Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STOCKHOLM38
2009-01-20 10:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Stockholm
Cable title:  

Media Reaction - Swedish troops in Afghanistan

Tags:  OPRC KMDR KPAO PINS PHUM PREF EUN SW 
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O 201005Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4050
UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 000038


SECSTATE FOR INR/R/MR, EUR/PPD, EUR/NB, EUR/PA, EUR/FO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO PINS PHUM PREF EUN SW
SUBJECT: Media Reaction - Swedish troops in Afghanistan

On January 20 the apolitical Stockholm business daily "Dagens
Industri" editorialized "Swedish Military Must Stay in Afghanistan"
stating that:

"Yesterday, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt arrived at Camp
Northern Lights in Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan....

"The military effort in Afghanistan is questioned. Recently, former
Swedish Defense Minister, Social Democrat Thage G. Peterson, asked
why Sweden is in Afghanistan and viewed the effort as a consequence
of a policy characterized by 'soft slippers' and 'adaptability' in
relation to the EU and NATO....

"He is not alone. Special debate has emerged around the fact that
in reality it is NATO leading the military activities in
Afghanistan....

"When Fredrik Reinfeldt now visits the troops in Mazar-i-Sharif, it
has a morale value for the Swedes there. It also, hopefully,
contributes to the Swedish defense discussion being separated into
what is important and what is not....

"Afghanistan is an example of what the Swedish defense force should
be used for - at least it should be natural for all who believe that
democratic countries have a duty to assist in the crisis hotbeds
around the world where an effort could be beneficial....

"The government will discuss the security situation in depth, but
also count on the bill to include strong measures for considerably
streamlining Swedish defense....

"It is a priority, and not only to prevent tax resources from being
wasted. A more efficient and flexible defense is necessary....

"There is also the need for sufficient protection of the Swedes who
work for peace and freedom in other countries."

SILVERMAN