SWEDISH SUPPORT FOR AFGHAN ELECTIONS

UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 000460 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV SW SUBJECT: SWEDISH SUPPORT FOR AFGHAN ELECTIONS REF: STATE 63551 ¶1. (U) On July 23, Poloffs raised reftel points with Carl Magnus Eriksson, MFA Director for Peace Support Operations; Brigadier General Gunnar Karlson, MFA Military Advisor; and Karin Anderman, Deputy Director in the Department of Security Policy. Eriksson directed us to a press statement indicating Swedish support for Afghan elections, released on July 2 by Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for International Development Cooperation. In addition to broadly supporting "free, fair and secure elections," Eriksson confirmed that Sweden would send three election observers (one long-term and two short-term) to join the EU Election Observation Mission and would consider sending more if the EU so decides. ¶2. (SBU) Despite clear support of the election process, the Swedes are concerned about the security situation in Afghanistan, particularly in the northern region where the Swedish-led PRT operates. General Karlson noted several recent suicide bombing attempts, which he assessed as "being directed at Swedish and Finnish troops." Separately, press reports on July 24 indicate Swedish troops killed three extremists in a firefight overnight (details to be reported septel). Eriksson also highlighted Swedish logistical support to ISAF during the election period, including a C-130 currently operating under ISAF HQ command and approximately 430 Swedish troops on the ground. Our interlocutors also stressed the importance of development assistance. According to the press report by Minister Carlsson, Sweden has already contributed some USD 5.4 million to support the electoral process in Afghanistan. SILVERMAN