LOSS OF RESTRICTED BLANKET OVERFLIGHT AND LANDING

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 158849

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2017
TAGS: US EAIR MARR MCAP MOPS PREL TX
SUBJECT: LOSS OF RESTRICTED BLANKET OVERFLIGHT AND LANDING
CLEARANCE FOR TURKMENISTAN

REF: ASHGABAT 1255

Classified By: SCA/CEN A/OFFICE DIRECTOR KURT DONNELLY FOR REASONS
1.5 (B) AND (D).


1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 2.


2. (C) Summary and Action Request: Reftel notes that the
Government of Turkmenistan (GOTX) has notified post by
diplomatic note that it will not renew the blanket
overflight and clearance request number 999c, which will
expire November 30. After that date, the U.S. will have to
request individual permission for transiting aircraft,
with ten days advance notice, and will have to itemize the
cargo. This is a sudden change in our cooperation and caught
us by surprise. In 2007, we estimate that we will conduct
about 1600 overflights of Turkmenistan in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The denial of
blanket authorization threatens our ability to support
operations in Afghanistan. This is a critical issue for the
United States. Charge is requested to meet with Foreign
Minister Meredov and draw on the background information in
para 3 to emphasize the critical importance of blanket
overflight authorization and request that the Government of
Turkmenistan renew the authorization. Charge should inquire
if the Government has specific concerns and assure that the
U.S. is prepared to address them, but explain that the
lapsing of the agreement on November 30 does not allow
adequate time to respond. End Summary and Action Request.


3. (SBU) Background: Renewal of Blanket Overflight
Authorization

-- The Blanket Overflight Authorization is critical for
Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This year, we
estimate that we will conduct 1600 overflights. In this way,
Turkmenistan has been making an important contribution to
the stability of Afghanistan.

-- The success of Operation Enduring Freedom is important
for Turkmenistan.

-- The new procedure represents a setback to Turkmenistan's
support of regional stability and humanitarian operations.

-- Without the Blanket Authorization, we understand we would
need to provide 10 days prior notice for each flight.
This would severely limit our ability to maintain critical
supplies for Afghanistan. Moreover, even a fraction of the
notifications would place an enormous burden on our embassy
and Turkmenistan government resources.

-- Another important element of the authorization is that it
allows us to perform emergency medevacs. Losing that
capability would be especially troubling.

-- Turkmenistan provides essential "gas and go" support for
long-haul aircraft flying to Afghanistan. The elimination
of blanket overflight will adversely affect this
mission-critical support as well, as such aircraft may seek
alternate routing avoiding Turkmenistan.If so, this could
adversely affect Turkmenistan's interests, as it will lose
the fuel revenue and miscellaneous fees associated with
these missions.
RICE