AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH GKNB CHAIRMAN SUTALINOV

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 000943

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR SCA/CEN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR MASS KG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH GKNB CHAIRMAN SUTALINOV

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Classified By: Ambassador Tatiana Gfoeller, Reasons 1.4 (b),(c),and (
d).


1. (C) Summary: Ambassador held an introductory meeting
September 15 with GKNB Chairman Sutalinov. Sutalinov said he
welcomed continued cooperation with the United States in the
fight against terrorism, and he expressed appreciation for
recent training provided by a U.S. military team. Sutalinov
said that while religion was a part of Kyrgyz tradition, he
was concerned about growing extremism, particularly in the
south. Ambassador noted the level of cooperation on
counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics, and she assured
Sutalinov that U.S. assistance programs are designed to
support Kyrgyzstan's independence and long-term stability.
She asked for Sutalinov's continued efforts to secure the
return of the U.S. training team's weapons and equipment,
which were seized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in an
August 4 raid. End summary.

Looking to Continue Cooperation
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2. (C) Ambassador met September 15 with State Committee for
National Security (GKNB) Chairman Murat Sutalinov. Sutalinov
lauded the cooperation between the United States and
Kyrgyzstan against terrorism, and he said he hoped that the
"good relations" with the GKNB would improve during the
Ambassador's tenure. Sutalinov expressed thanks for the
training being provided by a U.S. military team, noting that
the U.S. trainers had "combat experience" and the training
was useful and effective. He said that the training was
being conducted in a "friendly atmosphere," which contributed
to developing good relations.


3. (C) Ambassador said that the United States valued
Kyrgyzstan's partnership in the fight against terrorism and
in counter-narcotics, and such joint efforts helped to
promote regional security. Ambassador told Sutalinov that
the U.S. wanted to continue counter-terrorism training, and
she thanked Sutalinov for his help trying to get our team's
weapons and equipment returned. The Ambassador added that
resolving this issue before the team departs Kyrgyzstan would
be a good signal for future training. (Note: On August 4, a
U.S. team, in Kyrgyzstan to conduct training with a GKNB
unit, had weapons, equipment, personal gear and money seized
during a raid by Ministry of Internal Affairs forces. The
training went forward, but the weapons/equipment issue was
referred to the Prosecutor General's office for criminal
investigation. End Note.) Sutalinov responded that he was
continuing to work on this, but said we should work with the
Prosecutor General to resolve the case.

Religious Extremism
--------------


4. (C) Sutalinov expressed serious concern about the threat
from religious extremism. He said that while Islam was part
of their tradition, Kyrgyzstan had avoided the "Islamization"
of culture experienced in neighboring countries, such as
Uzbekistan. Sutalinov said that extremist groups, such as
Hizb ut-Tahrir, were spreading, particularly in the south,
where the large ethnic-Uzbek population was more receptive to
religious appeals.

Speaking "Openly" about Assistance
--------------


5. (C) Sutalinov said he had been able to "speak openly" with
the Ambassador's predecessor about misunderstandings, and he
hoped to continue that dialogue. Ambassador assured him that
U.S. assistance programs, including USAID and the Peace
Corps, aimed to support Kyrgyzstan's independence and
long-term stability. Sutalinov said he appreciated U.S.
assistance programs, and he praised the Peace Corps program

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for having volunteers work in villages, where local people
could "see what you do" and ask questions. He said it was
very rare for Peace Corps volunteers, or other European or
American ex-pats, to be involved in any improper or criminal
behavior. Sutalinov contrasted this with ex-pats involved in
"business" who often ended up in trouble.

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


6. (C) The Ambassador stated clearly that the U.S. wanted
stability in Kyrgyzstan, and that our assistance programs
were transparent and designed to promote long-term stability.
Sutalinov previously had requested to meet with senior
embassy representatives to resolve misunderstandings about
U.S. support for NGOs, USAID programs, and the Peace Corps.
Sutalinov's words about the Peace Corps program were
encouraging; however, Sutalinov and many in the Kyrgyz
government remain suspicious of U.S. democracy and governance
programs.
GFOELLER