Cablegate: Karzai Tells Codel Reid the Usg Hould Increase

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PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBUL #2104 2221347
ZNR UUUUU ZZH (CCY ADC407E5 WSC7513-695)
P 091347Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5056
INFO RUCNAFG/AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/OSD WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY

UNCLAS KABUL 002104

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

C O R R E C T E D COPY (ADDED CAPTION)

STATE FOR SCA/F, SCA/A, H
NSC FOR WOOD
ODS FOR SHIVERS
CETCOM FOR CSTC-A, CG CJTF-101, POLAD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP PGOV PREL AF PK
SUBJECT: KARZAI TELLS CODEL REID THE USG HOULD INCREASE
PRESSURE ON PAKISTAN

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Summary
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1. (SBU) On August 6, Prsident Karzai told Codel Reid that
Pakistan hs permitted terrorist sanctuaries in its teritory
and the ISI has a clear role in supportng terrorists
entering Afghanistan to kill Ameican troops and Afghan
people. He urged the USG to increase pressure on Pakistan to
act against the sanctuaries. Karzai conceded corruption
persists in Afghanistan. Karzai anticipted a &nasty8
campaign, but a fair vote, whichhe expected to take place in
August or September 2009.

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Introduction
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2. (U) Codel Reid, comprised of Senator Majority Leader Reid
and Senators Bingaman, Isakson, Menendez and Bill Nelson,
called on President Karzai at the Palace. Ambassador Wood
accompanied. Polcouns took notes.

3. (U) Reid complimented Karzai for the progress achieved in
Afghanistan under his leadership. Reid told Karzai that the
Codel was impressed during its visit earlier in the day to a
school constructed with USAID funds. The children were
inspired to learn, which made the Senators even more
interested in helping Afghanistan.

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Pakistan
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4. (SBU) Bingaman asked what the United States and
Afghanistan could do to prevent the infiltration of
insurgents from Pakistan. Karzai said Pakistan was providing
sanctuaries for terrorists that pose a danger to Afghanistan
and potentially to the world and that Pakistan must act
against those sanctuaries. He contended that these
terrorists could not operate in the region without the
support or benign neglect of the ISI. He urged the USG to
increase its pressure on Pakistan.

5. (SBU) Nelson asked about direct action against the Quetta
Shura. Karzai asserted that he would support such action,
and he cited his past failed efforts to convince President
Musharraf to act on Afghan intelligence on names and
locations of Taliban leaders in Quetta.

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Corruption
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6. (SBU) Menendez asked what Karzai was doing to strengthen
governance and combat corruption. Karzai lamented the poor
state of the country,s institutional development. Officials
at all levels could intervene in people,s lives ) seeking
bribes, even committing violent crimes against individuals
with impunity. He welcomed the work that the USG was doing
to help build the capacity of Afghan officials and urged more.

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Elections
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7. (SBU) Isakson asked Karzai for his assessment of the
upcoming election. Karzai predicted a &nasty8 campaign )
worse than in the United States. He expected the election to
take place in August or September 2009. Planning is already
under way for registration and security. He anticipated a
fair election, contending that the government did not have
the ability to intervene. He welcomed the financial and
technical help from the United States and other donors and
expected Afghanistan would need more.

The Codel did not clear this message.
WOOD

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