LITHUANIA SEEKS CIVILIAN EXPERTS FOR GHOR PRT

C O N F I D E N T I A L VILNIUS 000397 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/SRAP HANRAHAN SCA/A VIEHE EUR/RPM COPE E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/22/2019 TAGS: NATO PREL MOPS MARR AF LH SUBJECT: LITHUANIA SEEKS CIVILIAN EXPERTS FOR GHOR PRT REF: STATE 74362 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Damian R. Leader for reasons 1.4 (b) a nd (d). (C) We presented reftel points to Valdemaras Sarapinas, the MFA's Chief Counsellor on Afghanistan. He said the MFA would consider the request to extend Lithuania's elevated troop levels in Afghanistan and pass the request to other GOL agencies. He was much more focused on information concerning expanded civilian contributions in Afghanistan, and asked whether civilian personnel from the United States or third countries might become available for the Lithuania-led PRT in Ghor Province. If such assistance appeared to be possible, he said, the GOL could provide information on which areas of expertise were most needed. He cited engineers as one pressing need. LEADER