UZBEKISTAN: SHEDDING MORE LIGHT ON THE SHADOWY

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 TASHKENT 000566 NOFORN SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/20/2018 TAGS: PGOV PINR UZ SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN: SHEDDING MORE LIGHT ON THE SHADOWY PRESIDENTIAL APPARAT REF: TASHKENT 348 Classified By: Poloff Steven Prohaska for reasons 1.4 (b, d). (S/NF) Note: While we cannot verify whether the information below is true, the source has reported reliably in the past. End note. Ataev Gaining Influence -------------- ¶1. (S/NF) A source inside the Government of Uzbekistan recently provided us with information on developments inside Uzbekistan's Presidential Apparat. Within the National Security Council (NSC),NSC Secretary Murat Ataev apparently has strengthened his influence considerably since last summer relative to First Deputy Secretary Mir-Akbar Hoji-Akbarovich Rakhmonkulov. Rakhmonkulov had previously enjoyed more regular access to President Karimov than Secretary Ataev, and reported to Karimov twice per day. Rakhmonkulov's colleagues in the NSC, however, perceived Rakhmonkulov--who has not served as an NSS officer--as better at political intrigue than substance. Ataev had conspired with a fellow National Security Service (NSS) alumnus, NSC Deputy Secretary Shukurullo Nurillaevich Muhammadkulov, to undermine Rakhmonkulov. Their joint efforts resulted in Ataev improving his relationship with President Karimov and taking Rakhmonkulov's place in reporting to him directly. Rakhmonkulov now spends half of each day at the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies Under the President of Uzbekistan instead of at the NSC. Krainov Screens Information for the President -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) The contact described Assistant to the President Georgiy Alekseyevich Krainov as a very important figure in the Apparat who controls the Secretariat of the President. Krainov, who has been one of the longest-serving members of the Presidential Apparat, reports directly to President Karimov and filters much of the information that goes to him. (Comment: President Karimov may thus be unaware of some of the initiatives and proposals we have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to circulate to other parts of the Government of Uzbekistan because of Krainov's interference. End comment.) Because of his significant access to state secrets, Krainov is forbidden from attending diplomatic receptions and from meeting with foreign diplomats. Significant NSS Influence, High Turnover -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) The National Security Service (NSS) wields significant influence in the Presidential Apparat, with the National Security Council composed of professional NSS officers or NSS informers that NSS Chairman Inoyatov has personally endorsed. Each year roughly one-third of the staff of the Presidential Apparat rotate out to other parts of the Government of Uzbekistan, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, hokimiyats, and Embassies overseas. (Note: The source also commented that officials typically paid large bribes to secure positions as hokims. End note.) Two NSS officers also control the Senate and Legislative Chamber, providing instructions that guide their actions. Maintaining a Facade of Solidarity -------------- TASHKENT 00000566 002 OF 002 ¶4. (S/NF) Due to rumors that rivalries persist between Prime Minister Mirziyayev and First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov, the NSS also had fabricated information that both individuals had reached a rapprochement prompted by the burgeoning friendship between their wives. The NSS had done this in an attempt to make the Government appear more unified than it actually is. NORLAND