BAKIYEV PROVIDES GLOWING ASSESSMENT OF KYRGYZ

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 000442 SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN - GEHRENBECK E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/08/2018 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL KDEM KG SUBJECT: BAKIYEV PROVIDES GLOWING ASSESSMENT OF KYRGYZ DEMOCRACY, COURTESY OF THE OSCE BISHKEK 00000442 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (U) This is an action cable. See paragraph seven. ¶2. (C) Summary: President Bakiyev's Constitution Day speech May 5 celebrated the accomplishments of last October's revisions to the frequently amended 1993 constitution. Bakiyev pointed to increased political stability and attention to human rights as results achieved by the 2007 version of the constitution. To support his remarks regarding the state of Kyrgyz democracy, Bakiyev extensively quoted OSCE Secretary General de Brichambaut's April 26 remarks, which praised Kyrgyzstan's democratic development. De Brichambaut's remarks have made it more difficult to engage the Kyrgyz leadership on the continued backsliding of democratic conditions in Kyrgyzstan. We recommend Washington raise de Brichambaut's remarks in Vienna. End summary. All's Well That Ends Well -------------- ¶3. (SBU) President Bakiyev's May 5 Constitution Day speech, delivered to a crowd of like-minded Kyrgyz Government officials and selected media, praised the democratic achievements reached as a result of the recently-revised constitution. Noting that the initial adoption of the constitution in 1993 was a "significant" event, Bakiyev said that subsequent revisions of the nation's supreme law led to "mixed responsibilities" between the branches of government. Instability ensued, he added, as the constitution "changed like the weather," eventually leading him to call for a referendum that would ensure the constitution promotes human rights, government decentralization, and democratic elections. The final draft of the constitution (adopted by referendum in October 2007),Bakiyev stated confidently, allowed for increased political stability and Kyrgyzstan's further distancing from authoritarian rule. And Don't Just Take My Word For It! -------------- ¶4. (C) Attempting to illustrate international support for his actions, Bakiyev quoted directly the positive remarks regarding Kyrgyzstan's "democratic" development, delivered by OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut during his April 26 visit to Bishkek. We were told by the speechwriter that Bakiyev had instructed him to include de Brichambaut's remarks. Specifically, Bakiyev repeated de Brichambaut's statement that "Kyrgyzstan has been an example of democratic transition in the region," reiterating the Secretary General's "confidence" in Kyrgyzstan's ability to "maintain its leading position in pursuing international standards of democratic development." Although a direct quote was not provided, Bakiyev did refer to de Brichambaut's remarks regarding Kyrgyzstan's "respect" for "human rights." However, Bakiyev chose not to add de Brichambaut's further comment that Kyrgyzstan also "respects . . . civil and political rights, especially freedom of assembly, speech and media." More Work Ahead -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Noting that the adoption of a "high quality" constitution is "only the beginning," Bakiyev pointed to three issues that still need to be addressed: 1) the formation of a culture that respects the rule of law; 2) the promotion of an active civil society, building upon the principles of democracy and human rights; and 3) ensuring that all government structures adhere closely to the law in the effort to curb the growing problem of corruption. Comment BISHKEK 00000442 002.2 OF 002 -------------- ¶6. (C) Bakiyev's speech was excellent and would have been laudable, if only his actions matched his words. Unfortunately, they do not, and we are concerned by the continued backsliding on separation of powers, media independence and freedom of association that have followed last year's flawed constitutional referendum and manipulated parliamentary elections. Bakiyev's actions also do not match de Brichambaut's glowing endorsement, which has undermined our efforts to engage the Kyrgyz on their backsliding and also undermined the OSCE's own credibility on the issue, including the recent ODIHR report on the December parliamentary elections. ¶7. (C) The Charge at the Bishkek OSCE office first told us that de Brichambaut's remarks would be "corrected," and then said the OSCE preferred not to pick a fight with the Kyrgyz. We recommend that Washington raise de Brichambaut's remarks and their unhelpful impact here in Kyrgyzstan with the OSCE Secretariat. YOVANOVITCH