TAJIK MFA SUDDENLY YANKS IVLP PARTICIPANTS

UNCLAS DUSHANBE 000033

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV TI
SUBJECT: TAJIK MFA SUDDENLY YANKS IVLP PARTICIPANTS



1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a diplomatic note
informing the Embassy that two participants selected for the
International Visitor's Leadership Program "The Government of
the States and the Local Government" will no longer be able to
participate due to a "great workload." The sudden decision, two
weeks prior to the program start date, surprised Post. The
Embassy had previously received confirmation from all four IVLP
participants, including the two who have now suddenly rescinded:

M. Nasrulloev, Chairman of the city of Kurgan-Tyube and K.
Mirzobekov, Chairman of the Yavan District.


2. Chargi d'Affaires and PolOff asked Deputy Foreign Minister
Yatimov about the decision reversal in a meeting January 4,
explaining the IVLP exchanges are in the best interests of
Tajikistan and the United States and much effort has been
devoted to arranging the trip. EmbOffs requested MFA assistance
in encouraging the participants to reconsider their
participation. Yatimov acknowledged the importance of IVLP
exchanges, but made no commitments.


3. The President's Administration Office had previously
confirmed the Chairmen selected could and would participate.
Post is attempting to follow up with the President's
Administration to seek their clarification and help in reversing
the MFA's decision.


4. COMMENT: We are left trying to read into this decision
since the participants themselves have not been forthcoming. It
seems unlikely the Chairmen themselves decided to withdraw from
the IVLP, but rather a decision from an official higher up.
This is not the first time Tajik government officials have
withdrawn from exchanges or trainings at the last minute, the
most recent being two Deputy Minister-level participants to a
November OSCE terrorist finance conference. We have also heard
rumors some Tajik officials are reluctant to leave their posts
for an extended period, for fear their absence provides an
opportunity to place blame on them or replace them. We have
made the case that exchanges and visits are in the best
interests of the Tajik government, but apparently we have more
convincing to do. END COMMENT.

ARMBRUSTER


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