Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07TASHKENT1896
2007-10-31 11:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Tashkent
Cable title:  

UZBEK MEDIA ACCUSES U.S. OF SAIPOV MURDER

Tags:  PREL PGOV PHUM UZ 
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VZCZCXRO4298
PP RUEHDBU
DE RUEHNT #1896 3041133
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 311133Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY TASHKENT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8691
INFO RUEHEK/AMEMBASSY BISHKEK 4022
RUEHDBU/AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE 3885
RUEHTA/AMEMBASSY ASTANA 9612
RUEHAH/AMEMBASSY ASHGABAT 3406
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 2102
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0840
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L TASHKENT 001896 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM UZ
SUBJECT: UZBEK MEDIA ACCUSES U.S. OF SAIPOV MURDER

REF: A. A) TASHKENT 1887

B. B) BISHKEK 1320

Classified By: P/E Chief Ted Burkhalter; reasons 1.4 (b, d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L TASHKENT 001896

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM UZ
SUBJECT: UZBEK MEDIA ACCUSES U.S. OF SAIPOV MURDER

REF: A. A) TASHKENT 1887

B. B) BISHKEK 1320

Classified By: P/E Chief Ted Burkhalter; reasons 1.4 (b, d).


1. (C) On October 29, Uzbek state-run television in Namangan
Province broadcast a program describing murdered journalist
Alisher Saipov in terms much the same as those used by the
MFA in its October 30 diplomatic note (ref A). Saipov was
accused of being a tool of foreign (including western)
influences, mention was made of his having traveled to Iran
and Pakistan (i.e., terrorist sympathies),and he was blamed
for stirring up trouble between Uzbekistan and its neighbors.
On October 30, the GOU-front internet website,
press-uz.info, ran a Russian language article accusing
"Americans" of killing Saipov. Specifically, the article
mentioned the Soros Foundation, which it claimed funded
Saipov (note - NED actually funded him),and then inferred
that Soros was backed by the USG. The article opined that
the Americans were upset that their puppet had run an
interview with Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader Tohir
Yuldashev and wanted to get rid of him. An Uzbek language
version had not yet appeared on the site, as of October 31.

Comment
--------------


2. (C) The GOU reaction to the Saipov murder appears both
oddly frenetic yet fairly well coordinated. First Deputy
Foreign Minister Nematov, in addressing the murder October
30, even raised with Ambassador meetings Embassy officers had
held over the past several years with individuals the GOU
accuses of extremism and terrorism. In this and other
meetings, Nematov has repeatedly raised the spectre of regime
change and U.S. plots (always adding nicely that all this was
before the Ambassador's arrival in September).


3. (C) Beyond the obviously coordinated nature of the GOU
response is the question "why?" Leaving aside whether
Tashkent was actually involved in this murder (which only a
thorough investigation can establish),there are underlying
factors which may account for the frenzied Uzbek reaction to
these events. USG money continues to flow to opposition
groups, human rights activists, and independent media in and
around Uzbekistan, and these recipients are, generally
speaking, more than critical of the GOU. With the color
revolutions as a backdrop, it is quite likely some Uzbek
officials continue to believe that our policies amount to
regime change. They see that we are supporting individuals
and groups that want regime change - or political reform that
would all but amount to regime change. Added to this, many
opposition figures, human rights activists, and independent
journalists have contact with radical organizations like
Hizb-ut-Tahrir (even if for entirely legitimate purposes),
and this organization is illegal in Uzbekistan and is seen by
the GOU as a mortal threat. Given these facts, and the
paranoid atmosphere within the Uzbek government, stirring the
pot is no great feat. The Saipov murder is by no means
played out, and the consequences at this point are hard to
predict. We will continue to engage the GOU as much as
possible, with a view toward overcoming past strains and
restoring trust, addressing core human rights concerns and
renewing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
NORLAND