MANAS AIR BASE: KARZAI-BAKIYEV LETTER; NO PHONE

C O N F I D E N T I A L KABUL 001351 SIPDIS KABUL FOR COS USFOR-A E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/29/2019 TAGS: PREL MARR AFIN KG SUBJECT: MANAS AIR BASE: KARZAI-BAKIYEV LETTER; NO PHONE CALL Classified By: Political Counselor Alan Yu, for reasons 1.4 (a),(b) an d (d). ¶1. (C) Palace officials informed us they tried a number of times and failed to get through by telephone to Bishkek, to arrange a call between Presidents Karzai and Bakiyev. Karzai wished to express to Bakiyev his support for continued coalition use of Manas to support security operations in Afghanistan. ¶2. (C) In the end, Karzai signed the letter below. Although dated May 14, he in fact signed it on May 29. The letter has not yet been delivered to the Kyrgyz authorities. ¶3. (C) In the absence of an Afghan embassy in Bishkek, the Palace has asked Embassy Kabul to help it deliver the letter formally to Kyrgyz authorities. Embassies Kabul and Bishkek will help arrange the transmission either by fax or email. Until then, Embassy recommends USG officials treat the existence and substance of the letter as confidential, except as Embassy Bishkek deems appropriate for delivery to Kyrgyz authorities. Begin text: (C/releasable to Kyrgyz authorities) May 14, 2009 Excellency Mr. President, Over the past seven years, the Manas Airfield has been an important logistic hub for the International Security Forces combating extremist and terrorist groups that not only commit atrocities against the people of Afghanistan but also seek to destabilize our region as a whole. It was with concern that I learnt of your government,s decision not to allow the use of the Manas Airfield for the transit of materials and equipments essential to international counter-terrorist operations in Afghanistan. On a daily basis, the people of Afghanistan sacrifice their lives and livelihoods in the war against extremism and terrorism that, if not won, can spread to Central Asia and beyond. It is my hope that Kyrgyzstan will stand by us in this effort, and allow the continued use of the Manas Airfield by the International Security Forces operating in Afghanistan. In anticipation of your positive consideration of this request, please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest considerations. Hamid Karzai His Excellency Kurmanbek Bakiev President of the Kyrgyz Republic End text. EIKENBERRY