Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BISHKEK162
2009-02-25 11:21:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bishkek
Cable title:
KYRGYZSTAN: RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR CLAIMS NO LINK
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C O N F I D E N T I A L BISHKEK 000162
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/25/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZSTAN: RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR CLAIMS NO LINK
BETWEEN MANAS AIR BASE AND RUSSIAN AID
REF: A. BISHKEK 85
B. BISHKEK 155
Classified By: Amb. Tatiana Gfoeller, Reason 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BISHKEK 000162
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/25/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZSTAN: RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR CLAIMS NO LINK
BETWEEN MANAS AIR BASE AND RUSSIAN AID
REF: A. BISHKEK 85
B. BISHKEK 155
Classified By: Amb. Tatiana Gfoeller, Reason 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) At a February 24 concert, Russian Ambassador
Valentin Vlasov sat next to DCM. While waiting for the
performance to begin, DCM chatted up Vlasov on the Russian
assistance package and Manas Air Base. Vlasov opened by
saying, "Lots going on these days, I hear." DCM confirmed
that the Embassy had received the formal diplomatic note
regarding closure of the Base the previous Friday. Vlasov
asked, "What did they say?" DCM responded that the Kyrgyz
handed over the note and indicated they remained open to
discussion. Vlasov raised a surprised eyebrow, and grunted.
2. (C) DCM then noted that it was hard to understand
Moscow's position, given Bakiyev's February 3 announcement in
Moscow, right after agreeing on the huge assistance package
with President Medvedev, of his intention to close the Base.
Vlasov adamantly denied there was any Russian connection to
the decision on the Base. "We've been negotiating the
Kambarata package for five years." DCM replied that the
Kyrgyz have told us that Russia had pressed Kyrgyzstan to
close the Base as part of the deal on the assistance. "Who's
telling you this? The President?" Vlasov snapped back. "No,
we are hearing it from those close to the President," DCM
replied. Vlasov then said, "You'll hear lots of things from
those around Bakiyev, including probably talk of bribes. The
economic package was a deal between the two Presidents. It
has nothing to do with the Base."
3. (C) DCM next asked Vlasov does this mean that, if
Kyrgyzstan and the U.S. were able to reach an agreement to
extend the Base, Russia would still provide the promised
assistance? "The assistance package has been approved by
both Presidents and both parliaments," said Vlasov, who also
confirmed the first $150 million payment was scheduled to be
made in April. At this point the concert began. Vlasov left
at intermission and did not return.
4. (C) Comment. Vlasov's denial of linkage between the
assistance package and the decision to close Manas Air Base
strains credibility. However, European Union Special
Representative Morel told the Ambassador earlier that Vlasov
had made the same denial to him during their recent exchange
(reftels).
GFOELLER
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/25/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZSTAN: RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR CLAIMS NO LINK
BETWEEN MANAS AIR BASE AND RUSSIAN AID
REF: A. BISHKEK 85
B. BISHKEK 155
Classified By: Amb. Tatiana Gfoeller, Reason 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) At a February 24 concert, Russian Ambassador
Valentin Vlasov sat next to DCM. While waiting for the
performance to begin, DCM chatted up Vlasov on the Russian
assistance package and Manas Air Base. Vlasov opened by
saying, "Lots going on these days, I hear." DCM confirmed
that the Embassy had received the formal diplomatic note
regarding closure of the Base the previous Friday. Vlasov
asked, "What did they say?" DCM responded that the Kyrgyz
handed over the note and indicated they remained open to
discussion. Vlasov raised a surprised eyebrow, and grunted.
2. (C) DCM then noted that it was hard to understand
Moscow's position, given Bakiyev's February 3 announcement in
Moscow, right after agreeing on the huge assistance package
with President Medvedev, of his intention to close the Base.
Vlasov adamantly denied there was any Russian connection to
the decision on the Base. "We've been negotiating the
Kambarata package for five years." DCM replied that the
Kyrgyz have told us that Russia had pressed Kyrgyzstan to
close the Base as part of the deal on the assistance. "Who's
telling you this? The President?" Vlasov snapped back. "No,
we are hearing it from those close to the President," DCM
replied. Vlasov then said, "You'll hear lots of things from
those around Bakiyev, including probably talk of bribes. The
economic package was a deal between the two Presidents. It
has nothing to do with the Base."
3. (C) DCM next asked Vlasov does this mean that, if
Kyrgyzstan and the U.S. were able to reach an agreement to
extend the Base, Russia would still provide the promised
assistance? "The assistance package has been approved by
both Presidents and both parliaments," said Vlasov, who also
confirmed the first $150 million payment was scheduled to be
made in April. At this point the concert began. Vlasov left
at intermission and did not return.
4. (C) Comment. Vlasov's denial of linkage between the
assistance package and the decision to close Manas Air Base
strains credibility. However, European Union Special
Representative Morel told the Ambassador earlier that Vlasov
had made the same denial to him during their recent exchange
(reftels).
GFOELLER