VZCZCXYZ0003
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHBUL #3754 3090130
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 050130Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1333
INFO RUEOMFB/HQ AFNEWS LACKLAND AFB TX PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUFGSOC/COMSOCEUR VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RUEOMFE/CDRUSAREUR EAC HEIDELBERG GE PRIORITY
RHFQAAA/HQ USAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEHRL/USDAO BERLIN GE PRIORITY
UNCLAS KABUL 003754
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/FO, SCA/A, EUR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL NATO MARR GM AF
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO GERMAN REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF
IV PROGRAM FOR AFGHAN GOVERNOR
REF: BERLIN 1886
This cable is sensitive but unclassified. Please handle
accordingly.
1. (SBU) Post appreciates Embassy Berlin's REFTEL message
relaying the German government's sensitivities about the
nomination of the Kunduz province governor, Mohammad Omar,
for participation in the autumn International Visitor program.
2. (SBU) Post would appreciate Embassy Berlin's conveying to
the German government that the governor is not being
considered for participation in an IV program this year. It
may be useful to note that Governor Omar enjoys President
Karzai's confidence. Whether or not he continues as Governor
of Kunduz or is removed from that position during the
anticipated round of governor changes, he is likely to
continue to occupy Afghan leadership positions. It may also
be helpful to clarify that the International Visitor program
is not a reward for performance but an educational
experience. It serves western interests by encouraging
participating leaders' ( who in many cases are targeted due
to their need for training) acceptance of modern principles
of democratic governance and often has profound effects on
behaviors. Post believes Omar's participation in an
International Visitor program at some point would be an
opportunity to shape positively his perception of his role
and responsibilities as a government official. While we can
inform the Germans he is not on the list for this year's IV
program for governors, we do not rule out his participation
in future IV programs.
WOOD