KAZAKHSTAN: FM TOKAYEV ON VIP VISIT

UNCLAS ALMATY 001403

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/CEN (J. MUDGE)
PLEASE PASS USTR (BURKHEAD)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD EFIN PREL KZ
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: FM TOKAYEV ON VIP VISIT



1. (SBU) Summary: The MFA is carefully reviewing a list of
potential activities related to the upcoming VIP visit and
will work to ensure implementation of the most feasible
ideas, according to FM Tokayev. The MFA is also pursuing
the idea of hosting a TIFA Council meeting as discussed with
A/S Boucher. Tokayev expressed appreciation for the
invitation to visit Washington and meet with the Secretary
this summer. He told the Ambassador that he had low
expectations for the upcoming CIS ministerial in Moscow due
to lack of organizational reforms and conflicts within the
group. Tokayev promised to help ensure resolution of the
AIG settlement issue. End summary.


2. (SBU) In an April 17 meeting with the Ambassador to
discuss issues related to the upcoming VIP visit to
Kazakhstan, FM Kasymzhomart Tokayev said that the MFA was
"carefully analyzing" the list of ideas presented by A/S
Boucher (septel). The GOK understands that the list does
not constitute an agenda for the visit, but thinks that it
provides useful background for the upcoming discussions in
Astana and Washington. He indicated that, while a few
points were "unexpected," the list was generally acceptable.
The MFA will work to ensure implementation of the most
feasible ideas. Tokayev proposed to meet with the
Ambassador the last week of April to review progress.


3. (SBU) The Ambassador updated Tokayev on the Department's
thinking regarding the proposed TIFA Council meeting in
Kazakhstan. We believe a three-part event would be
valuable: a seminar on financial services, the TIFA Council
meeting, and a discussion of broader economic cooperation.
Tokayev expressed the hope that the events could be
completed in two days or less. He added that based on the
agreement reached during A/S Boucher's visit, the MFA was
circulating a letter to all ministries and agencies involved
in TIFA to seek agreement on a way forward.


4. (SBU) The Ambassador conveyed the Department's invitation
to Tokayev to visit Washington in June or July to meet with
the Secretary and prepare the ground for President
Nazarbayev's expected fall visit. Tokayev indicated that
Amb. Saudabayev had already alerted him to the invitation,
which he very much appreciated. He was seeking Nazarbayev's
formal permission to make the trip. Tokayev said that July
3-6 would work best for him. The Ambassador cautioned that
the Independence Day holiday might make that timeframe
difficult, and encouraged Tokayev to have Amb. Saudabayev
work directly with the Department to identify mutually
agreeable dates.


5. (SBU) Tokayev told the Ambassador that he would attend
the CIS ministerial on April 21 in Moscow. He took a
pessimistic view of the organization's future potential,
given poor progress on reforms and the lack of a
"commonwealth" spirit due to the numerous conflicts among
member states. Kazakhstan recognizes that the CIS will
continue to be an important "club" for presidents and
ministers, however, and for that reason is seeking to reduce
the bureaucracy and the costs.


6. (SBU) Turning to AIG, the Ambassador informed Tokayev
that he had spoken to Deputy PM Masimov and Justice Minister
Baliyeva about the fact that the GOK had still not paid the
agreed settlement. Tokayev said that he felt very "awkward"
about the situation given that he had personally committed
to Secretary Rice that it would be resolved. He said that
he would remain personally involved to ensure that the
matter was settled before the May 3 deadline and the
upcoming VIP visit.

ORDWAY