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


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