TAJIKISTAN CADA DIRECTOR REMAINS IN COUNTRY FOR NOW

UNCLAS DUSHANBE 002008

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

STATE FOR EUR/CACEN, SA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM TI
SUBJECT: TAJIKISTAN CADA DIRECTOR REMAINS IN COUNTRY FOR NOW



1. (SBU) EmbOffs met with David Lovett and Paul Linge, the
outgoing and present Country Directors of the Central Asian
Development Agency, a non-denominational Christian-supported aid
NGO December 9. Lovett's visa expired in November and, after
thirteen years in Tajikistan, the government denied his visa
renewal application. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular
Department did not explain why his visa was denied. Concerned
over being deported, he requested U.S. Embassy assistance in
resolving the matter.


2. (SBU) PolOff met with Ismatullo Nasredinov, Head of the
Department of European and American Countries in the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, regarding Lovett's visa status. Nasredinov
indicated the decision not to renew Lovett's visa was solely
because of problems with Lovett's personal application. The
Ministry has received assistance from CADA in the past and
understands the implications of deporting a high-profile person
such as Lovett. Nasredinov also explained that according to
Tajik law, a court order is needed to deport someone. A court
order requires a long judicial process and Lovett is not
presently in danger of being deported. Nasredinov attempted to
contact the Consular Department, however, no one has been able
to authoritatively speak on this case.


3. (SBU) Post will send a diplomatic note to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs requesting clarification on why the Consular
Department denied Lovett's visa renewal and reminding the
Ministry of Lovett's thirteen years of service to Tajikistan and
CADA's contributions to Tajikistan.


4. (SBU) COMMENT: The Consular Department's refusal to give a
straight answer leads one to believe it is not simply a
technical matter. Lovett's denial is another action along the
lines of recent governmental measures restricting NGO activities
and preventing NGO registration. However, it should be noted
CADA and Lovett have also encountered problems with various
government agencies in the past and this pressure could be
because of some personal grievance against Lovett and CADA. END
COMMENT.
HOAGLAND


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