TAJIK PITCHES INITIATIVES FOR THE OSCE

UNCLAS DUSHANBE 000206

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR SCA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID TI OSCE
SUBJECT: TAJIK PITCHES INITIATIVES FOR THE OSCE



1. (U) Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for
International Organizations, Nuriddin Shamsov, called in the
deputy chief of mission February 5 to discuss Tajik issues at
the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The
resident Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
mission confirmed that Shamsov has been sounding out
representatives from all member countries with embassies in
Dushanbe to discuss the same two initiatives: reclassifying the
resident mission as a Project Office, and moving the Economic
Forum from Prague to Dushanbe. Tajik representatives have also
pitched these proposals to missions in Vienna.

From Center to Project Office

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2. (SBU) Shamsov explained the proposal to reclassify the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's field
presence in Tajikistan as a "Project Office." According to
Shamsov, the change is justified in recognition that Tajikistan
has "achieved a certain level of stability and development"
since the end of the civil war. As evidence he pointed to the
"successful presidential election" last November. The deputy
chief of mission reminded Shamsov that the Organization for
Security and Cooperation's own observer mission determined that
the election did not meet international standards and was not a
true test of democratic principles. Nevertheless, Shamsov said
Tajikistan believes the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe should focus in Tajikistan on the economic
basket, rather than politico-military or human dimension.
Tajikistan currently hosts the largest Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe center in Central Asia, but its
projects are ineffective, Shamsov argued. Reorganizing the
in-country center as a project office would improve the delivery
of assistance. The deputy chief of mission asked about project
assistance outside the economic basket, such as small arms/light
weapons, demining, and a new border project initiated at the
Tajik government's request. Shamsov said of course those
projects should continue. He refused to be pinned down on what
activities would cease under the proposed reorganization.

From Prague to Dushanbe

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3. (SBU) Tajikistan has also made an appeal in Vienna and now
among member states with embassies in country to move the
Economic Forum from Prague to Dushanbe. Shamsov argued that the
"new post-Soviet reality" in the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe argues for more focus on Asia. Shamsov
asserted that no country better demonstrates the connection
between economic issues and security and stability than
Tajikistan. The deputy chief of mission pointed out that
limited air connections to Dushanbe and a shortage of quality
hotel space make hosting any international event difficult and
expensive. Shamsov admitted the Ministry had not calculated a
budget for hosting the Forum or given much thought yet to the
practicalities. Asked whether the initiative had the support of
Tajikistan's neighbors or other former Soviet republics, Shamsov
said "no commitments yet."

Comment

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4. (SBU) Tajikistan believes strongly in these two initiatives
as evidenced by its concerted push among member states here and
in Vienna. So far the Foreign Minister has not raised these
issues in his bilateral meetings with the Ambassador, but the
issues would undoubtedly come up during a visit by U.S.
ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe, Julie Finley, in March. The Foreign Ministry views
these moves as fully justified in recognition of Tajikistan's
significant progress since the end of its civil war and
emergence of Tajikistan, according to Shamsov, as "the most
stable country in Central Asia." Shamsov was aware that
Tajikistan's proposal to downgrade the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe's presence appeared similar to moves
by Uzbekistan, Russia and other countries in the neighborhood to
weaken the multilateral institution's mandate. He seemed
genuine in his insistence that these initiatives are not part of
a coordinated effort to undermine the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe. Tajikistan appears to have given no
thought to the practical steps necessary to make these
initiatives a reality. Shamsov could not respond to questions
about how the Organization for Security and Cooperation 's
activities would change in Tajikistan under a reorganization or
how much it would cost to host the Economic Forum in Dushanbe.

JACOBSON