KAZAKHSTAN SUPPORTS UN REFORM

UNCLAS ALMATY 002436 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KUNR AORC KZ POLITICAL SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN SUPPORTS UN REFORM REF: STATE 111657 ¶1. (SBU) On June 28, Ambassador delivered reftel demarche to Minister of Foreign Affairs Tokayev (other issues discussed reported septel). The FM expressed satisfaction with the U.S. decision to frame potential changes to the UN Security Council in a broader discussion of comprehensive UN reform. In particular, Kazakhstan, he said, wanted to see a greater role for the General Assembly and the creation of a council that would monitor the work of regional organizations and that would report to the Secretary General. ¶2. (SBU) Turning to the question of expansion of permanent seats on the UNSC, Tokayev registered Astana's deep concern over UN Secretary General Annan's "option A and option B" proposals for managing the competing candidacies for any new seats. The packaging of these options into a unified resolution for a vote on July 11 vote is premature, Tokayev maintained, and could lead to greater divisiveness. He also noted that these options were at odds with Kazakhstan's long- time support for Japan and Germany's bids for permanent membership on the UNSC. The FM asked that the United States use its influence to delay the July 11 vote to give this and other UN reforms an opportunity for greater discussion. ¶3. (SBU) Ambassador responded that it would be difficult to find a formula for UNSC reform that would find broad support. He agreed, however, that the United States would not want to exacerbate tensions over the future of the UNSC and promised to convey Kazakhstan's concerns to Washington. ORDWAY NNNN