RUSSIA: DEMARCHE ON MURDER OF POLITKOVSKAYA

C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 011313 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/09/2016 TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV RS SUBJECT: RUSSIA: DEMARCHE ON MURDER OF POLITKOVSKAYA REF: STATE 169346 Classified By: Ambassador William J. Burns: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In an October 9 conversation with First Deputy Foreign Minister Denisov, the Ambassador delivered reftel demarche, underscoring deep U.S. concern over the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, referring also to Department and White House public statements, and stressing the need for a thorough investigation. The Ambassador questioned the lack of a public GOR reaction to date, beyond the Prosecutor General's statement that he was personally taking charge of the investigation. ¶2. (C) Denisov said the murder of Politkovskaya was a "disastrous event" and a "terrible tragedy" for Russia. He said the GOR appreciated U.S. concern, and agreed that the murder sent a disturbing message to the international community over the situation of rule of law in Russia. Denisov agreed to reinforce U.S. concerns with the Presidential Administration and said that he expected a statement to be issued later today, with the Kremlin taking the lead. Denisov emphasized that the GOR would thoroughly investigate the murder, which was a direct challenge to Russia's media and rule of law. Noting that General Prosecutor Chayka had taken personal charge of the investigation, Denisov emphasized the seriousness with which the GOR was approaching the case. He said that it went without saying that no one in a position of authority had anything to do with the crime. It was a sad fact, he commented, that many individuals could have benefited from Politkovskaya's death. ¶3. (C) Ambassador also spoke October 9 with Ella Panfilova, Chairwoman of the Presidential Administration's Council for Civil Society and Human Rights. Pamfilova agreed that a public GOR statement was "long overdue," but said she expected one to be issued October 9. Based on conversations with officials in the Presidential Administration, Panfilova believed that the leadership understood the significance of the murder and was taking all necessary steps to mount an effective investigation. ¶4. (C) Ambassador also spoke with Aleksandr Lebedev, Novaya Gazeta's largest minority shareholder, about the killing. Lebedev expressed appreciation for the U.S. statement and characterized the murder as an extremely serious challenge to Russia and its government. ¶5. (C) Comment: The Ambassador will meet later today with Novaya Gazeta Chief Editor Dmitriy Muratov to pay condolences and reinforce U.S. support for the newspaper's efforts to ensure a vigorous investigation and to ascertain whether any further information has emerged from the initial investigation. The Ambassador will attend Politkovskaya's funeral on October 10. Septel reports on public reaction to the Politkovskaya murder. BURNS