KARZAI TELLS CODEL REID THE USG HOULD INCREASE

UNCLAS KABUL 002104 SENSITIVE SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D COPY (ADDED CAPTION) STATE FOR SCA/F, SCA/A, H NSC FOR WOOD ODS FOR SHIVERS CETCOM FOR CSTC-A, CG CJTF-101, POLAD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP PGOV PREL AF PK SUBJECT: KARZAI TELLS CODEL REID THE USG HOULD INCREASE PRESSURE ON PAKISTAN -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) On August 6, Prsident Karzai told Codel Reid that Pakistan hs permitted terrorist sanctuaries in its teritory and the ISI has a clear role in supportng terrorists entering Afghanistan to kill Ameican troops and Afghan people. He urged the USG to increase pressure on Pakistan to act against the sanctuaries. Karzai conceded corruption persists in Afghanistan. Karzai anticipted a &nasty8 campaign, but a fair vote, whichhe expected to take place in August or September 2009. -------------- Introduction -------------- ¶2. (U) Codel Reid, comprised of Senator Majority Leader Reid and Senators Bingaman, Isakson, Menendez and Bill Nelson, called on President Karzai at the Palace. Ambassador Wood accompanied. Polcouns took notes. ¶3. (U) Reid complimented Karzai for the progress achieved in Afghanistan under his leadership. Reid told Karzai that the Codel was impressed during its visit earlier in the day to a school constructed with USAID funds. The children were inspired to learn, which made the Senators even more interested in helping Afghanistan. -------------- Pakistan -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Bingaman asked what the United States and Afghanistan could do to prevent the infiltration of insurgents from Pakistan. Karzai said Pakistan was providing sanctuaries for terrorists that pose a danger to Afghanistan and potentially to the world and that Pakistan must act against those sanctuaries. He contended that these terrorists could not operate in the region without the support or benign neglect of the ISI. He urged the USG to increase its pressure on Pakistan. ¶5. (SBU) Nelson asked about direct action against the Quetta Shura. Karzai asserted that he would support such action, and he cited his past failed efforts to convince President Musharraf to act on Afghan intelligence on names and locations of Taliban leaders in Quetta. -------------- Corruption -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Menendez asked what Karzai was doing to strengthen governance and combat corruption. Karzai lamented the poor state of the country,s institutional development. Officials at all levels could intervene in people,s lives ) seeking bribes, even committing violent crimes against individuals with impunity. He welcomed the work that the USG was doing to help build the capacity of Afghan officials and urged more. -------------- Elections -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Isakson asked Karzai for his assessment of the upcoming election. Karzai predicted a &nasty8 campaign ) worse than in the United States. He expected the election to take place in August or September 2009. Planning is already under way for registration and security. He anticipated a fair election, contending that the government did not have the ability to intervene. He welcomed the financial and technical help from the United States and other donors and expected Afghanistan would need more. The Codel did not clear this message. WOOD