AUSTRIA SUPPORTS U.S. PRIORITIES FOR NEW AFGHAN

UNCLAS VIENNA 001470 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/A E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL AF AU SUBJECT: AUSTRIA SUPPORTS U.S. PRIORITIES FOR NEW AFGHAN GOVERNMENT REF: STATE 118297 ¶1. (SBU) Polchief discussed reftel points November 18 with Bernhard Zimburg, MFA Director for East Asia and the Pacific, and his deputy, Bruno Bilek. Zimburg said the GOA supports the USG's priorities for the new Afghan Government. The GOA agrees on the need to work with President Karzai, despite the problems of the election. According to GOA sources, Zimburg said, Karzai has more support among the Afghan population than Dr. Abdullah, and would have won in a second round. Both sides in the election committed fraud, though the media only focused on allegations against the Karzai campaign, he said. ¶2. (SBU) Zimburg added that the GOA has long advocated the "Afghanization" of the mission, and therefore supports USG efforts to bolster Afghanistan's security forces, political system, and economic development. He maintained that it could take "two generations" to establish a decent, stable society in Afghanistan. Young Afghans should be encouraged to re-evaluate traditional views on matters like gender equality. The international community will need to remain engaged throughout the process, but at a much reduced level than at present. Success will depend on the ability to find suitable Afghan partners who can take over the leading roles, he said. EACHO