OBSERVATIONS OF KYRGYZ GENERAL PROSECUTOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 000598 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GEHRENBECK) E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/21/2017 TAGS: PINR PGOV PREL KG SUBJECT: OBSERVATIONS OF KYRGYZ GENERAL PROSECUTOR SATYBALDIYEV REF: BISHKEK 529 BISHKEK 00000598 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On May 8, Ambassador Yovanovitch met General Prosecutor Elmurza Satybaldiyev to discuss a base-related road accident and other issues. The Ambassador briefed Satybaldiyev on training opportunities for his staff and the Millennium Challenge Account. Satybaldiyev, who is rumored to have close ties with President Bakiyev's younger brother and former SNB deputy chairman Janysh Bakiyev, exuded confidence, but lacks professional finesse. END SUMMARY. -------------- OFFICE CALL -------------- ¶2. (C) On May 8, Ambassador called Prosecutor General Elmurza Satybaldiyev to discuss the road incident (reftel), and Satybaldiyev suggested an impromptu meeting. After the auto accident was discussed, Satybaldiyev ventured on to other topics. After the Ambassador briefed him on training opportunities for his staff, Satybaldiyev expressed thanks for assistance previously provided and indicated his desire for future assistance. Satybaldiyev cautioned that the assistance should not be obtrusive, but rather provide general "direction." He said that even though Kyrgyzstan is living through difficult times, he is confident that a bright future lies ahead. Unfortunately, he said, Kyrgyz people have difficulty differentiating between democracy and anarchy, but conceded that this is a temporary condition. Satybaldiyev claimed that his office is not involved in politics and stressed that his only goal is to work strictly within the scope of his official duties. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador reviewed the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) with Satybaldiyev. He suggested liaising with his staff, but assured the Ambassador that Kyrgyzstan is committed, if given ample time, to implement reforms. Satybaldiyev's advisor Sumar Nasiza added that the General Prosecutor's office had previously contributed input for draft laws related to MCA. Satybaldiyev noted that his office has no right of legislative initiative, and thus can not propose draft laws ) the job of prosecutors is just to oversee compliance with laws. -------------- SATYBALDIYEV: FROM ZERO TO HERO -------------- ¶4. (C) The 40-year-old Satybaldiyev, a native of Osh province, started his prosecutorial career in 1992 and became Issyk-Kul province prosecutor in 2005. In early 2006, he was appointed an SNB deputy chairman - shortly after President Bakiyev's brother Janysh also became an SNB deputy chairman. (Note: Satybaldiev's SNB appointment was a substantial step up the government bureaucracy. End note.) In September 2006, amidst the Matryoshka-gate scandal, in which SNB Chairman Tabaldiyev and Janysh Bakiyev both resigned, Satybaldiyev became the acting SNB Chairman for about a month. In late March 2007, Satybaldiyev was appointed to his current position amidst concerns that he did not meet the length of prior experience requirement and the rumored involvement of his "patron," Janysh Bakiyev. On March 29, parliament approved Satybaldiyev as the General Prosecutor. ¶5. (C) During the meeting, Satybaldiyev exhibited some odd professional quirks and made some outlandish remarks. Satybaldiyev noted that making appointments in advance is "folly," and indicated he prefers phone calls and impromptu meetings. He added that he is always available for an informal meeting, preferably for drinks, to discuss personal matters, rather than work. Satybaldiyev said President Bakiyev values young and progressive people such as himself. BISHKEK 00000598 002.2 OF 002 (Comment: Satybaldiyev's confidence appears to be mostly drawn from his connections; but we hope his performance will exceed expectations. End comment.) YOVANOVITCH