Cablegate: Possible Dates for the U.S.-Afghan Strategic

VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBUL #3286 2061247
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 251247Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1507
INFO RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 2844

UNCLAS KABUL 003286

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR D, SCA/FO A/S BOUCHER, SCA/A, EUR/RPM

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL AF
SUBJECT: POSSIBLE DATES FOR THE U.S.-AFGHAN STRATEGIC
PARTNERSHIP MEETING

1. (SBU) The Afghan side has proposed September 6-7 for the
upcoming U.S.-Afghan Strategic Partnership meeting. These
dates conflict with the September 4-6 visit to Kabul of the
North Atlantic Council (NAC, including the 26 NATO
Ambassadors), for many of whom we will need to provide
housing and possibly transportation and security support.
However, we have discussed with Deputy Foreign Minister
Saikol a somewhat shortened Strategic Partnership meeting,
which could start at 16:00 on September 6, followed by an
official dinner; re-commencing early on September 7 and
continuing throughout that day.

2. (SBU) Saikol appeared amenable to this somewhat
shortened schedule, but said he would have to speak with
colleagues before giving official GOA approval. While
Afghans normally do not schedule meetings on Fridays, which
would rule out September 8 as a possibility, Saikol did not
dismiss this option out of hand, saying only that it would be
something to consider. Saikol noted that President Karzai
would be available on September 6 and 7.

3. (SBU) Please advise if starting at 16:00 on September 6
would be feasible. (Note: in order for adequate housing to
be available for the U.S. delegation, they would need to
arrive no earlier than mid-day on September 6, probably via
milair. End Note)
NEUMANN

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