Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BISHKEK174
2009-02-27 13:48:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bishkek
Cable title:
CHINESE TELL AMBASSADOR THERE IS NO MANAS-LINKED
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C O N F I D E N T I A L BISHKEK 000174
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KG
SUBJECT: CHINESE TELL AMBASSADOR THERE IS NO MANAS-LINKED
MONEY
REF: A. BISHKEK 135
B. BISHKEK 96
Classified By: Amb. Tatiana Gfoeller, Reason 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BISHKEK 000174
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KG
SUBJECT: CHINESE TELL AMBASSADOR THERE IS NO MANAS-LINKED
MONEY
REF: A. BISHKEK 135
B. BISHKEK 96
Classified By: Amb. Tatiana Gfoeller, Reason 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) At a February 26 farewell dinner for departing
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yannian, Zhang approached the
Ambassador with a "special message from Beijing to
Washington." Zhang claimed that after their reftel A
discussion about the Kyrgyz claim that China had offered the
Kyrgyz $3 billion for the closure of Manas Air Base, he had
notified Beijing, which subsequently wanted him to assure the
Ambassador that no such offer had been made. Zhang stated
that after his meeting with the Ambassador, he had heard
similar claims from Kyrgyz interlocutors about the $3
billion. He added that he thinks he knows "who is behind
this claim. It is the very same people who are actually
paying to close Manas." (Comment: We believe this is a
reference to Russia. End comment.) Zhang concluded by
stating that the United States and China are "strategic
partners," and that Beijing would not sacrifice that
relationship for a "piddling base like Manas."
2. (C) Comment: President Bakiyev's Chief of Staff Daniyar
Usenov was the most senior Kyrgyz representative to inform us
of the Chinese $3 billion offer, but it appears the rumor is
now spreading (reftel B). If true, this Chinese denial -- as
well as other feedback indicating that Usenov has not been
fully aboveboard in his comments to us -- reinforces our
concerns that Usenov is not a reliable interlocutor on Manas
and potentially other issues.
GFOELLER
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KG
SUBJECT: CHINESE TELL AMBASSADOR THERE IS NO MANAS-LINKED
MONEY
REF: A. BISHKEK 135
B. BISHKEK 96
Classified By: Amb. Tatiana Gfoeller, Reason 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) At a February 26 farewell dinner for departing
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yannian, Zhang approached the
Ambassador with a "special message from Beijing to
Washington." Zhang claimed that after their reftel A
discussion about the Kyrgyz claim that China had offered the
Kyrgyz $3 billion for the closure of Manas Air Base, he had
notified Beijing, which subsequently wanted him to assure the
Ambassador that no such offer had been made. Zhang stated
that after his meeting with the Ambassador, he had heard
similar claims from Kyrgyz interlocutors about the $3
billion. He added that he thinks he knows "who is behind
this claim. It is the very same people who are actually
paying to close Manas." (Comment: We believe this is a
reference to Russia. End comment.) Zhang concluded by
stating that the United States and China are "strategic
partners," and that Beijing would not sacrifice that
relationship for a "piddling base like Manas."
2. (C) Comment: President Bakiyev's Chief of Staff Daniyar
Usenov was the most senior Kyrgyz representative to inform us
of the Chinese $3 billion offer, but it appears the rumor is
now spreading (reftel B). If true, this Chinese denial -- as
well as other feedback indicating that Usenov has not been
fully aboveboard in his comments to us -- reinforces our
concerns that Usenov is not a reliable interlocutor on Manas
and potentially other issues.
GFOELLER