KAZAKHSTAN: HIGH INTEREST IN CIVIL NUCLEAR

C O N F I D E N T I A L ALMATY 004143

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR EUR/CACEN (J. MUDGE),EUR/PRA (J. CONLON),NP/RA
(C. EVANS)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2015
TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP KZ IN ECONOMIC
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: HIGH INTEREST IN CIVIL NUCLEAR
COOPERATION WITH INDIA

REF: A. STATE 190856

B. STATE 203310


1. (C) POEC chief passed Ref A information on civil nuclear
cooperation with India by the Nuclear Suppliers Group to
Olzhas Togyzbayev, head of the MFA's Security Institutes
Division, on November 4 in Astana. Togyzbayev commented that
Kazakhstan is developing good, intensive relations with
India. The GOK sees India as a serious partner that can be
trusted to adhere to non-proliferation rules. Kazakhstan is
already seeking to develop economic cooperation with India,
particularly in the area of high technology. Given their
geographic proximity and Kazakshtan's uranium reserves and
nuclear expertise, Togyzbayev saw civil nuclear cooperation
with India as a distinct possibility.


2. (C) Togyzbayev concurred that it would not be wise to
change the NSG's rules to permit such cooperation, in order
to avoid setting an unhelpful precedent. Togyzbayev pointed
out that it would be very helpful for India to sign the IAEA
Additional Protocol and the NPT. He was pleased to learn
that the U.S. was working toward a multilateral FMCT as part
of this initiative, because he believed there were doubts in
the international community about the USG's commitment to
pursuing such an agreement.


3. (C) Sergey Savelyev, deputy director of the MFA's
Department of International Organization and Security Issues,
requested a meeting with POEC chief on November 16 in Almaty
to discuss the India initiative further. He asked what the
reaction had been at the October NPT, as Kazakhstan did not
send a representative. He also asked whether any NSG members
had opposed the initiative. Savelyev underscored
Kazakhstan's interest in expanded opportunities for
cooperation with India, and asked whether the USG was
requesting specific action from the GOK. POEC chief
expressed appreciation for the GOK's interest and support,
explained that we were discussing this initiative with all
members of the NSG and that several steps would be necessary
before such cooperation could begin. POEC chief shared
copies of U/S Burns' and U/S Joseph's November 2 SFRC
testimony with Savelyev (Ref B).
ORDWAY


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