OMAN SEEKS STABILITY IN AFGHANISTAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000049 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019-01-20 TAGS: PREL MASS AF MU SUBJECT: OMAN SEEKS STABILITY IN AFGHANISTAN REF: a) 08 STATE 98061 CLASSIFIED BY: Gary A. Grappo, Ambassador, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy - Muscat; REASON: 1.4(B),(D) ¶1. (C) The DCM and Pol-Econ Chief met January 11, 2009 with Ambassador Sayyid Khalifa bin Ahmad al-Busaidi, Director of the West Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA),to discuss reftel request and the situation in Afghanistan. Sayyid Khalifa stated that Oman was deeply concerned about the stability of the entire South Asia region, including Afghanistan. The government was accordingly working with the international community to help improve security and promote development in Afghanistan. He noted that Oman had donated or pledged a total of USD 7 million -- including a pledge of USD 3 million at the Paris donors conference -- to build schools and provide other assistance for Afghanistan. ¶2. (C) The DCM stressed that the requested donation for the expansion of the Afghan army would directly contribute to Oman's interest in stabilizing Afghanistan. Sayyid Khalifa agreed that it was "very important" that the Afghan armed forces be prepared to take over security responsibilities from NATO troops and promised to consult with other MFA officials on a possible contribution to the Afghan army. ¶3. (C) Comment: Oman has traditionally been reluctant to open its pockets wide for foreign assistance and it will thus be difficult to convince the government to donate the requested funds. The current global economic slowdown and uncertain price of oil, which may result in an Omani budget deficit for 2009, does not help matters. A direct appeal to Oman from the Afghan government, in addition to confirmation that Bahrain (as the other less-wealthy GCC state) has agreed to donate a similar amount, may increase the likelihood of a positive response. End Comment. GRAPPO To view the entire SMART message, go to URL http://repository.state.sgov.gov/_layouts/OSS SearchResults.aspx?k=messageid:08a1de80-6a0f- 48b8-a890-ec4a358e386e