GREECE/AFGHANISTAN: VIEWS ON "ENGAGING ALLIES AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L ATHENS 000272 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR SCA/A REOTT AND EUR/RPM COPE E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2019 TAGS: NATO PREL MOPS MARR AF GR SUBJECT: GREECE/AFGHANISTAN: VIEWS ON "ENGAGING ALLIES AND PARTNERS ON AFGHANISTAN" REF: STATE 15623 Classified By: Political Counselor Robin Quinville for 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Pol-Mil Chief met March 3 with MFA D2 NATO Department Deputy Director Theodoros Daskarolis and his staff to review reftel points on engaging Allies and Partners on Afghanistan. Daskarolis thanked us for the paper (which had been provided previously),terming it a "very positive paper." He particularly welcomed the USG request for input from Allies as the USG carries out its policy review. ¶2. (C) Daskarolis emphasized that the GOG is actively considering ways it can make additional contributions in Afghanistan. Although no final decisions have yet been taken, he highlighted the following: -- Regional Caveat: Daskarolis noted that the current caveat limiting Greek forces to the Kabul region is under review. As ISAF prepares to hand over security to Afghan authorities for the Kabul region, there may be "little reason" for this caveat. Greek forces deployed in Kabul along with the Italians. As the Italians look likely to depart Kabul to go to the west of Afghanistan, the Greek engineering company deployed with the Italians is likely to redeploy with them. However, Daskarolis emphasized that this has not yet been formally decided. We have heard similar points from MOD sources. -- OMLTs: Greece is considering providing an additional 12 trainers to ISAF (to supplement the three currently deployed in the Kabul region) to staff OMLTs. Greece understands that ISAF has now identified needs for OMLTs in the Kabul region and will likely limit its trainers to this region. -- August Election: Greece agrees that NATO must be prepared to support August elections in Afghanistan. Greece is considering what further contributions it could make to ISAF to support this mission, and has tentatively identified two medical teams to support increased ISAF deployments. SPECKHARD