Cablegate: Prt Bamyan: Singapore Considers Providing

VZCZCXRO4623
OO RUEHDBU RUEHIK RUEHYG
DE RUEHBUL #5841 3480133
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 140133Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4877
INFO RUCNAFG/AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE
RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE
RUEHGP/AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE 0096
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 3394
RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/OSD WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL

UNCLAS KABUL 005841

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/FO, SCA/A, S/CR, S/CT, SCA/PAB, EUR/RPM,
EAP/FO
STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE
NSC FOR AHARRIMAN
OSD FOR KIMMETT
CENTCOM FOR CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76, AND POLAD
RELEASABLE TO NATO/ISAF/AUS/NZ

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV AF
SUBJECT: PRT BAMYAN: SINGAPORE CONSIDERS PROVIDING
ASSISTANCE

1. (SBU) Following internal discussions between Singapore and
New Zealand, a four person military delegation from Singapore
visited PRT Bamyan the week of November 26. The delegation
came to explore the feasibility of pursuing the Singapore
government,s stated interest (to the New Zealand government)
in possibly joining an established PRT in Afghanistan.
(Note: Singapore is particularly interested in joining the
Bamyan PRT, based in part on Bamyan,s permissive security
environment and Singapore,s strong military relationship
with New Zealand. Both countries have worked together
cooperatively in East Timor. End Note.).

2. (SBU) The four Singapore officers, Colonel Yeo See Peng,
Lieutenant Colonel Chua Wei Chng, Major Ming Fook Kuen and
Major Lim Meng Soon, held extensive meetings with all PRT
heads of sections. They also participated in a one-day
patrol within the province and met with key provincial
officials to assess the province,s needs and what Singapore
might be able to contribute to such an ongoing mission.
They expressed particular interest in engineering and medical
projects within Bamyan, in concert with the New Zealanders.

3. (SBU) COMMENT: It appears that the Singaporeans are pretty
far along in their planning to provide assistance to
Afghanistan. The question remains as to how substantial
their contribution might be. Some encouragement and or
pressure might help tip the balance in favor of more rather
than less involvement by Singapore. END COMMENT
NEUMANN

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