Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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08BISHKEK1059 | 2008-10-22 05:05:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Bishkek |
1. (C) On the margins of the Embassy-hosted American Chamber of Commerce's Members Day reception on October 21, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Karabayev, the guest speaker, approached the Ambassador. He commented that it was extremely helpful to have had the Secretary call President Bakiyev on September 28, followed so quickly by Assistant Secretary Boucher's October 17 visit. He asked what spurred this outreach. The Ambassador responded that we had understood that Kyrgyzstan was under pressure in the wake of the Georgia conflict and in the run-up to hosting the October 9 CIS summit. The Ambassador had reported this and found support in Washington for reaching out to the Kyrgyz. 2. (C) Karabayev responded that the U.S. Qessment of the situation was absolutely right on the mark, and the response was effective. He added that the Ambassador was startiQout on the right foot, and he appreciated Q initiative in hosting a Member's Day event around the goal of building U.S.-Kyrgyz trade relations. He welcomed her focus on making real economic cooperation a hallmark of her tenure, commenting that this was exactly the right way to proceed. If the Ambassador continues to emphasize these themes, he added, she would be very successful. Comment -------------------------- 3. (C) Karabayev's comments confirm that the Kyrgyz were indeed under considerable pressure from Russia. The Secretary's personal intervention to calle President Bakiyev, and her decision to send Assistant Secretary Boucher to meet with him, provided much needed reassurance that the U.S. values Kyrgyzstan's decision to host Manas Air Base and does not take it for granted. This was precisely the right message at the right time for Kyrgyzstan. GFOELLER |