VZCZCXRO0312
RR RUEHLN RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHDBU #0206 0380936
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 070936Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9578
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 1904
INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE
RUEHDBU/AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE 1171

UNCLAS DUSHANBE 000206 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL EAID TI OSCE
SUBJECT: TAJIK PITCHES INITIATIVES FOR THE OSCE 
 
 
¶1.  (U) Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for 
International Organizations, Nuriddin Shamsov, called in the 
deputy chief of mission February 5 to discuss Tajik issues at 
the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.  The 
resident Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe 
mission confirmed that Shamsov has been sounding out 
representatives from all member countries with embassies in 
Dushanbe to discuss the same two initiatives: reclassifying the 
resident mission as a Project Office, and moving the Economic 
Forum from Prague to Dushanbe.  Tajik representatives have also 
pitched these proposals to missions in Vienna. 
 
From Center to Project Office 
 
------------------------------------ 
 
¶2. (SBU) Shamsov explained the proposal to reclassify the 
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's field 
presence in Tajikistan as a "Project Office."  According to 
Shamsov, the change is justified in recognition that Tajikistan 
has "achieved a certain level of stability and development" 
since the end of the civil war.  As evidence he pointed to the 
"successful presidential election" last November.  The deputy 
chief of mission reminded Shamsov that the Organization for 
Security and Cooperation's own observer mission determined that 
the election did not meet international standards and was not a 
true test of democratic principles.  Nevertheless, Shamsov said 
Tajikistan believes the Organization for Security and 
Cooperation in Europe should focus in Tajikistan on the economic 
basket, rather than politico-military or human dimension. 
Tajikistan currently hosts the largest Organization for Security 
and Cooperation in Europe center in Central Asia, but its 
projects are ineffective, Shamsov argued.  Reorganizing the 
in-country center as a project office would improve the delivery 
of assistance.  The deputy chief of mission asked about project 
assistance outside the economic basket, such as small arms/light 
weapons, demining, and a new border project initiated at the 
Tajik government's request.  Shamsov said of course those 
projects should continue.  He refused to be pinned down on what 
activities would cease under the proposed reorganization. 
 
From Prague to Dushanbe 
 
-------------------------------- 
 
¶3. (SBU) Tajikistan has also made an appeal in Vienna and now 
among member states with embassies in country to move the 
Economic Forum from Prague to Dushanbe.  Shamsov argued that the 
"new post-Soviet reality" in the Organization for Security and 
Cooperation in Europe argues for more focus on Asia.  Shamsov 
asserted that no country better demonstrates the connection 
between economic issues and security and stability than 
Tajikistan.  The deputy chief of mission pointed out that 
limited air connections to Dushanbe and a shortage of quality 
hotel space make hosting any international event difficult and 
expensive.  Shamsov admitted the Ministry had not calculated a 
budget for hosting the Forum or given much thought yet to the 
practicalities.  Asked whether the initiative had the support of 
Tajikistan's neighbors or other former Soviet republics, Shamsov 
said "no commitments yet." 
 
Comment 
 
------------- 
 
¶4. (SBU) Tajikistan believes strongly in these two initiatives 
as evidenced by its concerted push among member states here and 
in Vienna.  So far the Foreign Minister has not raised these 
issues in his bilateral meetings with the Ambassador, but the 
issues would undoubtedly come up during a visit by U.S. 
ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in 
Europe, Julie Finley, in March.  The Foreign Ministry views 
these moves as fully justified in recognition of Tajikistan's 
significant progress since the end of its civil war and 
emergence of Tajikistan, according to Shamsov, as "the most 
stable country in Central Asia."  Shamsov was aware that 
Tajikistan's proposal to downgrade the Organization for Security 
and Cooperation in Europe's presence appeared similar to moves 
by Uzbekistan, Russia and other countries in the neighborhood to 
weaken the multilateral institution's mandate.  He seemed 
genuine in his insistence that these initiatives are not part of 
a coordinated effort to undermine the Organization for Security 
and Cooperation in Europe.  Tajikistan appears to have given no 
thought to the practical steps necessary to make these 
initiatives a reality.  Shamsov could not respond to questions 
about how the Organization for Security and Cooperation 's 
activities would change in Tajikistan under a reorganization or 
how much it would cost to host the Economic Forum in Dushanbe. 
 
JACOBSON