December 18, 2006

Press Release on Response to MFA Diplomatic Notes on Manas Airbase Incident

December 18, 2006

United States Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Marie L. Yovanovitch delivered to State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kydyrov the United States’ responses to three diplomatic notes submitted to the Embassy by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic regarding the incident that occurred at Manas Air Base on December 6.

In the responses, the United States informs the Ministry that Kyrgyz law enforcement officers may submit questions for and be present during the questioning of the U.S. airman by U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigation investigators.  Further, the United States welcomes the proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a forum in which the United States and Kyrgyzstan can work together to address issues of mutual concern regarding Manas Airbase.

Regarding the issue referred to as “immunity” of U.S. servicemen in Kyrgyzstan that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised, the United States notes that under the 2001 base agreement, U.S. servicemen are not immune from prosecution for crimes they may commit while in Kyrgyzstan.  Under the 2001 agreement, the United States exercises jurisdiction over them and will determine what action, if any, would be appropriate in each instance.  Legal action is taken in accordance with the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Justice and applicable regulations.  This is consistent with the status of all U.S. servicemen deployed abroad around the world. 

The investigation of this tragic incident at the airbase is proceeding, and it is premature at this point to speculate on its conclusions.  The U.S. Embassy is confident that the investigation will be thorough and impartial.

“Our condolences go out to the family of Alexander Ivanov,” said Ambassador Yovanovitch. “When such a tragedy occurs, it is our duty to respond in a careful and considered manner that takes into account the rights of all parties concerned.  Our primary goal is to ensure that a full and impartial investigation is carried out.  We will continue to work together with the Government of Kyrgyzstan to reach that goal.”

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