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This is an archived page. Please visit the new Kyrgyzstan country profile at http://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/Kyrgyzstan/index.html .
Kyrgyzstan:  Export Control Developments Kyrgyzstan:  Export Control Developments

To return to the main Export Control entry, see the Export Control System file.

5/4/2004:  Kyrgyzstan Issues New Export Control Implementing Legislation
On 4 May 2004, the government of the Kyrgyz Republic issued Decree No. 330 On Measures Establishing a National System of Export Control in the Kyrgyz Republic, by which it approved the statutes On the Implementation of Export Control Procedures in the Kyrgyz Republic and On the Licensing Procedure for the Transit of Controlled Commodities through the Territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as a new statute On the Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation and Export Control (CMTCEC) of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The decree and the statutes designate the Ministry of Economic Development, Industry, and Trade (MEDIT), created in February 2004, as the government authority to implement export controls and issue licenses for exports, imports, re-exports, and transit of controlled items, and end-user import certificates. The CMTCEC is designated as the national coordinating authority in the sphere of export control. Before the creation of the new ministry, its predecessor—the Ministry of External Trade and Industry—controlled exports and imports of controlled items, except for nuclear materials and military goods, the exports and imports of which were licensed by the Ministry of Defense. According to the new implementing legislation, the MEDIT will issue export, import, re-export, and transit licenses, and end-user import certificates after preliminary coordination with a number of government agencies designated as experts on certain controlled items. In addition, on the same day, the government issued Directive No. 272-r, which introduced personnel changes to the Permanent Interagency Working Group on Export Control (PIWGEC). For details on controlled items, expert agencies, and working group personnel changes, see "Kyrgyzstan Issues New Export Control Implementing Legislation, Introduces Changes to Working Group on Export Control," NIS Export Control Observer, May 2004, http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/nisexcon/pdfs/ob_0405e.pdf.
["Kyrgyzstan Issues New Export Control Implementing Legislation, Introduces Changes to Working Group on Export Control," NIS Export Control Observer, May 2004, http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/nisexcon/pdfs/ob_0405e.pdf.] {Entered 6/11/04 CC}

9/2003: KYRGYZSTAN MAKES PROGRESS IN DEVELOPING ITS NATIONAL EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM
Kyrgyzstan has taken several actions to further develop its export control system since the adoption of the law On Export Control in January 2003. The Permanent Interagency Working Group of Export Control Experts, established by Government Directive No. 121 of 17 March  2003, has submitted several draft pieces of legislation to the government and has recommended changes to the structure of the export control system.[1,2] One piece of draft legislation the working group produced is the statute On the Issuance of Licenses for Import, Export and Re-export of Commodities on the National Control List That Can Be Used for the Production of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), which establishes a licensing mechanism for controlled goods.[4,5] The statute will likely be adopted as an amendment to the law On Licensing during fall 2003.[4] The Working Group will also develop a unified control list, based on the EU and Kazakhstani control lists, by the end of 2003. The control list will likely be endorsed by the government and submitted to the Legislative Assembly for approval during the first half of 2004.[3]
Sources:
[1] Marat Usupov, “Export Control Law Adopted in Kyrgyzstan,” NIS Export Control Observer, No. 3, March 2003, p.2, http://cns.miis.edu/nis-excon.
[2] Nikolay Ryaguzov, “Export Control Working Group Formed in Kyrgyzstan,” NIS Export Control Observer, No. 4, April 2003, pp. 7-8, http://cns.miis.edu/nis-excon.
[3] CNS communication with Mr. Nikolay Ryaguzov, deputy head of the Directorate of Military-Technical Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense of Kyrgyzstan, September 24, 2003.
[4] “Kyrgyzstan uzhestochit kontrol za eksportom i importom produktsii, ispolzuyemoy dlya sozdaniya OMU,” Xinhua news agency, 15 July 2003; in Integrum Techno, http://www.integrum.com.
[5] “V Kirgizii gotovyat noviy zakon o kontrole za produktsiyey dvoynogo naznacheniya,” Kyrgyz-Press News Agency, 17 July 2003, http://www.kyrgpress.org.kg/03/Jul/17/7.htm.{Entered 10/13/2003 EC; adapted from article published in NIS Export Control Observer, September 2003, http://cns.miis.edu/nis-excon.}

6/16/2003: KYRGYZSTAN TO OPEN 26 NEW BORDER CROSSINGS
A decree issued on 16 June 2003 by the Kyrgyzstani government orders 26 new checkpoints to be opened along road and rail lines across borders with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.  The new checkpoints will be established to increase border control and security and also to reduce illegal migration and smuggling.
["26 new border crossings opens in Kyrgyzstan," Kabar News Agency Web Site, http://www.kabar.kg, 16 June 2003.] {Entered 6/24/2003 AE}

1/23/2003: EXPORT CONTROL LAW ADOPTED IN KYRGYZSTAN
On 23 January 2003, the Legislative Assembly (Zakonodatelnoye Sobraniye) of the Kyrgyzstani Parliament (Zhogorku Kenesh) adopted the law On Export Control. The document was signed into law by Kyzgyzstani President Askar Akayev and came into force in March 2003. The law, prepared by the Ministries of Defense, Foreign Trade and Industry, and Foreign Affairs, was originally debated at a session of the Legislative Assembly on 26 September 2002. The Assembly voted for the draft law on the first reading, noting however that it required further revision. On 27 December 2002, the Legislative Assembly considered a revised draft, which it eventually adopted in January 2003. To implement the law, the Kyrgyzstani government issued a draft directive to establish an interagency working group for export control. The group will work to implement the new law, create the regulatory and legal framework required to establish an export control system in the Kyrgyz Republic, and draft the national export control list.
[Marat Usupov, "Export Control Law Adopted in Kyrgyzstan," NIS Export Control Observer, March 2003, CNS Web Site, http://cns.miis.edu/nis-excon.] {Entered 4/17/2003 KB}

11/12/2002: US DONATES VEHICLES TO IMPROVE BORDER CONTROL
On 12 November 2002, US Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan John O'Keefe handed over 26 UAZ all-terrain vehicles to the Border Services and the Ministry of Ecology and Emergencies of Kyrgyzstan. Fifteen vehicles went to Kyrgyzstan's remote frontier posts. In 2002 the US government transferred $80 million dollars to Kyrgyzstan to improve its border security. In addition, the US government is planning to donate two helicopters to the Border Services.[1] According to the US Department of State FY 2002 report, $95 million was budgeted by all US Government agencies for assistance programs in the Kyrgyz Republic. The $80 million figure is part of the State Department's Export Control and Border Security program (EXBS), which works to strengthen export controls in Central Asia, specifically concentrating on border security to prevent illicit trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, arms, and other illegal materials. The assistance includes equipment and infrastructure support to border and security forces of Kyrgyzstan.
[Kyrgyz Television 1, 12 November 2002; in "Kyrgyzstan: US donates vehicles to improve border control," FBIS Document CEP20021112000365.] {Entered 2/13/2003 AI}

10/29/2002: ADB ASSISTANCE TO KYRGYZSTANI CUSTOMS

On 29 October 2002, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $15 million loan and $500,000 in technical assistance to improve customs services in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. These funds are part of a larger $28 million package allocated to assist customs services in East and Central Asia. The funds are to be used to improve customs services by strengthening coordination and regional cooperation between countries of Central Asia and their neighbors, as well as developing a stronger institutional capacity and operational efficiency to prevent illegal trafficking of drugs, money, and other sensitive materials. The technical assistance grant will evaluate the need for modernization of the customs services in Kyrgyzstan. The loan is allocated for a 24-year period.

["Promoting Customs Cooperation and Trade in East and Central Asia," Asian Development Bank News Release, ADB Web Site, http://www.adb.org/Documents/News/2002/nr2002200.asp, No. 200/02, 29 October 2002.] {Entered 2/12/2003 AI}

 

4/24/2001: MULTILATERAL TRANSIT AGREEMENT DISCUSSED 
Representatives of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan met at the Fifth International Forum on Export Controls and Nonproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction for the Caucasus and Central Asia in Bishkek on 24-26 April 2001.  The purpose of the forum was to discuss and finalize a transit agreement that aims to harmonize the export control procedures of the participating countries in order to facilitate the transit of authorized goods between these countries and to prevent unauthorized shipments.  The agreement was not finalized during the forum; ensuing discussions centered around the need for participants to agree upon a common definition of "transit," and to coordinate control lists and transit forms.  Participants also cited the lack of national export control regulations and the lack of financial and technical resources as barriers to implementing such an agreement.  
[Center for Nonproliferation Studies NIS Representative Office Memo, 15 May 2001.]{Entered 6/18/2001 KB}
 
2/2/2001:  US REVIEWS BORDER CONTROL PROGRAM IN KYRGYZSTAN
A group of US experts headed by Kim Savit, the US State Department's ambassador-at-large for security programs, visited Kyrgyzstan from 31 January to 2 February to discuss the $5.49 million US-Kyrgyzstani program to strengthen export controls and border security in that country.  The program is aimed at helping Kyrgyzstan fight terrorism and the smuggling of weapons of mass destruction, conventional weapons, and drugs.  In 2000, the United States provided Kyrgyzstan with $2.99 million for equipment and training.
[Kabar, 8 February 2001; in "US security experts discuss border security in Kyrgyzstan," FBIS Document CEP20010208000327.]{Entered 5/16/2001 KB}
 
6/22/2000: MINATOM TO EQUIP KYRGYZSTAN'S BORDERS
On 22 June 2000 the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy and the Kyrgyzstani Ministry of Defense signed an agreement under which Russia will rebuild Kyrgyzstan's border guard and control systems.  Minatom enterprises, which were instrumental in developing the original Soviet-era border control system in Kyrgyzstan, will supply the equipment for at least 350km of Kyrgyzstan's border at a cost of about 1.2 million rubles ($43,000 as of 22 June 2000) per kilometer.  A group of representatives from the United States was in Bishkek the same day to present its version for strengthening Kyrgyzstan's border control systems.[1]  Kyrgyzstan will pay for the equipment by engaging in a trilateral venture in which Kazakhstani uranium slurry is to be processed by Kara-Balta Ore Mining Combine for use in Russian nuclear power plants.[2] Equipment to be provided by Minatom includes Vitim, Fara, and Gardina radar systems.[3]
Sources:
[1] Lyudmila Romanova, Nezavisimaya gazeta, 23 June 2000, p. 5; in "Russian Atomic Energy Ministry to 'Modernize' Kyrgyzstani Border," FBIS Document CEP20000623000115.
[2] Natalya Pereverten, "Moskva vozvrashchayetsya v Tsentralnuyu Aziyu," Nezavisimaya gazeta, 11 April 2001.
[3] Vladimir Kucherenko, "Kirgiziya vstupayet v uranovyy proyekt s Rossiyey," Rossiskaya gazeta, No. 242, 23 December 2000.{Entered 4/23/2001 KB}

 
12/4/98: CABINET TIGHTENS IMPORT/EXPORT CONTROL
According to the Cabinet press service, Prime Minister Kubanychbek Zhumaliyev signed a Cabinet ordinance tightening export and import controls.  The National Security and Internal Affairs Ministries, the Customs Committee, the Prosecutor General's office, and the tax inspectorate may deposit all of the confiscated proceeds from the sale of contraband into their accounts, provided appropriate procedures have been followed.  These bodies may use the funds to purchase equipment or to encourage citizens to report smuggling.  The Criminal Code will be amended and procedures and fees for the storage of confiscated goods will be revised.  The aim of the ordinance is to better prevent smuggling, encourage citizen involvement in fighting it, protect the internal market, and provide incentives for law enforcement agencies.
[Interfax, 4 December 1998, in "Kyrgyz Cabinet Tightens Import, Export Controls," FBIS-SOV-98-338.] {Entered 3/28/00 LBB}
 
7/98: STATE CUSTOMS COMMITTEE INSPECTS AOZT URAN
In July 1998, the State Customs Committee drafted a report to the Prime Minister stating that radioactive cargo transported by the two affiliates of AO Kyrgyz Mining Kombinat--AOZT Uran and AOZT Molibden--had not been subjected to export controls before shipment. In 1997, Uran processed 772,631kg of uranium ore from Kazakhstan and shipped 425,018kg of uranium concentrate to Kazakhstan. The SCC suggested establishing a government commission to analyze Uran's operations.  Customs authorities are taking the necessary steps to ensure that import and export control measures are properly observed and that theft of uranium concentrate is prevented.
[Orozbek Moldaliyev, "New Developments in Kyrgyzstan's Export Controls," Nonproliferation, Demilitarization, and Arms Control, Fall 1998, p. 49.]  {Entered LBB 5/17/00}
 
5/98: PROTOCOL SIGNED ON FISSILE MATERIAL CONTROL
In May 1998, the CIS Customs Authority Council signed a protocol on cooperation to coordinate customs control of fissile materials.  Kyrgyzstan is a signatory.
[Orozbek Moldaliev, "New Developments in Kyrgyzstan's Export Controls," Nonproliferation, Demilitarization, and Arms Control, Fall 1998, p. 49.]  {Entered LBB 5/17/00}
 
9/17/97: US OFFICIALS PREPARED TO ASSIST KYRGYZ BORDER SECURITY
Officials from the US Customs Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation met in Bishkek with representatives from the Kyrgyz foreign, defense and national security ministries, and the Prosecutor General's Office to discuss assistance for Kyrgyz border control.  The United States will give Kyrgyzstan financial aid to install detection equipment at customs checkpoints to prevent passage of nuclear materials and technologies.  US officials will also set up special courses to train Kyrgyz customs officials to check for materials and technology smuggling.
[Interfax, 17 September 1997; in "US To Help Kyrgyzstan Prevent Export of Nuclear Technology," FBIS-TAC-97-260.] [entered 1/29/98 djw]  
 

10/2/96: KYRGYZSTAN’S BORDERS POSE NO OBSTACLE
According to press reports, Kyrgyzstani Interior Minister Omurbek Kuttuyev told a UN delegation in Bishkek that Kyrgyzstan has only one border post on its border with Kazakhstan and no tight border with Tajikistan; the frontier between Tajikistan and Afghanistan is virtually open. Ill-equipped Kyrgyzstani border patrols pose no serious obstacle to smugglers on the numerous passes through the Pamir Mountains.
[Brian Killen, "Part of Ancient Silk Road Is Now Opium Road," Washington Post online edition,  http://www.washingtonpost.com/, 3 October 1996.] {Entered 10/4/96 GB}
 
9/11/96: CIS COUNTRIES' SPECIAL SERVICES MET IN VISCULI
The leaders of the security services of CIS countries met in Visculi, Belarus, to discuss ways of cooperating to combat organized crime and prevent the illegal circulation of drugs and arms contraband. This was the fourth conference of CIS security services; other meetings took place in Moscow in March 1995, Tbilisi in June 1995, and Dushanbe in April 1996.
[Interfax, 11 September 1996, in "CIS Countries' Special Services Discuss Cooperation," FBIS-SOV-96-177, 9/11/96.] {Entered 9/25/96 GB}
 
7/13/96: KYRGYZ CITIZENS SERVING IN RUSSIAN BORDER TROOPS
Russian President Yeltsin has vetoed laws ratifying three bilateral agreements with Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia that allow their citizens to serve in Russian Border Troop units stationed at their territory. He charged that ratification documents include Duma statements which amended the original agreements.
[OMRI Daily Digest, No. 135, Part I, 15 July 1996.]
 
7/6/96: KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, CHINA, AND PAKISTAN SIGN PROTOCOL
These countries signed a protocol on unified customs procedures for the transit of goods between the four countries.
[OMRI Daily Digest, No. 131, p. 1, 9 July 1996.]
 
7/4/96: AGREEMENT BETWEEN KYRGYZSTAN AND CHINA CONCERNING MUTUAL BORDERS
Kyrgyzstan and China signed agreements on bilateral cooperation in customs and the demarcation of the mutual borders, during a two-day visit of Chinese President Jiang Zemin to Bishkek.
[Xinhua, 4 July 1996; in "Jiang Zemin Signs Border Accord With Kyrgyzstan," FBIS-CHI-96-130; OMRI Daily Digest, No.130, Part I, 8 July 1996.]
 
7/96: END OF US ARMS SALES BAN
The US Department of State said that restrictions on US arms sales to Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan would be ended. The six countries were removed from the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations list in June.
[ATN, "News Briefs: State Ends Arms Sales Ban on Former Soviet States," August-September 1996, p. 3] {Entered 12/13/96 GB}
 
5/17/96: DISCUSSION OF BORDER-RELATED ISSUES
The CIS Heads of State Council held a routine meeting which included a discussion of the agreement on interaction between the border troops of CIS states and the recent treaty signed by Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia on closer economic integration.
[Rossiyskiye vesti, 18 May 1996, p. 7; in FBIS-SOV-96-099.]
 
5/6/96: PROTOCOL ON A FREE TRADE REGIME
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed a protocol on a free trade regime in Bishkek following the accession of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Russian-Belarusian-Kazakhstani Customs Union on 29 March 1996. The protocol provides only for the control of drugs, weapons, and dual-use commodities on the two states borders. On 24 May 1996, a ceremony on removing customs control between the two states took place at the border village Georgiyevka.
["Snyat tamozhennyy kontrol na granitse Kazakhstana i Kyrgyzstana," Panorama, No.21, 31 May 1996, p. 5.]
 
4/26/96: MUTUAL AGREEMENT ON MILITARY FORCES AT THE CHINESE BORDER
Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and China signed an agreement on mutual trust aimed at limiting military forces at the Chinese borders of the CIS states in Shanghai. Land borders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with China cover 1,533 km, 858 km, and 414 km respectively. These countries are known to be concerned about alleged encroachment by Chinese settlers, smuggling, and other border-related issues.
[Bolot Kerimbayev, Kyrgyz News Digest, 4-12 March 1996, p. 2.]
 
3/29/96: AGREEMENTS ON CUSTOM UNION
Kyrgyzstan acceded to agreements on Customs Union dated 6 January 1995 and 20 January 1995 and to the decision of the Intergovernmental Belarusian-Kazak-Russian Commission dated 22 November 1995 on the terms of formation of the Customs Union.
[Rossiyskaya gazeta, 13 May 1996, p. 7; in "Treaty With Kyrgyzstan on Customs Union," FBIS-SOV-96-125-S.]
 
3/96: IMF REPRESENTATIVE COMMENTS ON THE CUSTOMS UNION
IMF Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan, David Robinson, explained that entering the Customs Union with Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus could prove deleterious for Kyrgyzstan, since the latter relies on customs duties on products passing between these countries. Robinson concluded that entering the union might demand revising Kyrgyzstan's relations with the IMF.
["Chronicles," Kyrgyz News Digest, No. 9, 4-12 March 1996, p. 2.]
 
1/15/96: CONFISCATION OF RARE METAL
Russian border guards confiscated 117 tons of rare metals on the borders of Kyrgyzstan.
[Collen Clark, Kyrgyz News Digest, 16 January 1996, p. 1]
 
1/11/96: ILLEGAL TRADE IN URANIUM
The Kyrgyz police arrested a man who possessed 6 grams of enriched uranium. The carrier reportedly intended to sell the material for $500,000.
[Edil Baissaloff, Kyrgyz News Digest online edition, Kyrgyz American School, edil@kas.bishkeke.su, 16 January 1996]
 
8/95: ALMATY WORKSHOP ON NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION
Representatives from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan convened in Almaty to attend a workshop on nuclear nonproliferation and anti-smuggling efforts, sponsored by the US Customs Service. Twelve participants attended the eight-day seminar.
["Nuclear Non-proliferation: US Customs Service Training And Anti-Smuggling Efforts In The Newly Independent States," Department of the Treasury, United States Customs Service; Testimony Before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Committee on Government Affairs, US Senate; Statement of Connie J. Fenchel, Chief -- Strategic Investigations of the US Customs Service, 22 March 1996.]
 
7/95: US CUSTOMS AGENCY WORKSHOP
The US Customs Agency spent 14 days working with four high-ranking officials from the Kazakhstani and Kyrgyz customs agencies in order to acquaint the officials with the methods and operations of US customs. This technical exchange program included measures such as headquarter briefings and field visits.
["Nuclear Non-proliferation: US Customs Service Training And Anti-Smuggling Efforts In The Newly Independent States," Department of the Treasury, United States Customs Service; Testimony Before the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Committee on Government Affairs, US Senate; Statement of Connie J. Fenchel, Chief -- Strategic Investigations of the US Customs Service, 22 March 1996.]
 

Last updated 11 June 2004

Comments or questions? Contact Kenley Butler at MIIS CNS: Kenley.Butler@miis.edu

CNSThis material is produced independently for NTI by the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2002 by MIIS.

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