KAZAKHSTAN - ENGAGING THE IRAQ COALITION

UNCLAS ALMATY 002549 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL IZ KZ POLITICAL SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN - ENGAGING THE IRAQ COALITION REF: STATE 111082 ¶1. (SBU) On June 24, Astana PO delivered reftel demarche to Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, Office Director for Africa and Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Note: This office's responsibility includes the Middle East.) PO emphasized U.S. appreciation for Kazakhstan's contribution to operations in Iraq and expressed U.S. interest in continuing that partnership. ¶2. (SBU) Baudarbek-Kozhatayev told PO that Kazakhstan is committed to building stability in Iraq and noted President Nazarbayev's personal statements for Kazakhstan's de-mining contingent there. Astana also hoped, he said, to see greater UN engagement in stabilization activities. As a longer-term matter, Kazakhstan, he continued, is interested in participating in Iraq's economic rehabilitation. (Note: Kazakhstan had planned to send a commercial delegation to Iraq in April 2004, but cancelled after the upsurge in violence in Fallujah. End Note.) ¶3. (SBU) Baudarbek-Kozhatayev explained that MFA Deputy Minister Shakirov is in Brussels attending the Iraq conference. He agreed to share points from reftel with Shakirov upon his return. ORDWAY NNNN