ISAF RC-S: CANADIANS PREPARE FOR MEETINGS IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 OTTAWA 000182 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/09/2019 TAGS: PREL MOPS NATO AF CA SUBJECT: ISAF RC-S: CANADIANS PREPARE FOR MEETINGS IN KABUL AND LONDON REF: OTTAWA 158 Classified By: PolMinCouns Scott Bellard, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C/NF) Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Afghanistan Task Force (FTAG) Senior Policy Officer David Fairchild (please protect) confirmed to pol/miloff on March 9 that Canadian and U.S. officials in Kabul would meet March 11 or 12 to discuss the operational integration of the two governments' efforts in the Kandahar region of NATO-ISAF Regional Command - South (RC-S). He commented that the meeting is particularly well-timed because some of the additional 17,000 U.S. troops sent to Afghanistan will deploy to Kandahar province alongside the 2,800 Canadian troops already there under the auspices of ISAF since 2006. Fairchild provided a copy (see para three) of the Canadian delegation's talking points, drafted in Ottawa, which he described as "discussion starting points." The points cover familiar themes (reftel),and underscore Canada's desire to have a say in the building and tasking of allied military and civil missions in RC-S. ¶2. (C) Separately, FTAG deskoff Samantha Pass said that she is drafting a "reconciliation non-paper" that the Canadian delegation plans to deliver to allies for discussion at the NATO-ISAF RC-S meeting in London March 19-20. Pass (a British exchange officer) noted that she could not yet share an early draft of the non-paper, but that it will be meant to provoke the discussion of a "framework by which forces in the field should deal with those who approach RC-S members for the purpose of reconciliation." It will also set out issues in need of resolution in the form of policy and legal questions, she added. ¶3. (C/NF) Begin Kabul non-paper text: EMBASSY OF CANADA - KABUL Canada-US Cooperation in Kandahar Province Negotiating authority Task Force Kandahar has a dual-headed command structure, with BGen Vance and Ken Lewis both responsible for the overall management of Canada's mission in Kandahar Coordination regarding the security line of operation will be negotiated between respective national commanders in accordance with RC(South) guidance. Coordination on the governance and development line of operation will be negotiated between respective Embassies and Senior Civilian Representatives. The Canadian lead on governance and development matters in the province is the Representative of Canada in Kandahar (RoCK). Unity of effort A shared coordination mechanism for delivering assistance to Kandahar province is highly desirable. The Kandahar Action Plan (KAP) could be broadened to serve as the foundation for developing a jointly-owned assistance framework. This coordination should include CERP allocations and other forms of assistance provided by USG agencies. National approaches to supporting district-level governance should be consistent with the goal of reinforcing the authority and effectiveness of provincial authorities. Close bi-national dialogue should be maintained on how to reinforce governance throughout the province, with the aim of ensuring operational coherence with the KPRT and respective Task Forces and national elements. In respect to representation of central governmental authorities, both sides endeavour to ensure close Qauthorities, both sides endeavour to ensure close coordination in Kabul and agree to maximum transparency in respect of national plans affecting Kandahar specifically and southern Afghanistan more generally. Cooperation - Kandahar PRT OTTAWA 00000182 002 OF 002 Under the direction of the RoCK, the Kandahar PRT will retain Canadian national leadership over provincial governance matters until 2011. Canada would welcome the appointment of a senior US representative in the KPRT to assist in coordination and synchronization with US elements and agencies. We are open to US suggestions regarding to placement of this official in the KPRT management team. A review of the future of the KPRT should be conducted before ¶2011. Canada will consult USG as part of this process. Cooperation - Kandahar airfield (KAF) The Representative of Canada in Kandahar and the Senior US Civilian Representative in KAF ought to develop and maintain a close working relationship on Kandahar related issues, including on the implementation of alternative livelihood, reconciliation and border-related initiatives. US and Canadian commanders and senior civilian representatives should meet on a regular basis in order to jointly review progress in the province and discuss the way forward. From time to time, this should be complemented by embassy-level discussions. Personnel exchanges Canada is thankful to the US for the Dept of State and US AID personnel deployed to the KPRT over the last three years. To the extent possible we would like to continue these exchanges. Canada is prepared to discuss the deployment of Canadian civilian liaison officers to USG elements. End non-paper text Visit Canada,s North American partnership community at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap / BREESE