Uzbekistan: Media Reaction to Assistant Secretary Blake's

UNCLAS TASHKENT 001850 SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/PPD, SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL SCUL KPAO UZ SUBJECT: Uzbekistan: Media Reaction to Assistant Secretary Blake's Visit ¶1. (U) Summary: Media coverage of A/S Blake's visit to Uzbekistan was primarily factual and positive. Numerous articles noted U.S. appreciation for Uzbekistan's support of international efforts in Afghanistan. The existence of other shared interests was also noted by both state and unofficial media. A small number of independent journalists questioned the implications of the efforts in Afghanistan for Uzbekistan. Overall, media commentary on A/S Blake's visit was limited, as many news outlets merely reiterated official descriptions of the visit. End Summary. Afghanistan as Lens for Media Reaction to Visit ¶2. (U) In response to A/S Blake's visit to Uzbekistan, most state and independent media reported positively and prominently on U.S. appreciation for Uzbekistan's contribution to the international efforts in Afghanistan. A/S Blake's comments thanking Uzbekistan for its support were covered by Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA) and echoed in other official media outlets. ¶3. (U) A few independent media outlets mentioned the "lack" of any agreements on Afghanistan being signed in the course of A/S Blake's visit. The independent news website uzmetronom.com published an article entitled "Uzbekistan Needs a Security Guarantee" in which it noted that the efforts in Afghanistan might lead members of the Taliban and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan to seek safety in Uzbekistan. In addition, while A/S Blake did not address the possibility of the reestablishment of an American base in Uzbekistan in his public remarks, at least two articles mentioned that such a possibility is unrealistic, and one (published on Uzmetronom.com) implied that the U.S. is demanding the reestablishment of such a base. Cooperation in Other Arenas ¶4. (U) Several state and unofficial articles noted the U.S. and Uzbekistan's numerous shared interests. Comments to this effect by both A/S Blake and President Karimov were carried in several articles. In particular, Jahon (the Information Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan) noted the development of trade between the two countries and the possibility of expanding cooperation between the two countries' legislative branches. The U.S. initiative to begin a structured mechanism to discuss bilateral issues was also mentioned by both state and independent media. There was no speculation as to the future of such an initiative. Criticism of US Position on Child Labor in the Cotton Industry ¶5. (U) While most reports on A/S Blake's visit were positive in tone, independent, anti-government (and notoriously unreliable) website Uznews.net reported on the visit with an article that declared that the U.S. policy on Uzbek cotton was "soft." It stated that A/S Blake informed reporters that the U.S. would "only" offer advice to Uzbekistan in regards to the question of child labor in the cotton industry. It also stated that Blake "took a neutral position on forced child labor." Eurasianet.org declared that A/S Blake "evaded" commenting on this issue. Similarly, A/S Blake was described in at least two articles as being reluctant to speak on human rights issues, despite having met with civil society representatives. State of Media in Uzbekistan ¶6. (U) Initial reports on the visit appeared online shortly after the Embassy released a statement to the press. Many reports repeated the press release nearly verbatim, with no added commentary. State media reports offered additional details after the UzA release on A/S Blake's meeting with President Karimov. This story also led the evening news report on Uzbekistan TV Channel 1's top news program "Axborot." Articles with commentary on the visit were few, and appeared only after A/S Blake's press conference. ¶7. (U) Comment: The local, state-controlled media gave front-page, lead-story billing to the visit, demonstrating top GOU support for a deepening of U.S.-Uzbek relations. While the USG welcomes this press coverage, we hope that this gesture will lead to tangible, positive results during the upcoming bilateral discussions. End comment. Butcher BUTCHER