KAZAKHSTAN: MARCH 9 MEETING WITH NATO SGSR AMBASSADOR

UNCLAS ALMATY 001011

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/CACEN (JMUDGE),EUR/RPM

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PREL KZ POLITICAL
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: MARCH 9 MEETING WITH NATO SGSR AMBASSADOR
ROBERT SIMMONS


1. (SBU) Summary: During his March 9 visit to Almaty, NATO SGSR
for Central Asia Ambassador Robert Simmons met with NATO chiefs
of mission to brief on the organizations efforts to implement
Istanbul Summit commitments regarding Central Asia. The two
most tangible results were the creation of his position, and
the establishment of a NATO liaison officer for Central Asia.
Simmons also briefed on Kazakhstan's progress toward IPAP, and
answered questions on a variety of issues. End summary.


2. (SBU) On March 9, the Ambassador hosted a meeting for the
NATO Secretary General's Special Representative (SGSR) for
Central Asia, Robert Simmons, and Chiefs of Mission from NATO
member states with a presence in Kazakhstan. Simmons gave a
brief introduction explaining two main points stemming from the
Istanbul Summit: 1) the mandate to give priority to Central
Asia and the Caucasus by the creation of his position and 2)
the appointment of Alexander Katranis as NATO liaison officer
for Central Asia. Mr. Katranis will reside in Kazakhstan,
splitting his time between Almaty and Astana.


3. (SBU) Simmons reported that Kazakhstan had initiated the
Individual Partnership Action Program (IPAP) by submitting the
first stage presentation package in early March. The
submission of the IPAP presentation package was an extremely
positive step in Kazakhstan's relationship with NATO. Simmons
noted that NATO is optimistic regarding Kazakhstan's IPAP, as
it outlines solid priorities in social and economic reform and
defines what type of assistance Alliance countries and partners
can give.


4. (SBU) In responding to a question about next steps, Simmons
briefly outlined the three stages of commitment to NATO: the
Individual Partnership Program (IPP),the Planning and Review
Process (PARP),and IPAP. Kazakhstan had been active in IPP,
identifying 160 activities for 2005. A PARP team was scheduled
to visit in April to look at defense planning issues.


5. (SBU) Simmons responded to a question about Uzbekistan's
level of commitment to NATO by stating that the latter
submitted its IPAP over a year ago, but has yet to take the
appropriate steps to meet program goals. By waiting and
planning, Kazakhstan has a better opportunity of implementing
each goal and ensuring success.


6. (SBU) Asked about China's view of NATO, Simmons responded
that China has shown increased interest in NATO activities, but
understands that NATO is not in competition. The Secretary
General will visit China and Japan later in the year.


7. (SBU) In response to a question on border control and
Russia, Simmons responded that NATO's role is to use tools for
defense reform, such as language training, and provides less
direct assistance to border control ministries.


8. (SBU) At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador encouraged
Chiefs of Mission to maintain an interactive dialogue and
offered to host periodic meetings. The Chiefs of Mission
indicated that they were eager to coordinate with the new NATO
liaison officer who will be responsible for ensuring sharing of
information.


9. (SBU) Simmons encouraged Chiefs of Mission to provide input
to Brussels and review documents to determine what each country
can do for greater and more effective cooperation in
Kazakhstan.

10 (U) Minimize for Dushanbe considered.

Ordway


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