(C) KYRGYZ PM TO SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT IN TURKEY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BISHKEK 000664 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL KG SUBJECT: (C) KYRGYZ PM TO SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT IN TURKEY REF: BISHKEK 584 Classified By: Amb. Marie L. Yovanovitch, Reason 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In a May 31 meeting, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Almaz Atambayev thanked the Ambassador for the previous offer of medical tests to determine if he had been poisoned (reftel). He confirmed that he is receiving daily blood transfusions, and has decided to travel to Turkey soon for treatment. ¶2. (C) When news of the poisoning allegation reached the press late last month, reaction ranged from concern to disbelief with many asking about medical evidence. Finally, on May 30, the medical staff of President Bakiyev's administrative office issued a report confirming that "based on findings of the medical examination, the case can be diagnosed as acute toxic hepatitis of unknown origin, which is evidenced by cryptogenic toxin found in (Atambayev's) body. Detoxification therapy has been conducted since May 11." ¶3. (C) Despite chuckling when President Bakiyev mentioned at a May 31 public gathering that all senior staff have their own kitchens (PM Atambayev previously told the Ambassador that he suspected his kitchen staff had a hand in his alleged poisoning),PM Atambayev remains preoccupied with this poisoning incident and conmplains of ill health. He was visibly angry when he told Ambassador that a criminal case had not been opened after 20 days and said he therefore believed the individual responsible was being protected. Beyond saying that he did not believe that Bakiyev had foreknowledge of the event, Atambayev did not venture an opinion on who was responsible. ¶4. (C) We will continue to follow these developments, and monitor if his health concerns begin affecting his performance. YOVANOVITCH