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 NNNN