UN SRSG PROPOSES RESTRUCTURING OF UNAMA

C O N F I D E N T I A L KABUL 003979

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2019
TAGS: PGOV AF
SUBJECT: UN SRSG PROPOSES RESTRUCTURING OF UNAMA

Classified By: CDDEA Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).


1. (C) Summary: SRSG Kai Eide provided ambassadors in Kabul on
December 9 a copy of his proposed changes to the UN structure in
Afghanistan, entitled "SRSG Proposal for Strengthening Consultation
and Coordination Mechanisms for Afghanistan." Key elements of the
proposal include: embedding experts from main donor countries within
the UN structure; appointing a senior-level representative from ISAF
to UNAMA; combining the two EU missions in Afghanistan; and forming a
steering committee with representatives from the Government of the
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIROA),the SRSG, NATO, and major
international donors. In a separate meeting with SecDef Gates later
in the day, Eide briefed on his plan, calling for a complete overhaul
of civilian operations. End Summary.


2. (C) In the weekly UNAMA meeting with Ambassadors December 9, SRSG
Eide explained his proposes changes to UN operations in Afghanistan
and requested feedback at their next meeting. Stressing that his
desire was to to enhance coordination between political and civilian
elements and the ISAF-led security mission, Eide envisioned a UN
mission strengthened by "real experts" seconded from their
home-country institutions to provide expertise in areas like economic
development and governance. Providing experts from host countries
will both enhance the UN knowledge base and strengthen links and
coordination with the host countries. The SRSG would have a
secretariat containing political, election, and implementation
components and be staffed by UNAMA officials and specialists from the
donor countries, he stated. (Post will scan and provide document to
Afghan desk.)


3. (C) The ISAF representative reported that ISAF is focused on
strengthening its civilian side, seen as a critical part of its
mission, adding that ISAF is still debating how to do so. Eide's
plan envisages that ISAF appoint a high-level representative to UNAMA
to coordinate civilian efforts, especially at the PRT levels, thereby
avoiding what he called "the PRT's current fragmented efforts". An
ISAF advisor could also ensure that PRT resources are being used in
coordination with Afghan plans and priorities to amplify national
plans on a local level. The eventual goal underlining this
coordination is to hand over civilian efforts to Afghan institutions,
Eide emphasized, adding that better coordination at the local and PRT
level is crucial to ensure our resources are being spent more
effectively.


4. (C) Structurally, Eide called for the creation of a steering
committee co-chaired by a member of the GIRoA and one from the SRSG,
with the goal of linking up Afghan government and international
community efforts. He suggested that the Minister of Finance serve
as the main interlocutor of this steering committee, and that the
ministry should therefore be encouraged to create a secretariat that
would allow it to lead coordination with the international community.


5. (C) In a separate meeting with SecDef Gates, Charge Ricciardone,
General Rodriguez, Ambassador Wayne, DOD A/S Vershbow, and others,
later in the day, Eide laid out the key proposals of his
restructuring plan, arguing that it is possible to organize civilian
efforts better in Afghanistan. Civilian efforts need to be
completely revamped, he stressed, beginning with embedding advisors
from key donors in the UN, strengthening the ISAF civilian wing to
allow for better coordination with civilian-led PRT efforts, and
creating a steering committee made up of key donors, with Afghan
leadership. Eide stated that proposals for an Office of Donor
Coordination at the Presidential Palace were "a mistake" and that he
supports building such an office at the Ministry of Finance instead,
so that the minister can better coordinate financial aspects of
international activities in Afghanistan.

RICCIARDONE