Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BISHKEK1399
2007-11-27 12:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bishkek
Cable title:
KYRGYZ AIR CONTROLLERS STAGE ONE-HOUR STRIKE
how-toVZCZCXRO6649 OO RUEHBI RUEHCI RUEHDBU RUEHLH RUEHPW DE RUEHEK #1399 3311233 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 271233Z NOV 07 FM AMEMBASSY BISHKEK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0394 INFO RUCNCLS/ALL SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA COLLECTIVE RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 2332 RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0754 RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 2736 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2120 RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO BRUSSELS BE RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORP RUMICEA/USCENTCOM INTEL CEN MACDILL AFB FL
C O N F I D E N T I A L BISHKEK 001399
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/27/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZ AIR CONTROLLERS STAGE ONE-HOUR STRIKE
AGAINST MANAS AIR BASE
Classified By: CDA Lee Litzenberger, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BISHKEK 001399
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/27/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZ AIR CONTROLLERS STAGE ONE-HOUR STRIKE
AGAINST MANAS AIR BASE
Classified By: CDA Lee Litzenberger, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) On November 26, Kyrgyz AIR control personnel at Manas
airport conducted a one-hour work stoppage aimed at coalition
aircraft operating out of Manas AIR Base, which is collocated
at the airport. AIR Base officials, who were aware in
advance of the proposed strike, had redirected aircraft
during the time of the strike. Although Kyrgyz AIR traffic
controllers have threatened to deny service to coalition
aircraft in the past, this was the first time they have
actually put their threats into action. The AIR controllers
claimed they were striking to protest the fact that coalition
aircraft, which account for half the flights in and out of
Manas, do not pay AIR navigation fees to the Kyrgyz AIR
Navigation company. (Note: in accordance with standard
international practice for state aircraft and as stipulated
in our bilateral base agreement, coalition aircraft do not
pay AIR navigation fees; charter aircraft supporting
coalition activities do pay AIR navigation fees. End Note.)
Kyrgyz AIR controllers have also stated that they plan to
carry out a permanent strike against coalition aircraft
beginning December 20, unless coalition aircraft begin paying
air navigation fees.
2. (C) On November 27, Charge called an urgent meeting with
Acting Foreign Minister Kydyrov. Charge complained about the
unprecedented strike and expressed concern that such actions
were inconsistent with Kyrgyzstan's commitment to host the
base, and that they could put the lives of U.S. and coalition
forces at risk. The Charge asked for Kydyrov's assurances to
take whatever steps were necessary -- well before December 20
-- to ensure the continued safe flight operations of Manas
air base in accordance with our bilateral agreement.
3. (C) Kydyrov said he was surprised by the strike, and had
only learned of it when the Charge sought to meet. He said
the Ministry would contact Kyrgyz Civil Aviation authorities
to learn more details of the incident. He said he was aware
that AIR traffic controllers were seeking higher wages;
Charge responded that we had heard this, too, but were
surprised to learn that earlier in November AIR traffic
controllers had received a significant salary increase, from
$250 to $450 per month. Charge added that, regardless of the
alleged reasons for the action, the U.S. holds the Kyrgyz
government responsible for ensuring a safe operating climate
for the AIR base. Charge noted that Kyrgyzstan receives
substantial compensation for use of the base, both directly
to the Kyrgyz government as well as to Manas International
Airport, and we would urge the Kyrgyz to use the resources we
have made available to them to ensure safe flight operations
for the base. Kydyrov said he would recommend the Kyrgyz
hold a meeting of their interagency commission that handles
base-related issues. He added, "I understand your concerns.
We have obligations under our base agreement." He also
agreed to keep the Charge informed. Separately, our DATT
conveyed our concerns to First Deputy Minister of Defense
Oruzbayev, who chairs the internal Kyrgyz base commission.
Oruzbayev indicated he was already in touch with the Ministry
of Transportation and would convey our concerns, but lamented
that he had no authority over that Ministry.
4. (C) Comment: The strike seems to have caught Kyrgyz
officials by surprise. Our demarche may spur some initial
action, and we will follow up to request what steps the
Kyrgyz have taken to prevent a strike on December 20.
Separately, AIR traffic controllers told base personnel that
the strike was designed to get the Kyrgyz government's
attention. It nevertheless remains puzzling why AIR traffic
controllers chose to carry out a strike after having received
a large salary increase. We will continue to monitor the
situation closely and keep the Kyrgyz aware of their
obligation to support the base.
LITZENBERGER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/27/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZ AIR CONTROLLERS STAGE ONE-HOUR STRIKE
AGAINST MANAS AIR BASE
Classified By: CDA Lee Litzenberger, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) On November 26, Kyrgyz AIR control personnel at Manas
airport conducted a one-hour work stoppage aimed at coalition
aircraft operating out of Manas AIR Base, which is collocated
at the airport. AIR Base officials, who were aware in
advance of the proposed strike, had redirected aircraft
during the time of the strike. Although Kyrgyz AIR traffic
controllers have threatened to deny service to coalition
aircraft in the past, this was the first time they have
actually put their threats into action. The AIR controllers
claimed they were striking to protest the fact that coalition
aircraft, which account for half the flights in and out of
Manas, do not pay AIR navigation fees to the Kyrgyz AIR
Navigation company. (Note: in accordance with standard
international practice for state aircraft and as stipulated
in our bilateral base agreement, coalition aircraft do not
pay AIR navigation fees; charter aircraft supporting
coalition activities do pay AIR navigation fees. End Note.)
Kyrgyz AIR controllers have also stated that they plan to
carry out a permanent strike against coalition aircraft
beginning December 20, unless coalition aircraft begin paying
air navigation fees.
2. (C) On November 27, Charge called an urgent meeting with
Acting Foreign Minister Kydyrov. Charge complained about the
unprecedented strike and expressed concern that such actions
were inconsistent with Kyrgyzstan's commitment to host the
base, and that they could put the lives of U.S. and coalition
forces at risk. The Charge asked for Kydyrov's assurances to
take whatever steps were necessary -- well before December 20
-- to ensure the continued safe flight operations of Manas
air base in accordance with our bilateral agreement.
3. (C) Kydyrov said he was surprised by the strike, and had
only learned of it when the Charge sought to meet. He said
the Ministry would contact Kyrgyz Civil Aviation authorities
to learn more details of the incident. He said he was aware
that AIR traffic controllers were seeking higher wages;
Charge responded that we had heard this, too, but were
surprised to learn that earlier in November AIR traffic
controllers had received a significant salary increase, from
$250 to $450 per month. Charge added that, regardless of the
alleged reasons for the action, the U.S. holds the Kyrgyz
government responsible for ensuring a safe operating climate
for the AIR base. Charge noted that Kyrgyzstan receives
substantial compensation for use of the base, both directly
to the Kyrgyz government as well as to Manas International
Airport, and we would urge the Kyrgyz to use the resources we
have made available to them to ensure safe flight operations
for the base. Kydyrov said he would recommend the Kyrgyz
hold a meeting of their interagency commission that handles
base-related issues. He added, "I understand your concerns.
We have obligations under our base agreement." He also
agreed to keep the Charge informed. Separately, our DATT
conveyed our concerns to First Deputy Minister of Defense
Oruzbayev, who chairs the internal Kyrgyz base commission.
Oruzbayev indicated he was already in touch with the Ministry
of Transportation and would convey our concerns, but lamented
that he had no authority over that Ministry.
4. (C) Comment: The strike seems to have caught Kyrgyz
officials by surprise. Our demarche may spur some initial
action, and we will follow up to request what steps the
Kyrgyz have taken to prevent a strike on December 20.
Separately, AIR traffic controllers told base personnel that
the strike was designed to get the Kyrgyz government's
attention. It nevertheless remains puzzling why AIR traffic
controllers chose to carry out a strike after having received
a large salary increase. We will continue to monitor the
situation closely and keep the Kyrgyz aware of their
obligation to support the base.
LITZENBERGER