Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ASHGABAT1050
2007-10-01 05:58:00
SECRET
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:  

TURKMENISTAN FOREIGN MINISTER: GIVE US MORE TIME

Tags:  PGOV PREL ASEC TX 
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VZCZCXRO2842
PP RUEHDBU
DE RUEHAH #1050 2740558
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
P 010558Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY ASHGABAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9458
INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
S E C R E T ASHGABAT 001050 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, DS/IP/SCA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/01/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN FOREIGN MINISTER: GIVE US MORE TIME
ON SURVEILLANCE DETECTION

Classified By: CHARGE RICHARD E HOAGLAND FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)

S E C R E T ASHGABAT 001050

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, DS/IP/SCA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/01/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN FOREIGN MINISTER: GIVE US MORE TIME
ON SURVEILLANCE DETECTION

Classified By: CHARGE RICHARD E HOAGLAND FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)


1. (S) Charge met with Foreign Minister Rashit Meredov
September 28 for a read-out of President Berdimuhamedov's
September 23-27 visit to New York (septel). At the end of
the meeting, Charge asked Meredov to dismiss his notetaker,
as is normal practice for this issue, and raised the U.S.
strong desire to reinstitute the banned U.S. Embassy's
Surveillance Detection Program. Charge noted we have
followed the letter of the law, and President
Berdimuhamedov's suggestion, and provided the Government of
Turkmenistan with a draft Memorandum of Understanding to
regulate this program that is essential for the security of
Embassy Ashgabat and its employees. He noted Kyrgyzstan had
also stopped our equivalent program in Bishkek, but had found
a way to begin to reinstitute it.


2. (S) Meredov replied, "I think we can do this, but you
have no idea how difficult it is. There are strong forces
against you to preserve our stability. Give us more time."
He asked for at least two more weeks before we revisit the
issue for the Government of Turkmenistan to get past the next
wave of high-level visits (Russia and the European Union) and
President Berdimuhamedov's trip to Dushanbe for a bilateral
visit and CIS meetings. Charge agreed, but noted we would
continue to raise this issue until it is resolved. He said
it is a serious and unnecessary irritant in the generally
positive new bilateral U.S.-Turkmenistan relationship. He
emphasized we firmly believe the program can be reinstituted
in full compliance with Turkmenistan's laws.
HOAGLAND