PRESIDENT ZATLERS ON AFGHANISTAN, TRANSIT AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIGA 000086 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/11/2019 TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS NATO AF RS LG SUBJECT: PRESIDENT ZATLERS ON AFGHANISTAN, TRANSIT AND RUSSIA Classified By: Charge d'affaires Bruce D. Rogers. Reason: 1.4 (D) ¶1. (C) Summary: President Zatlers appreciated the sign of confidence in Latvia shown by beginning transit of non-lethal, commercial goods to Afghanistan via Latvia. He stressed his willingness to use his contacts with Central Asian leaders if helpful to facilitate transit through other countries. Despite Latvia's tough economic times, he affirmed strong support for the ISAF mission and Latvia's continued participation. The President welcomed the Administration's initial moves to engage Tehran. He was flexible and reasonable in his requests for meetings during his May visit to Washington. End summary. ¶2. (C) In a February 11 meeting with President Zatlers, Charge highlighted the benefits for Latvia of the northern distribution network, which would ship non-lethal cargo through Latvia to Afghanistan. Charge stressed that this shows Latvians that the alliance brings benefits beyond security and that Latvia receives something in return for its support of alliance missions. The President agreed and said the transit should bring positive change all along the route, possibly even spurring improved infrastructure along the route. Stressing the positive ties he had built in the region, Zatlers offered to engage any Central Asian leader if we thought it would help facilitate the transit links. ¶3. (C) Turning to Afghanistan more broadly, Zatlers said that it was essential that NATO constantly review its progress and adjust its strategy. The upcoming summit should not be simply a 60th anniversary celebration, but instead a serious look at how things are going and what needs to be changed in Afghanistan. He emphasized Latvia's continued commitment to ISAF despite tough economic times and indicated Latvian troops would continue to serve without caveat. In terms of stabilizing the region, he welcomed the new Administration's comments about being willing to engage with Iran. This was important, he said, because Russia had been taking advantage of American unwillingness to engage Tehran to strengthen its influence in the region. ¶4. (C) The President appreciated recent American statements on the centrality of NATO and our continued commitment to the alliance. Russia still worries him, even more these days he suggested. "When Russia is angry, you know what you are getting. When it is friendly, you know to be wary, but when it is quiet like now, that is the most worrying." Russia's internal stability is essential for Latvia's security and Zatlers said that the international community must be prepared to help Russia if needed, even if the Russians don't always want the help. ¶5. (C) Looking ahead to his May trip to Washington, Zatlers said that he was cognizant of the various pressures on the new Administration and understood meetings might be short. The Charge explained that the Latvian Embassy in DC was working on a meeting with the Vice President and possible drop by from POTUS. Zatlers was fine with something along those lines. ROGERS