AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO KYRGYZ PRESIDENT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 001045 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KG SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO KYRGYZ PRESIDENT BISHKEK 00001045 001.2 OF 002 Sensitive but unclassified. Not for Internet distribution. ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Ambassador Gfoeller presented her credentials to President Bakiyev on October 14 in a ceremony at the Kyrgyz White House full of military precision, pomp, and circumstance. Other Ambassadors participating in the presentation ceremony were from Argentina, Finland, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea. The President highlighted Kyrgyz-American relations in a positive manner and emphasized Kyrgyzstan's intention to continue pursuing a "multi-vector" foreign policy in his subsequent remarks to the assembled Ambassadors. He gave an upbeat read-out of the just-completed CIS Summit. END SUMMARY. Bakiyev Reaffirms "Multi-Vector" Foreign Policy -------------- -- ¶2. (SBU) In her formal remarks as she was presenting her credentials, the Ambassador thanked Bakiyev for Kyrgyzstan's contribution to regional security and the war on terror, and expressed the desire to work together for the prosperity and development of Kyrgyzstan and the enhancement of bilateral relations. In his formal remarks to the group of assembled new Ambassadors, Bakiyev reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan's choice to pursue "multi-vector" foreign relations (codeword for good relations with both Russia and the West). He touched on relations with each Ambassador's country, but spent the most time on the U.S. He reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan's support to combat global terrorism, expressed hope that the U.S. would resolve the current financial crisis that was affecting countries around the world, and said he looked forward to working with the new administration to continue close relations based on equality and mutual respect. In his other remarks, Bakiyev notably did not echo the theme of Muslim brotherhood sounded by both the Pakistani and Malaysian Ambassadors. CIS and Central Asian Summits a Success -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Following the ceremony, Bakiyev joined the Ambassadors for a champagne toast (non-alcoholic beverages were also available for the Muslim Ambassadors). He opened up by asking if any of the new Ambassadors had ever served in the Kyrgyz Republic before. Only the Ambassador responded, stating that she had briefly visited Kyrgyzstan in 1994 while adviser on CIS affairs to then-NATO Secretary General Manfred Woerner. She commented appreciatively regarding the helicopter tour of the beautiful nearby mountains she was taken on. Bakiyev responded by praising Kyrgyzstan's natural beauty. In response to a question from the Finnish Ambassador, Bakiyev said the recently held CIS Summit had created new "formats" for members that would make CIS mechanisms that had not worked in the past become more effective in responding to crises. He also stressed the importance of the first ever meeting of the five Central Asian presidents, which set a positive precedent for further cooperation. Bakiyev Relaxed and in Good Humor -------------- ¶4. (SBU) President Bakiyev was relaxed throughout the ceremony, taking in stride the Japanese Ambassador's breach of protocol when the latter insisted on introducing his wife and Defense Attache (following strict instructions from the Protocol Officer not to do this.) The Japanese Ambassador's wife confounded the error by then stepping to the wrong side of the room. When she realized her mistake, she tried to cross the room, but then got tangled up in the next Ambassador's entry to present credentials. Bakiyev remained amused and relaxed, joking about the glitch. He made a point of shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries not only with each Ambassador but also with all of their staffs as well, telling one Russian-looking young translator: "Good luck, little girl! ("devochka") with paternal bonhomie. BISHKEK 00001045 002.2 OF 002 ¶5. (SBU) Bakiyev did not appear fatigued or uncomfortable standing throughout the one-hour event. Kyrgyz protocol was -- uncharacteristically -- impeccably well organized for the event. For example, the Ambassador and DCM were amazed to see, at the precise moment they emerged from the White House, the protocol car with the U.S. flag waiting for them right at the door. It appears that the exit was choreographed so that the American Ambassador exited first and received a resounding goose-stepping salute. GFOELLER