2013 to be extraordinary for Afghanistan, with our counterparts we do our best to be prepared for possible challenges and threats, Chairman of the State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan Tokon Mamytov
- Mr. Mamytov, these days a lot of mass media report of border incidents on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The event around Sokh, mutual closure of checkpoints, etc. How do you characterize the situation on the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border at present?
- After the events in Charbak village 5-6 January and the subsequent tension at the southern border late January and February 1 of this year, two meetings have been held with the leadership of the Border Guard Service of Uzbekistan. At that the discussion of current problems has not terminated, and there are still a lot of meetings to be organized at the level of heads of border departments of the two countries.
During those meetings, we have taken into consideration the situation prevailing on the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, including the issues related to the conditions around Sokh and Shakhimardan Uzbek enclaves in Batken region of Kyrgyzstan, and the Kyrgyz exclave Barack located in the Fergana region of Uzbekistan. At the same time we have talked about the topics related to the operation of border checkpoints.
As you know, after the events in Charbak village all checkpoints on the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, including the connecting enclaves were closed on both sides. In the dialogue with the commander of Kyrgyz National Security Council colonel R. Eminzhanov we have come to the agreements on opening some of the priority-points and allowing the free passage to Uzbek and Kyrgyz enclave for food and essential goods. In addition, the Kyrgyz side raised the issue of assisting the residents of Batken region of Kyrgyzstan and the Ferghana region of Uzbekistan in the use of transit roads that pass through Sokh enclave and other points of the border. In the end, the population of the border regions has gained, but I want to emphasize the constructive approach of my Uzbek colleagues. With their assistance four railway crossing points were opened, so the stored up in Uzbekistan several hundred wagons from January 26 passed to Uzbekistan.
- The issue of the delimitation and subsequent demarcation between Kyrgyzstan and its neighbors in Central Asia, is long and sharp enough. What proposals and ideas have been worked out on the part of the State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan for bilateral intergovernmental commissions on delimitation and demarcation?
- Kyrgyz border agency has for a long period of time stated like no other one their claims of interest in accelerating negotiations with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan on the delimitation and demarcation of borders. The longer this issue is not solved, the more there is a crime at the border. Uncertainty of the border line, its non-clear symbol on the ground and, therefore, non-compliance of its regime create the conditions to ensure that some parts of the population living in its borderland followed unwritten rules. That gives birth to reservations and disputes that may lead to worsening of relations.
- But in this respect there is some experience of cooperation of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, which have successfully conducted demarcation and delimitation of the state border. Can that practice work with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan?
- Of course, any positive experience which had not been aimed at the destabilization, but at correct and compromise decision, of course, should be used. However, the state of our borders with Kazakhstan differs from the Chinese border and the characteristics of the state border with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Nevertheless, there are some moments from the experience of negotiations with Kazakhstan which we are trying to work with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Generally there is such a thing in the international practice when one side gets everything, and the other gets nothing. I think, one should rest on five major international principles. First, there must be the political will, that is the desire to resolve the border issue. Second, all of the documents on which each state intends to defend its position, must be legitimate and open. Documents should not only be recognized by the legal authorities of the country, but also by the international community. Third, you can not behave like a "bull in a china shop." That is, the agreements should be reached on the principle of mutual respect. Of course, we can not forget the principle of mutual accommodation and mutual benefit. The negotiation process can not be built by the "everything for me, and nothing for others."
- As you know, the root of many incidents and problems on the border is those groups of smugglers and traffickers, their interests and activities. What needs to be done in terms of interaction with the border agencies of the neighboring countries to reduce the flow of contraband and activities of international drug cartels?
- As you know, Kyrgyzstan is a member of international organizations such as the CSTO, CIS and the SCO, and, accordingly, there is close cooperation with the partner countries of the Border. We are also involved in the NATO "Partnership for Peace". In the framework of agreements on border cooperation and border security functions there is successful functioning, for example, of the Council of Commanders of Border Troops of the CIS countries. As part of this body the agreements on border cooperation between the CIS states have been adopted. There are also agreements on cooperation in the fight against illegal migration, the fight against drug trafficking. In addition, there is an agreement to combat terrorism and religious extremism. These documents are within the CSTO, the SCO and through bilateral agreements.
- Separate and relevant to all countries in the region is the subject of the threat of penetration of international terrorist organizations. How well is the Kyrgyz border guards prepared to repel this threat?
- Our border agency is aware of existing and potential threats from Afghanistan. We expect that the year 2013 in the political life of this country is extraordinary. In 2014 the lections of the president of Afghanistan are coming. In addition, the preparations are underway for the phased withdrawal of the international antiterrorist coalition forces from Afghanistan.
We are also monitoring the processes with much hope, which are aimed at inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony in Afghanistan. A social institution such as the Loya Jirga has shown that attempts to reach an agreement have been made in Afghan society for many years. Unfortunately, they are not as effective as we would like them to be.
The point is not that the central government in Kabul or the Afghan society itself does not want to reach the agreement. It is evident that too powerful centrifugal forces, which to some extent are inhibiting or perhaps silently sabotaging the process. For example, we failed under the auspices of the Arab countries and President Hamid Karzai to hold a meeting of representatives of different tribes and ethnic communities. Today, therefore, we, along with the border agencies of neighboring states, are doing everything for Kyrgyzstan to be ready for the challenges and threats that are expected in Afghanistan.
- In this perspective, please give your assessment of the level of cooperation and collaboration with partners in the CSTO and the CIS.
- The effectiveness of the State Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic activities it sees in the comprehensive development of international cooperation in the collective border security system of the CIS countries and in improvement of cooperation with the Council of Border Troops Commanders of the Commonwealth.
Interaction between border agencies of the Commonwealth, good personal contacts between the leaders of our services provide effective results of the ongoing joint measures to counter modern threats. For example, in the framework of the CIS, every year we participate in special joint border operations (SJBO).
Last year, in order to counter the infiltration across borders of ammunition, drugs and illegal migrants through the CIS area from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan initiated the "Silk Road-2012" SJBO in the period from 3 September to 12 October 2012. Kyrgyz border guards in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies during the short period of time arrested 104 infiltrators, 18 persons involved in terrorist and extremist activities, identified 51 people who had been denied entry, 48 firearms, more than 3 tons of drugs, and smuggles goods with the total amount of U.S. $ 1418321.
Moreover, the Commonwealth states are most directly interested in strengthening the border security in the neighboring republics, because each country is responsible for a certain part of the border of the Commonwealth, such as Kyrgyzstan entrusted with protecting the southern borders of the CIS. And given the ever-changing military and political situation in the world and in the Central Asian region as well, there is an urgent need to consolidate efforts to combat security threats. An example of that is mainstreaming military cooperation within the CSTO.
- How successful is the cooperation with the Border Guard Service of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan?
- I should emphasize that Kazakhstan is a big help in training professional officers for border troops in Kyrgyzstan. So, now there are 52 students from Kyrgyzstan getting educated in the Academy of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan who, after five years of study, are obtaining ranks primary military and higher education degrees. Today, more than 100 graduates of the Academy of the Border Guard Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan National Security Committee, which has a proud history and traditions, are successfully conducting service in the State Border Guard Service of the Kyrgyz Republic.
There are positive examples of interoperability with colleagues from Kazakhstan. Thus, in the framework of the CSTO, we carried out joint operations to combat drug trafficking. In 2011 and 2012, after the joint operation the number of the seized hard drugs of heroin group, opiate and etc. amounted to tens of kilograms. Coo-perative activities have demonstrated their effectiveness. When conducting arrangements in the line of the CSTO the Office for Drug Control together with border guards are taking measures to curb drug trafficking starting from the border, and other law enforcement services are at the second frontier and get involved later if necessary. Such a multi-level and having several levels protection system enable to achieve significant results.
- Mr. Mamytov, today the mass media receive a lot of calls from citizens of both countries on corruption and abuse of power at Ak Zhol ("Korday") border checkpoint and other points. Can you tell me how many soldiers of the State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan were punished in 2012 or early 2013 for violations of the law, or do you think the situation in the posts satisfactory?
- Our department actively works to combat corrupt practices on the border. S set of internal documents has been worked out that identify the key trends in service and combat activities and units for the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic titled "On the National Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic and anti-corruption policy measures to fight corruption," and defined are the major objectives of our government. To combat illegal activities on the border, a program of anti-corruption measures has been generated, and within it the legal framework of the agency was created. Broad powers are given to the Anti-Corruption Council of the State Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Besides much clarifying work is being done with the population, all the checkpoints are equipped with informational boards with a hotline for people crossing the border. We are constantly working to prevent illegal actions of military personnel. In order to eliminate the causes and conditions for the illegal actions of troops on the border control posts their rotation is conducted.
Important step that we have taken, in my opinion, is the elimination of the two groups of border control. Imagine, earlier in frontier service there were two independent structures: a North detachment and South unit. Many complaints have been addressed to them. In particular, concerning their misconduct and abuse of authority at the military checkpoints. These two groups were disbanded and transferred to the regional border controls.
The first and very successful results were the facts of significantly decreased number of complaints and petitions from people crossing the border. We are dealing with isolated incidents. I am saying it over, each frontier man has a border guard badge on it with his position, rank and the name, and at all entry points there are information boards with a helpline.
- Kyrgyzstan is one of the few republics in the CIS where people celebrate February 23. Due to the recent date let me congratulate on the Day from our news agency with the wishes of well-being and health, service success to you and all the border guards of the brotherly country.
- I sincerely thank you and wish you well as to all citizens of Kazakhstan, including the news agency. With the wishes of great success, health and happiness!