Cablegate: France Supports Expansion of Afghan National Army

VZCZCXRO4156
PP RUEHIK RUEHPOD RUEHYG
DE RUEHFR #1660 2471108
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 031108Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY PARIS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4215
INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 0679

UNCLAS PARIS 001660

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MCAP AF FR
SUBJECT: FRANCE SUPPORTS EXPANSION OF AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY

REF: STATE 93225

1. (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified - not for
internet distribution.

2. (SBU) On September 2 we conveyed reftel demarche in
support of the expansion of the Afghan National Army from
86,000 to 134,000 at the September 10 Joint Coordination
Board Meeting in Kabul to Nicolas Niemtchinow, DAS-equivalent
in the bureau of Strategic Affairs at the MFA. Niemtchinow
responded that the GOF takes the subject of supporting the
Afghan National Army (ANA) very seriously and that the
training and increased capabilities of ANA is both a priority
and a key element of our common engagement in Afghanistan.
The GOF is considering what else they can do to support the
ANA, aside from their current investment in training via
OMLTs. Niemtchinow promised to keep us informed as events
progress and assured us in the meantime of France's support.
Please visit Paris' Classified Website at:
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Fran ce

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