AMBASSADOR AND MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BISHKEK 001295 SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/21/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL KG SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS DISCUSS COOPERATION AND ANTI-NARCOTICS EFFORTS Classified By: Ambassador Tatiana C. Gfoeller, for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On December 9, the Ambassador had a cordial meeting with Minister of Internal Affairs (MIA) Major General Moldomusa Kongantiyev to discuss current relations with the Ministry and future opportunities for cooperation. The Ambassador reviewed the Embassy's assistance to the Ministry, including RSO-sponsored anti-terrorism training and equipment. Dressed in a business suit and smiling, Kongantiyev agreed to a meeting between the RSO and the SWAT-team commander and then briefed the Ambassador on the recently built SWAT-team barracks, commenting that the morale of his forces had improved due to the new facility. The Minister invited the RSO to tour the facilities and see the living quarters, sports complex, and administrative offices. Kongantiyev said that he was happy with U.S. assistance to his Ministry and welcomed any additional cooperation with the U.S. ¶2. (C) Regarding the absorption of the former Drug Control Agency by his Ministry, Kongantiyev told the Ambassador that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would lead the Government's anti-narcotics operations and would coordinate all drug interdiction efforts in the country. He emphasized that the Ministry would continue with the former Agency's anti-narcotics strategy and there would not be a drop in investigations and arrests. Kongantiyev said that the Ministry is reviewing all of the former Agency's operations and would announce next week the internal Ministry structure for counter-narcotics duties. Kongantiyev reiterated that the Ministry would take an active role in counter narcotics trafficking in Kyrgyzstan, noting that counter-narcotics and counter-terrorist efforts were key to international efforts against extremism. GFOELLER