AFGHANISTAN: FRANCE SUPPORTS U.S. PRIORITIES FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 PARIS 000080 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/SRAP BLANC, SCA/A GRAMAGLIA AND COBERLY E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/25/2020 TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON EFIN AF FR SUBJECT: AFGHANISTAN: FRANCE SUPPORTS U.S. PRIORITIES FOR LONDON, IMPATIENT FOR SPECIFICS FROM AFGHANS REF: A. STATE 006355 ¶B. PARIS POINTS - 01/22/2010 ¶C. PARIS POINTS - 01/25/2010 Classified By: Political Minister-Counselor Kathy Allegrone, Reasons 1. 4(b),(d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The French government largely shares U.S. priorities for the January 28 London conference on Afghanistan, as outlined in ref A, but is frustrated with a lack of specifics from Afghan authorities on reintegration, development, and anti-corruption. Acting French Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Jasmine Zerinini said January 25 that France sees London as an opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its political commitment to Afghanistan. However, while the GOF understands that it is not the role of London to focus on actual implementation, the Afghan authorities have nevertheless not made enough progress on a number of key issues, and the international community must ensure that the planned Kabul conference is not held before the GOA moves forward. Stressing the primacy of UNAMA in civilian coordination, Zerinini also downplayed the importance in London of announcing a "package" of civilian coordinators (including a European Union Special Representative). While French frustration with the Afghans is nothing new, slow progress on the ground makes it difficult for the GOF to win over a public skeptical of efforts in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, as senior MFA officials have indicated (ref B),any additional contributions to Afghanistan will be decided by President Sarkozy, and an announcement at London cannot be ruled out. END SUMMARY. -------------- TRANSITION -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Zerinini said France is in total agreement with the United States on the importance of announcing the ISAF transition plan in London. She added that France is fully aware of the meaning of transition and that "no one is using the word 'withdrawal'." (NOTE: President Sarkozy drew particular attention to the "transition" mission in his public address to the diplomatic corps on January 22 (ref C). He once again said publicly that France would remain in Afghanistan "as long as necessary," and committed France to its mission to stabilize the areas where French forces are concentrated even as allies help Afghans to assume this responsibility. END NOTE.) -------------- REINTEGRATION -------------- ¶3. (C) On reintegration, Zerinini said that French policy mirrors that of the United States, but added that the Afghans have so far failed to present a coherent plan. Echoing her recent suggestion that a French contribution to a reintegration fund would be highly unlikely (ref B), Zerinini said it is too early to discuss monetary contributions, as the Karzai administration had spoken only of broad principles. Furthermore, current efforts focused on reintegration seem to be simply a reiteration of previous efforts, and are unlikely to bring more success. Zerinini criticized the idea that a "Grand Peace Jirga" would determine the specifics of a reintegration plan, as this should be the role of relevant ministries in the Afghan government. -------------- DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNANCE -------------- ¶4. (C) Zerinini said that France broadly agreed with U.S. priorities for economic development at the London conference, but added that the French would have liked to see a more inclusive discussion, bringing in the role of civil society and the private sector in sustainable development in Afghanistan. Additionally, there was no significant discussion planned of Afghan women, an issue that should be addressed not only from a human rights perspective, but especially in terms of women's crucial role in national development. Meanwhile, the GOA is planning very little on anti-corruption for London, other than rehashing ideas Karzai announced at his inauguration that he has yet to implement. It is critical that the international community follow up with Karzai to ensure that he puts these plans into action, which will be absolutely necessary for a successful Kabul conference. In general, Zerinini stressed the importance of not rushing PARIS 00000080 002 OF 002 into a Kabul conference, which will require the Afghan government to elaborate - and at least begin to implement - much more specific plans for economic development and improved governance. -------------- CIVILIAN COORDINATION -------------- ¶5. (C) Zerinini said she doubted the EU would choose a Special Representative (EUSR) in time for the London conference. She argued that, as the first post-Lisbon Treaty appointment of this kind, it was important to take the time necessary to work out the kinks in the nomination process. (NOTE: French government officials have been embarrassed by the recent withdrawal of French candidate Jean-Marie Guehenno from the running for EUSR (ref B). END NOTE.) However, she said it will not be a problem for the EU not to announce its Special Representative at the London conference since the more important political decision to eventually name one has already been taken. In any case, the focus at London should be to reaffirm the primacy of UNAMA in civilian coordination. While acknowledging that both the EU and NATO civilian representatives have an important role to play, Zerinini stressed that UNAMA must maintain a preeminent role in civilian coordination, including on the local level. ¶6. (C) COMMENT: France's frustration with slow progress by the Afghan authorities does not presage any significant policy changes on Afghanistan. Nor, as Zerinini stressed, will impatience with the Afghans prevent the GOF from adding its voice to the chorus of political commitment in London. Zerinini's assessment of the Karzai administration's lack of visible progress on good governance, especially, does indicate the difficulty the GOF faces in making the case with the public that international efforts in Afghanistan are making a difference. However, President Sarkozy's commitment to France's mission in Afghanistan is not in doubt. Further, given the highly centralized decision-making process on this issue, an announcement of additional contributions, even as early as at the London conference, cannot be ruled out. END COMMENT. RIVKIN