Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05ALMATY2439
2005-06-30 09:28:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
US Office Almaty
Cable title:  

KAZAKHSTAN READY TO ENGAGE ON UZBEK REFUGEES AND

Tags:  PREF PHUM PREL KZ UZ KG POLITICAL 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS ALMATY 002439 

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PHUM PREL KZ UZ KG POLITICAL
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN READY TO ENGAGE ON UZBEK REFUGEES AND
STABILITY -- IF KARIMOV WILL LISTEN


UNCLAS ALMATY 002439

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PHUM PREL KZ UZ KG POLITICAL
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN READY TO ENGAGE ON UZBEK REFUGEES AND
STABILITY -- IF KARIMOV WILL LISTEN



1. (SBU) Summary. On June 28, Ambassador met with Foreign
Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev. Ambassador raised
developments surrounding the presence of Uzbek refugees in
Kyrgyzstan. Tokayev said that Kazakhstan is ready to
cooperate with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. In talks with
Kyrgyz FM Roza Otunbayeva, Tokayev suggested that Kyrgyzstan
give UNHCR the lead on refugee questions to deflect pressure
from Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan has been unable to engage
Karimov on concerns over refugees/stability, but is hoping
to use the July 5-6 Shanghai Cooperation Summit in Astana to
address concerns over Uzbekistan's stability. The FM was
noncommittal when Ambassador noted the possibility that
Uzbek refugees might look to Kazakhstan as a safe haven.
Finally, Tokayev mentioned that he is interested in
traveling to Washington and San Diego in early September.
End Summary.


2. (SBU) Ambassador asked for Tokayev's assessment of the
situation in Uzbekistan. He also solicited the FM's views
on what can be done to help Kyrgyzstan cope with Uzbek
refugees, particularly in standing up to pressure for their
return.


3. (SBU) Tokayev responded that elements from Uzbek
"agencies" were operating inside Kyrgyzstan and "bribing"
Uzbeks to return. In recent talks with Kyrgyz FM Roza
Otunbayeva, Tokayev told her that Kyrgyzstan should allow
UNHCR to take the lead -- and if there is danger to
returning refugees, Kyrgyzstan must provide shelter.
Kazakhstan, Tokayev noted, had faced similar pressure from
China over Uighurs. By giving UNHCR the primary voice on
proposing an appropriate location for shelter, pressure was
deflected away from Astana. Otunbayeva, he said, had
mentioned the possibility of criminals among the refugees.
Tokayev cautioned that unless such refugees had been
convicted, Kyrgyzstan had to proceed cautiously in using
this as grounds for return.


4. (SBU) Kazakhstan, Tokayev continued, understands the
sensitivity of the refugees' circumstances and the need to
work closely with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. However, he
maintained that Karimov has been unwilling to discuss the
matter. President Nazarbayev intends to use the July 5-6
Shanghai Cooperation Summit in Astana as an opportunity for
bilateral and multilateral talks with Karimov. Nazarbayev
briefed President Putin, the FM said, during a mid-June
visit to Moscow, and pressed for Putin's support in
persuading Karimov that economic/trade reforms must proceed
to avoid a "difficult" situation. Moscow, Tokayev
commented, felt a bit "abused" when Karimov traveled to
China but not Russia, despite Moscow's low key response to
events in Andizhon.


5. (SBU) Ambassador replied that Uzbekistan is already in a
"difficult" position that is steadily deteriorating. He
noted Uzbekistan seemed determined to isolate itself.
Astana hoped, Tokayev said, to persuade Karimov during the
SCO summit that Uzbekistan must avoid isolation by the
international community. Ambassador remarked that it may
already be too late. Tokayev also lamented the presence of
so many "poor, unstable" countries in the neighborhood, but
did not respond when Ambassador noted that refugees might
see Kazakhstan as a safe haven.


6. (SBU) Turning to future travel plans, Tokayev told
Ambassador that he was interested in attending the
Kazakhstan Investment Conference in San Diego, Sep 8-9. The
FM mentioned that he would also like to visit Washington
during this period, and hoped to have meetings at State,
NSC, DOD, and Energy. Ambassador promised to work with
Washington on this proposal.


7. (U) Dushanbe minimize considered.

ORDWAY


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