FORENSIC LABORATORY WANTS USG TRAINING

C O N F I D E N T I A L TASHKENT 001807 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR INL/AAE (ANDREW BUHLER),EUR/ACE; DEPT OF JUSTICE FOR ICITAP (MARK MOGLE) E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/19/2017 TAGS: SNAR ASEC PREL KCOR KCRM UZ SUBJECT: FORENSIC LABORATORY WANTS USG TRAINING Classified By: Poloff Tim Buckley for reasons 1.4 (B, D) ¶1. (C) On October 11 poloff and INL LES visited the Main Forensic Laboratory of the Ministry of Health to formally deliver INL-funded equipment as part of an ICITAP-administered project to upgrade the forensic laboratory. Laboratory Chief Dr. Zaynutdin Giyasov expressed his gratitude for the assistance and hoped for continued partnership with the USG. He added that the clinical staff were eager to upgrade their skills and learn from their counterparts, and he asked for INL to expand the scope of funding to include forensic training courses, conferences, and familiarization visits to the United States. When asked about the status of the bilateral relationship, Giyasov said "I don't see how this should affect us". DOJ/ICITAP recently proposed a forensic training program using existing INL funds, and post will follow up about the feasibility. ¶2. (U) As part of the ongoing INL forensic laboratory improvement project, poloff officially turned over ownership of a newly-installed generator which will ensure a consistent power supply to the laboratory. The generator was installed by a contractor and assisted by embassy maintenance staff. Poloff also signed over three refrigerators, two air conditioners, and one microwave oven for use in the laboratory. ¶3. (C) Comment: The laboratory is located at the Ministry of Health to prevent law enforcement agencies from interfering in analyses of evidence which could affect criminal investigations. The staff is professional and has a genuine desire to upgrade their scientific expertise and capabilities. Possible ICITAP-coordinated professional trainings or exchanges would enhance the impact of the ongoing INL-funded forensic laboratory improvement project and offer an opportunity to further engage with the GOU on law enforcement. However, any forensic training project should include a component in Uzbekistan to ensure that project goals can still be met in the event of political difficulties that preclude travel. Finally, the Embassy notes continuing difficulties with the GOU regarding accreditation and travel of USG personnel. These problems have a potential adverse impact on any new programming and limit our ability to perform required monitoring. End comment. NORLAND