US embassy cable - 05DUSHANBE1648

C O N F I D E N T I A L  DUSHANBE 001648 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
STATE FOR T, EUR/CACEN, SA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL:  10/10/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PINS, IR, KN, TI 
SUBJECT: TAJIKISTAN:  CIVIL AND GOVERNMENT AVIATION AUTHORITIES 
SUPPORT PSI 
 
REF: DUSHANBE 1645 
 
CLASSIFIED BY: Richard E. Hoagland, Ambassador, EXEC, Embassy 
Dushanbe. 
REASON: 1.4 (b), (d), (h) 
 
1.  (C) SUMMARY:  On October 6, Under Secretary Robert Joseph 
met with Head of the Tajikistan Department of Civil Aviation 
Khamroyev Firuz and Tajik Air Force Chief of Staff General-Major 
Safaraliev.  The Tajiks reiterated their support for ridding the 
world of the scourge of terrorism and the transfer of weapons of 
mass destruction.  The Tajiks highlighted the challenges they 
face, given their lack of capacity to deter movement through 
their country. 
 
2.  (C) U/S Joseph noted, during his initial remarks, U.S. 
efforts to foster a regional approach to stop the transfer of 
WMD, missile, and related materials between Iran and North 
Korea.  He pointed out that Central Asian countries lay at the 
crossroads of such transfers.  He promoted working together in 
the areas of info sharing, denial of overflight rights and 
inspection.  Mr. Joseph provided a map of air routes used by the 
North Koreans and Iranians and a list of aircraft tail numbers. 
 
3.  (C) Firuz noted Tajik aviation control is divided between 
civil aviation and government aviation.   Each element has norms 
and procedures that follow international standards.  He said 
Tajikistan is a sovereign state that continues to make sure all 
flights in, out, and over conform to international standards. 
Controlling WMD- and missile-related traffic is the 
responsibility of all nations.  The Department of Civil Aviation 
controls civil air and customs; government aviation controls air 
space and security.   Firuz introduced General-Major Safaraliev 
as the primary officer responsible for government aviation. 
 
4.  (C) Safaraliev said the military speaks differently and 
normally with a glass of "white tea" (vodka).  He said he had 
only found out that day about the meeting and was not really 
prepared to talk.   He added that soldiers simply follow 
agreements and orders made by the President.  Since the 
President has agreed to cooperate, he would follow his orders. 
 
5. (C) The Under Secretary offered to share information and 
conduct action with low visibility.  He pointed out that 
overflight clearance and the searching and seizing of cargo are 
within the rights of sovereign states. 
 
6.  (C) Firuz initially expressed concern should Tajikistan deny 
overflight or force the landing of an aircraft wrongly accused 
of caring illegal materials, but appeared satisfied with U.S. 
Joseph's response to his questions.  He pointed out that North 
Korea and Iran would send diplomatic notes charging Tajikistan 
with inappropriate action.  U/S Joseph noted that nothing is 100 
percent guaranteed, but that is included in the task of stopping 
this type of trade.  He added that the sharing of information 
and working relationships build confidence.  U/S Joseph compared 
action against aircraft to Tajikistan's sovereign right to 
monitor and search trucks carrying cargo across its borders. 
 
7.  (C) Firuz asked how they can develop the expertise to 
conduct inspections.  He noted that Tajikistan does not have WMD 
and it will be difficult to develop the right expertise.  In 
 
addition, the Tajiks asked how to understand and properly deny 
materials that have duel use purposes.  U/S Joseph reiterated 
the need for building working relations and it all started with 
sharing information. 
 
8.  (C) The Tajiks concluded by expressing support for the 
initiative to stem the trade of proliferation-related materials 
within the framework of international law. 
 
9.  (U) U/S Joseph cleared this cable. 
 
 
HOAGLAND 
 
 
NNNN