KAZAKHSTAN: EXTENSION OF THE PHASE OUT PLAN FOR

UNCLAS ALMATY 001636 SIPDIS AIDAC SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ACE TADAMS, DROSENBLUM, AND JMCKANE; SCA/CEN JMUDGE USAID FOR E&E SGROSSMAN, KBROWNAWELL, AND BWALLIN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID ASEC EG KZ SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: EXTENSION OF THE PHASE OUT PLAN FOR SOCIAL SECTOR AND SECURITY/LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE Ref: State 52411 ¶1. The social transition and security/law enforcement sectors of assistance to Kazakhstan are slated for phase-out in 2011, per the country's phase out assessment. As such, post understands that phase out plans must be prepared in 2006, five years before the expected phase out date, to ensure that assistance will appropriately move the country toward achievement of phase out goals. ¶2. According to reftel, post is required to submit the phase out plans for the social transition and security/law enforcement sectors to EUR/ACE by July 1. Post respectfully requests an extension of this due date until October 1. The purpose for the extension is to allow post to finalize the USAID assistance strategy and obtain its approval before drafting the phase out plan. This will ensure that the phase out plan is consistent with the strategy and that it identifies the priority focus areas of USG engagement to achieve social sector phase out, as planned. This will also give the numerous agencies and offices implementing security and law enforcement assistance programs sufficient time to coordinate their approaches, while at the same time transitioning to Astana. Ordway