Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STOCKHOLM460
2009-07-24 07:26:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Stockholm
Cable title:
SWEDISH SUPPORT FOR AFGHAN ELECTIONS
how-toVZCZCXRO5359 PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHPW RUEHROV RUEHSK RUEHSL RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHSM #0460 2050726 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 240726Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4562 INFO RUCNAFG/AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 000460
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV SW
SUBJECT: SWEDISH SUPPORT FOR AFGHAN ELECTIONS
REF: STATE 63551
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
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