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.

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OFFICE CALL
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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.

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SATYBALDIYEV: FROM ZERO TO HERO
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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.

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(Comment: Satybaldiyev's confidence appears to be mostly
drawn from his connections; but we hope his performance will
exceed expectations. End comment.)
YOVANOVITCH