CZECH REPUBLIC ON AFGHANISTAN TRANSITION

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 000027 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/CE, EUR/RPM ACOPE, S/SRAP, SCA/A E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2015 TAGS: PGOV PREL AF XG MARR MOPS NATO EZ SUBJECT: CZECH REPUBLIC ON AFGHANISTAN TRANSITION REF: STATE 4108 Classified By: POLEC Counselor Charles O. Blaha for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On January 13, as part of the U.S.-Czech Strategic Dialogue, EUR Assistant Secretary Phil Gordon discussed Afghanistan with Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Tomas Pojar. In addition to speaking about the Czech contributions in Afghanistan, particularly via the Czech PRT in Logar province, A/S Gordon spoke about the provincial transition process. He made clear to the Czechs that the transition to Afghan responsibility for security is not to be confused with an exit strategy. ¶2. (SBU) The Czechs acknowledged Gordon's point and noted that they themselves were exploring a slight increase in their own number of personnel in Afghanistan. (Note: This cable on the Strategic Dialogue is currently in clearance. End Note.) As well, emboff passed reftel points to the Czech MFA Security Policy department and the Asia Pacific department on January 15. Neither of these two departments have made additional comments. Thompson-Jones