JAPAN ON ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR PAKISTAN'S IDP

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 001122 SIPDIS DEPT FOR PRM/ECA NHASTINGS AND AWENDT E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/17/2019 TAGS: PREL PHUM EAID PK JA SUBJECT: JAPAN ON ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR PAKISTAN'S IDP CRISIS REF: A. STATE 50276 ¶B. TOKYO 802 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Jim Zumwalt for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Japan will consider requests for additional funding for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pakistan, according to MOFA Southwest Asia Division Principal Deputy Director Aya Yoshida. However, Yoshida reminded us that Japan last April provided grant aid totaling USD 5 million for IDPs in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and in the North West Frontier Province. This assistance was channeled through the U.N. World Food Program, the UNHCR, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and is described in greater detail in ref B. Yoshida also noted that Japan just hosted the Pakistan Donors Conference and made a pledge of USD 1 billion over two years. ¶2. (C) That said, Yoshida acknowledged that the situation is Pakistan for IDPs is worsening, as the government of Pakistan begins to fulfill its commitment to fight terrorism within its own borders. Tokyo realizes this will be a difficult and long conflict and that refugee problems are bound to grow. Japan, said Yoshida, is committed to supporting the government of Pakistan, mostly in civilian fields of assistance. Yoshida acknowledged, however, that Tokyo does not see a clear path or direction to be followed in Pakistan to combat the worsening situation. She said she is hopeful the meeting being held by the Special Representatives in Istanbul will help define how best to approach the problems posed by Pakistan. ¶3. (C) Yoshida concluded that MOFA will take into consideration the request for additional assistance for IDPs in Pakistan. ZUMWALT