POLOFF RECEIVES ACCREDITATION AND WARNING

C O N F I D E N T I A L TASHKENT 001828

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL AMGT ODIP UZ
SUBJECT: POLOFF RECEIVES ACCREDITATION AND WARNING

REF: A. TASHKENT 1744

B. TASHKENT 1681

Classified By: Poloff Tim Buckley for reasons 1.4 (B, D)


1. (C) On October 23 poloff was summoned to MFA for a rare
personal appearance regarding his accreditation. MFA
Protocol Head of Accreditations, Mr. Akhmedov, said the
Ministry typically deals directly with LES on these issues
"but, on occasion, it is necessary to personally explain the
obligations of the card holder." Akhmedov drew a distinction
between the MFA Americas Desk staff, who handle daily
interaction with the Embassy, and the Protocol Section,
"which has the right to request that diplomats respect the
laws of Uzbekistan."


2. (C) Akhmedov emphasized that the conduct of diplomats
should "not damage their privileges" and that activities
should likewise not "interfere with the internal affairs of
the country, as sometimes is the case with certain
diplomats." He then admonished poloff for travel to Bukhara
and attempting to meet with local officials (reftels),
despite the MFA's objection to both based on lack of
accreditation (which was never relayed to post in its
diplomatic note). Akhmedov also noted it was inappropriate
for a second secretary to request a meeting with a hokim or
deputy hokim (local mayors),which he likened to "an Uzbek
third secretary going to California and demanding to meet
with Arnold Schwarzenegger." He became increasingly animated
and upset and added that this demonstrates the Embassy "is
ignoring the laws and MFA's requests." He also described
this as "damaging the mutual relationship."


3. (C) Finally, Akhmedov presented poloff with the
accreditation card for him and his family, and said he did
not expect similar problems in the future. An MFA Americas
Desk representative present at the meeting was quick to add
that recent Embassy requests for meetings by diplomatic note
were appropriate and productive. On the subject of visa
type, Akhmedov said "it is not necessary" to obtain a D-1
visa instead of the D-2 visa that poloff and other staff
recently received from the Uzbek Embassy in Washington and
that "the accreditation card is what counts."


4. (C) Comment: The admonishments were not surprising given
that poloff was the subject of two previous diplomatic notes
inappropriately complaining about Embassy activities outside
of Tashkent. All members of the Pol/Econ Section are now
accredited, as the MFA was aware that certain activities,
such as the Law Enforcement and Security Assistance Working
Group, would not proceed until accreditation was granted.
The two-year D-2 visa, which is for temporary diplomatic
staff, may leave the GOU with a technical excuse to restrict
diplomatic activities in the future if the bi-lateral
relationship deteriorates. End comment.

NORLAND