TURKMENISTAN: BORDER GUARDS APPRECIATIVE OF U.S.

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 000521 SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/23/2019 TAGS: PREL SNAR TX SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: BORDER GUARDS APPRECIATIVE OF U.S. ASSISTANCE, BUT NOT INTERESTED IN JOINT TRAINING WITH AFGHANISTAN Classified By: Charge Richard Miles for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Krol met April 22 with Colonel Myrat Yslamov, head of the State Border Service(SBS). They discussed Afghanistan, U.S. cooperation with the SBS, and potential cooperation between Turkmen and Afghan border services, and Turkmen preparedness for antiterrorist operations on the border. Yslamov rejected the suggestion of joint training with Afghan counterparts, believing that the Afghanistan service is weak and ineffective. Yslamov was confident that the State Border Service was prepared for any terrorist threat on the border. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) On April 22, Deputy Assistant Secretary George Krol met with head of the State Border Service, Myrat Yslamov. Yslamov said Turkmenistan is looking for ways to strengthen the border, by improving the border guards' equipment. They seek new technology, and upgrades to old systems. They look to other countries for means to secure their borders as well as the experience of other countries in securing their own borders. The SBS also receives additional assistance from the Government of Turkmenistan. ¶3. (C) Yslamov said the Turkmen side is strengthening its borders. They wish to acquire more technical means for securing the border. The SBS is appreciative of U.S. assistance, including two previously constructed border posts, one under construction, and two more proposed points. The have received vehicles from Iran and educational materials from other places. Yslamov said he looked forward to continuing cooperation with the U.S. He noted that today the SBS would receive the first five radio sets of a larger project. (NOTE: CENTCOM Counternarcotics funded The radio system for State Border Service is funded by CENTCOM counternarcotics. END NOTE.) Yslamov emphasized the need for all the radio systems to be compatible and for redundant communications. In addition to more radios, Yslamov asked for additional technological assistance. The SBS would also appreciate scanners, long range optics, or even just information on such equipment to help them get the right equipment to secure their border. ¶4. (C) Krol proposed joint training with Afghanistan and cited successes in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with training with Afghan border guards. Yslamov essentially declined the offer. He stated that the Afghan border guards are not in control of their own territory. They are not capable of resolving anything on their side. The U.S. is helping the Afghan border guards, and that could eventually be good. Yslamov,s overall low opinion of the Afghan border service was reflected in his somewhat joking comment that his Afghan counterpart might not know where the Afghan-Turkmen border is. He alleged that the Afghan service is weak and ineffective. He said that at lower levels the Turkmen are able to communicate with their Afghan counterparts. ¶5. (C) Yslamov said there are no issues with Turkmenistan's maritime border. Regarding preparedness for an antiterrorist mission, Yslamov stated that the SBS has capability to deal with such issues. As the service on the border, they would be the first ones to come into contact with such people, or with drug traffickers who could also be well armed. ¶6. (C) Yslamov offered that Turkmenistan,s border security also provides a buffer for Europe against Afghanistan,s border, and strong border protection is in many people,s interest. Yslamov concluded by wishing the U.S. success in Afghanistan. A change for the better there is a change for the better for everyone. Having law abiding citizens next door who don,t have to rely on growing opium would be beneficial to everyone. ¶7. (C) COMMENT: Yslamov's openness to discussions and ASHGABAT 00000521 002 OF 002 willingness to comment honestly about Afghan border issues is a refreshing change from his predecessor, General-Major Alovov, who was relieved in January. Yslamov's appreciation for U.S. assistance and his willingness to press on the issue of getting more radios reflect his willingness to see the U.S. as a partner in improving the State Border Services capabilities. Yslamov's lack of willingness to train with or have much to do with his Afghan counterparts seems to reflect his poor opinion of their capability, and even the usefulness of such an undertaking. Perhaps some lower level meetings between Afghans and Turkmen Border guards on the border could build confidence, if indeed their Afghan counterparts are competent enough to allay Turkmen concerns. As long as the Turkmen assume that the Afghan side of the border is lawless Taliban territory, they will not see much incentive to cooperate. ¶8. (C) COMMENT CONTINUED: It is interesting to note that when Yslamov was asked about readiness to counter antiterrorist threats on the border, he did not immediately shy away from the topic and bring up the usual refrain that there are no terrorists in Turkmenistan. Instead his comments about being ready to defeat any threats to the border and the fact that as the border service they would be the first to encounter such threats indicate a realistic understanding of the fact that, as neighbors to the Taliban, there is a real threat to be prepared for, neutrality or not. END COMMENT. ¶9. (U) DAS Krol cleared this cable. MILES