TURKMENISTAN: BOEING DEAL IN THE HANDS OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASHGABAT 000739 SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN, EEB E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/11/2019 TAGS: PREL ETRD EAIR MARR MASS MOPS TX SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: BOEING DEAL IN THE HANDS OF GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ANALYSTS Classified By: Charge Richard Miles, reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). ¶1. (C) Deputy Chairman for Transportation and Communications, Nazarguly Shagulyev, said in a meeting with the Charge on June 11 that Turkmenistan has not signed the contract for a pending deal with Boeing Company for three 737 aircraft because Turkmenistan wants to review the financial details carefully, in light of the international financial crisis. Shagulyev said that he did not foresee any issues threatening this contract, but could not promise that the financial analysts would finish their review prior to Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov's visit to Washington on June 22-24. ¶2. (C) Shagulyev was receptive to the Charge's comments about a U.S. Air Forces Central (USAFCENT) team that will arrive in Ashgabat soon for working level discussions on reducing the air traffic control burden of humanitarian overflights to Afghanistan, including possible donations of communications and technical equipment, and training. He listened politely to the Charge's update on the status of the safety of the USCENTCOM refueling operation at Ashgabat International Airport. ¶3. (C) COMMENT: Shagulyev's response to questions on the Boeing contract was surprising, because according to Boeing, the two parties already agreed on a price. Shagulyev was not forthcoming in the meeting and without additional information, it is impossible to know where the blockage is occurring or what it might really be. Charge informed Shagulyev that Secretary Clinton would raise the issue of the unsigned Boeing contract with Meredov on June 23 if it is not resolved beforehand, and Post hopes that this will spur the Turkmen Government to take action before the Foreign Minister's trip. END COMMENT. MILES