KYRGYZSTAN: EMBASSY BISHKEK CONCURS WITH 1206

UNCLAS BISHKEK 001074

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

STATE FOR SCA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZSTAN: EMBASSY BISHKEK CONCURS WITH 1206
PROPOSAL


1. (SBU) EMBASSY strongly endorses the 1206 proposal
submitted by the Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) Bishkek
to U.S. Central Command on September 23. The proposal to
train and equip the Batken Infantry Battalion for deployment
to Afghanistan, and to refurbish Kyrgyzstan's cargo aircraft
to fly missions in support of the coalition in Afghanistan
will support U.S. policy objectives in Kyrgyzstan as well as
in Central and South Asia. The proposal will also
significantly improve U.S.-Kyrgyz relations and help to
create the conditions necessary for continued use of Manas
Transit Center and ground routes in support of the Northern
Distribution Network. EMBASSY recommends that General
Petraeus present this approved proposal as a deliverable to
the Kyrgyz leadership during his next visit.


2. (SBU) The Government of Kyrgyzstan (GOKG) is interested in
elevating its relationship with the U.S. and in contributing
more to regional and international security. Kyrgyz
officials have expressed to senior USG officials their
willingness and intent to deploy forces to stability
operations, including in Afghanistan. The GOKG created a new
unit, the Batken Battalion, specifically for this purpose,
and has invested significant national funds in developing
infrastructure for this unit. In addition, the GOKG has
stated that it would use its own cargo aircraft to deploy and
support the Batken Battalion (and other coalition units),if
those aircraft were brought up to international standards.


3. (SBU) Participation of Kyrgyzstan, a moderate, secular
Muslim country in Operation Enduring Freedom may have
political benefits as well, both in Kyrgyzstan and in other
countries. Kyrgyz credibility in such a deployment is
bolstered by the fact that Kyrgyzstan does not border
Afghanistan nor are their significant numbers of Kyrgyz in
Afghanistan. As a result, there should be no suspicion that
the Kyrgyz might meddle in that country's internal affairs.
Flying Kyrgyz cargo planes from the Manas Transit Center also
gives Kyrgyzstan a greater stake in maintaining the U.S.
Transit Center on its soil. Giving Kyrgyzstan the capability
to participate in U.S. operations would increase U.S.
influence here, promote greater cooperation between the two
nations' militaries, and accelerate the modernization and
westernization of Kyrgyz armed forces. The Kyrgyz Republic
is the only Central Asian state which allows U.S. forces to
base operations on its territory, and is also a key part of
the Northern Distribution Network. Maintaining positive
relations with Kyrgyzstan and supporting the continued
operation of the U.S. Transit Center are key U.S. foreign
policy goals.
MEMMOTT