KYRGYZ FOREIGN MINISTER WILL PASS MESSAGE ON MANAS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 000089 SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/30/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR KG SUBJECT: KYRGYZ FOREIGN MINISTER WILL PASS MESSAGE ON MANAS TO BAKIYEV REF: A. STATE 8297 ¶B. STATE 7736 ¶C. BISHKEK 88 BISHKEK 00000089 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Tatiana C. Gfoeller, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: Ambassador met late on January 30 with Foreign Minister Sarbayev to deliver Ref A points concerning Manas Air Base and Ref B points concerning the Ivanov shooting investigation. Ambassador Sydykova was also present. Sarbayev stated that the Kyrgyz side was pleased with the signal from Washington, and said he would convey our message to President Bakiyev this very evening. Sarbayev said that the United States had never adequately compensated Kyrgyzstan for the expenses involved in hosting the Base. Sydykova suggested the figure of $150 million "plus USAID and other humanitarian assistance" as an apparent opening gambit. We judge that a call from the Secretary to Bakiyev would be extremely important at this time. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Ambassador held an urgent meeting late on January 30 with newly appointed Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbayev. Kyrgyz Ambassador to the United States Zamira Sydykova was also in the meeting. Sarbayev began by saying that he had just come from the Kyrgyz White House, where he had spoken to President Bakiyev, and he said he would convey our full message to Bakiyev this very night. ¶3. (C) Ambassador delivered Ref A points that the new Administration values Kyrgyzstan's decision to host Manas Air Base, that we understand there are concerns about compensation, and that Gen. Petraeus is sending a high level team to present proposals for ensuring the Base provides economic benefit to Kyrgyzstan. When the Ambassador noted that Kyrgyzstan may be under pressure to close the Base, Sarbayev nodded ruefully. Ambassador then delivered Ref B points regarding the status of the Ivanov shooting investigation and the USAF request to send a legal team to Kyrgyzstan. Sarbayev took careful notes, saying that he wanted to get the message "exactly right" for Bakiyev. He then asked with reference to "exploring issues with the new Administration," whether the message came from President Obama or the Secretary. The Ambassador explained that her instructions were from the State Department. ¶4. (C) Sarbayev again said he would take this message to Bakiyev tonight. He pledged they would pay close attention to the signal sent by Washington, and he said, "We will give you an answer shortly." ¶5. (C) With the formal messages delivered, the Ambassador suggested that they "put down their pens" and talk through the issues. Sarbayev readily agreed, and then delivered a forceful condemnation of the slow progress on the Ivanov shooting investigation. He said that the 2-year delay was "unconscionable." ¶6. (C) Sarbayev continued that the United States had never adequately compensated the Kyrgyz for the expenses related to the Base. "In 2006," he said, "we told you these expenses, but you didn't compensate us." Sarbayev cited an increase in birth defects, which he attributed to fuel dumping from U.S. planes. ¶7. (C) The Ambassador said that we understand the Kyrgyz side has frustrations, but the U.S. side also has frustrations. The Ambassador said that since she had arrived in country, the U.S. side had been on a "roller coaster" with rumors of the Base closing. Sarbayev agreed, pointing out that the Russian name for roller coaster was "American hills." The Ambassador said that our joint goal should be to get to the point at which the Kyrgyz side feels properly compensated and the U.S. side has stability concerning the Base. The BISHKEK 00000089 002.2 OF 002 Ambassador said she would push for the "highest level" team with "maximum authority." The Ambassador suggested that the Kyrgyz side, instead of airing their frustrations -- of which the U.S. side was already well aware -- present constructive proposals to the team. ¶8. (C) At this point, Sydykova butted in to say, "The president has already told you what we want -- $150 million a year." Sarbayev sharply cut her off, saying it was "premature to speak for the president." The Ambassador then went through the $150 million that the United States currently provides to Kyrgyzstan each year. Sarbayev laughed and said, "We'll never count USAID and humanitarian assistance" toward the $150 million. At the time of the negotiations, Sarbayev claimed, "We counted up what you provided to Tajikistan in humanitarian assistance, and it was more than $150 million -- and Tajikistan doesn't host a base. We should have gotten $150 million plus all of the other humanitarian assistance." However, Sarbayev concluded the meeting on a cordial note and thanked the Ambassador warmly for bringing this message. ¶9. (C) Comment: We judge that the meeting was as successful as possible under the circumstances. Sarbayev pledged to pass on our message immediately to Bakiyev and to get back to us with an answer soon. A call from the Secretary to President Bakiyev would be extremely important at this time. GFOELLER