (U) Begin text: "We encourage the Government of Afghanistan to continue to implement its national drug control strategy throughout the country, with the support of all international partners. In the region, but specifically in southern Afghanistan, terrorism, the narcotics industry and organized crime are closely connected. NATO is committed, in close coordination with the international community and within ISAF's mandate, to continue to play its agreed role to the full in supporting the Government's efforts in the fight against drugs by implementing the counter narcotics provisions laid down in its operational plan." End text. NULAND