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


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