GEORGIA: ENGAGING ALLIES ON AFGHANISTAN

UNCLAS TBILISI 000377 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: NATO PREL PGOV MOPS MARR AF GG SUBJECT: GEORGIA: ENGAGING ALLIES ON AFGHANISTAN REF: A. SECSTATE 15959 ¶B. SECSTATE 15623 ¶C. SECSTATE 14097 ¶1. (SBU) As requested in reftels, Ambassador raised our views on Afghanistan's future with Foreign Minister Vashadze on February 25. FM Vashadze said that Georgia was eager to support our efforts, and was committed to providing a 150-man company by year's end to support the French contingent. Vashadze noted that Georgia was ready to consider providing additional forces beyond the 150 to support Allied efforts in Afghanistan. Georgia was also prepared to provide transportation assistance for NATO supplies to Afghanistan. ¶2. (SBU) On February 24, Pol-Econ Chief conveyed the talking points (reftels) and emphasized the importance of allied engagement on Afghanistan, as well as provided details on the increasing U.S. presence in the theater, to Levan Nizharadze, Head of Americas Division, Department of Global Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Noting the recently proposed Georgian contribution of soldiers to the war in Afghanistan, Emboffs expressed the U.S. Government's appreciation for this support, as well as interest in obtaining Georgian thoughts on the way forward. ¶3. (SBU) Nizharadze promised to pass the information to his superiors, including Foreign Minister Vashadze and Deputy Minister Giga Bokeria. When asked if Georgia could assist NATO in Afghanistan in non-military ways, he stated that while financial contributions would be difficult, perhaps other avenues such as medical assistance might be possible. He noted that the Georgian government would respond promptly in the coming weeks with additional details. TEFFT