KAZAKHSTAN: DISCUSSIONS ON DEALING WITH HAMAS

UNCLAS ALMATY 001475 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NE/IPA, SCA/CEN (J. MUDGE) SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KZ SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: DISCUSSIONS ON DEALING WITH HAMAS REF: A) ALMATY 822, B) STATE 27174 ¶1. (SBU) On April 18, Poloff met with Daniyar Sarekenov, Deputy Director of the MFA's Asia Department, to discuss the Kazakhstani position on dealing with Hamas. Sarekenov requested the meeting in response to Ref A demarche. Sarekenov stated that the GOK believes that Hamas must renounce violence, recognize the right of Israel to exist, and abide by the Palestinian Authority's previous agreements and obligations. ¶2. (SBU) Sarekenov said that the GOK, however, holds the position that it is in the best interest of security in the Middle East to continue funding the Palestinian government. Sarekenov voiced the belief that a lack of funding to the Palestinians could further radicalize the population and buoy the Hamas government. He said that although the GOK continues to have a cordial relationship with the Palestinian Embassy in Kazakhstan, they have no plans to receive a Palestinian delegation. ORDWAY