FM SPANTA ON HOLBROOKE VISIT, KARZAI INTERVIEWS,

C O N F I D E N T I A L KABUL 000377

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/16/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL AF
SUBJECT: FM SPANTA ON HOLBROOKE VISIT, KARZAI INTERVIEWS,
AND PRESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE CALL

Classified By: Ambassador William B. Wood for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: FM Spanta told the Ambassador on 2/17 that
the visit of Ambassador Holbrooke led to renewed Afghan
commitment to combating threats to the bilateral
relationship. He also stressed that recently released press
interviews with President Karzai predated the recent
agreement to keep public statements friendly. Finally,
Spanta welcomed the upcoming telephone call between
Presidents Obama and Karzai. Spanta and Amb. Wood also
discussed various issues related to presidential politics
which will be reported septel.

HOLBROOKE VISIT A SUCCESS
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2. (C) Spanta characterized the 2/12-15 visit by Amb.
Holbrooke as successful. After the meetings with Amb.
Holbrooke, he instructed MFA staff to work to eliminate
threats to the bilateral relationship. The MFA believed as
the U.S. did in the importance of the relationship, and the
commitment necessary to promote it.

DATED INTERVIEWS WITH PRESIDENT KARZAI CAUSING
MISPERCEPTIONS
-------------- -


3. (C) Spanta stressed that recent press interviews with
President Karzai predated the agreement during the Holbrooke
visit that both sides will keep public statements positive.
Spanta suggested that the late release of these interviews
was a purposeful act by people within the government, close
to President Karzai, who wish to damage the bilateral
relationship. The Ambassador assured Spanta that the EMBASSY
would inform Washington on the timing of these interviews.

LOOKING FORWARD TO PRESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE CALL
-------------- -


4. (C) The Ambassador informed Spanta that schedulers for
both sides were arranging a telephone call between Presidents
Obama and Karzai. The call would occur soon. Spanta
welcomed the call.
WOOD