Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MOSCOW12139
2006-10-31 14:22:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Moscow
Cable title:  

GOR DOWNPLAYS PROSPECT OF VIOLENCE IN BISHKEK

Tags:  PREL PGOV KG RS 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO5232
OO RUEHDBU
DE RUEHMO #2139 3041422
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 311422Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4704
INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 012139 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KG RS
SUBJECT: GOR DOWNPLAYS PROSPECT OF VIOLENCE IN BISHKEK

REF: BISHKEK 1532

Classified By: POL M/C Alice G. Wells. Reasons: 1.4(B/D).

C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 012139

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KG RS
SUBJECT: GOR DOWNPLAYS PROSPECT OF VIOLENCE IN BISHKEK

REF: BISHKEK 1532

Classified By: POL M/C Alice G. Wells. Reasons: 1.4(B/D).


1. (C) In an October 31 meeting, Maksim Peshkov, Director,
First CIS Department (Central Asia),attributed Kyrgyzstan's
current turmoil to the failure of the Bakiyev-Kulov "tandem"
to achieve political and economic stability. He said that
Bakiyev, representing the South, and Kulov, the North, could
have succeeded in establishing a more unified political force
in Kyrgyzstan and avoided the persistent opposition movement.
Peshkov underlined Russia's view that the change from Akayev
to Bakiyev last March did not qualify as a democratic
revolution, nor did it bring any improvement in the country's
economic situation. Now, the Kyrgyz are simply fed up. He
said the planned November 2 opposition demonstration was not
just a result of the delay in constitutional reform but
reflected overall dissatisfaction with the Bakiyev
government.


2. (C) Peshkov admitted that Russia, unlike the U.S., does
not frequently engage with the opposition. He warned that
the November 2 demonstration would attract "criminal" and
"mercenary" demonstrators, who are happy to see destructive
action in their capital. He noted that fatigue with street
politics might lessen turnout. Peshkov concluded that absent
a provocation, the street protests would not turn violent.
Acknowledging dissatisfaction within security structures for
the Bakiyev government, Peshkov was quick to underscore that
this did not constitute support for the opposition. He
agreed with the U.S. message that demonstrations should be
peaceful and in accordance with the constitution and also
agreed that reform was necessary for Kyrgyzstan. Corruption,
ingrained clan politics, and the lack of resources hamper the
country's step forward. Where Russia differed with the U.S.,
he reiterated, was on the timeline for reform given the
social and cultural realities in each of the Central Asian
republics.


3. (C) Comment: Peshkov did not rule out the prospect that
the November 2 demonstration could turn violent, but did not
provide us with any strong feel for how Russia would react.
Lacking the means to change the situation significantly,
Moscow has usually been willing to let events take their
course while seeking protection for Russian interests.
BURNS