AFGHAN ATTORNEY GENERAL WANTS TO MOVE AGAINST

UNCLAS KABUL 003805 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/SRAP E.O. 12958 N/A TAGS: PGOV KCOR PREL AF SUBJECT: AFGHAN ATTORNEY GENERAL WANTS TO MOVE AGAINST CORRUPTION; SEEKS USG SUPPORT ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Afghan Attorney General Aloko expressed his desire to fight corruption and thanked the U.S. for its support for Afghan law enforcement efforts in a November 28 meeting. He asked for U.S. "political support" if he indicts an Afghan minister. Coordinating Director Wayne assured Aloko that the USG would continue to support the AG's efforts to enforce Afghan laws and fight corruption which are top US priorities. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) On November 28, Justice Attach and Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Affairs Wayne met with Afghan Attorney General Aloko to discuss ongoing and future anti-corruption investigations in light of President Karzai's Inaugural commitment to end a "climate of impunity." Aloko described ongoing efforts to demonstrate the seriousness of work done by his office. He praised the recent conviction resulting in a 20-year sentence in the Shaheen case, a narcotics case tried at the Counter Narcotics Justice Center. He also praised DOJ and DEA support for Afghan investigation and prosecution efforts that made this and other convictions possible. He described other investigations underway to explain the scope of crimes under investigation and the complicated nature of gathering appropriate evidence. He noted he is sending teams of investigators to various provinces (Uruzgan, Helmand, Bahglan and Jalalabad) to investigate reports of corruption. ¶3. (SBU) Attorney General Aloko expressed appreciation for U.S. support for the development of the Major Crimes Task Force, which is led by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the National Directorate of Security (NDS). He noted U.S. support provides valuable assistance to his prosecutors. He also expressed appreciation for DOJ mentoring of his Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Ambassador Wayne said the Department of State was providing additional funds for DOJ attorneys to use in mentoring the unit and that additional DOJ prosecutors would be arriving in the months ahead to support the ACU. Aloko recounted a conversation he had with the Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdul Salam Azimi. Chief Justice Azimi said he would pay special attention to anti-corruption cases and the judges he designated to preside over them. He had urged Aloko to notify the Supreme Court Chief Justice if he believes the judges are inappropriately handling cases. Chief Justice Azimi said such judges would be dismissed, according to the AG. ¶4. (SBU) Aloko said that following the inauguration, he and several of his prosecutors met with the two Vice Presidents to convey congratulations. He told them he was making anti-corruption a priority for his office. He asked them to support the AGs office. According to Aloko, Second Vice President Halili pledged his support. ¶5. (SBU) The AG said his prosecutors face major hurdles in getting to provinces to investigate cases of corruption. He asked the U.S. to help by providing helicopter transportation for the AGs office. He asked the U.S. to continue to work with him and others who want change for the good. The U.S., he said, has offered more help than other donors to strengthen the rule of law. ¶6. (SBU) Justice Attach said DOJ mentors were willing to meet with the AG's attorneys to review evidence packages developed for sensitive corruption cases to ensure they were well-developed before going to court. The AG expressed appreciation, and said his major challenge is what to do if evidence points to a minister. He will be under intense pressure if he indicts a minister, and therefore will need "political support" of the U.S. Embassy. Ambassador Wayne assured the AG that the U.S. will provide political support to enforce Afghan law and fight corruption. He cited President Obama, Secretary Clinton and other senior officials who have made clear that fighting corruption is a top U.S. priority in Afghanistan. ¶7. (SBU) COMMENT: The AG's readiness to pursue investigations and prosecutions of corrupt officials, including ministers is welcome. However, he is likely to face intense pressure and political interference if he does so. Moreover, it is not clear whether Aloko will be reappointed AG in the new cabinet. We will continue to support the law enforcement efforts of AG Aloko, or his replacement and other key Afghan officials, by providing political cover, technical assistance, mentoring, and financial support.