KAZAKHSTAN: A/S BOUCHER MEETS WITH SENATE SPEAKER

UNCLAS ALMATY 003275 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/CEN (M. O'MARA) NSC FOR MILLARD, MERKEL E.O. 193056: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM KZ SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: A/S BOUCHER MEETS WITH SENATE SPEAKER ABYKAYEV ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Senate Speaker Abykayev told Assistant Secretary Boucher on September 9 that Kazakhstan saw SIPDIS President Nazarbayev's upcoming visit to the U.S. as an opportunity to highlight its record on economic reform and security. A/S Boucher underscored the need to discuss plans for further political reform as well. Abykayev briefed Boucher on the Congress of World Religions. He also shared his views on possible reform of Parliament. End summary. ¶2. (U) Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher met on September 9 in Astana with Speaker of the Senate Nurtay Abykayev. The Ambassador and Pol-Econ chief (notetaker) were also present. From the Kazakhstani side, head of the MFA's European Cooperation Department Yerkin Akinzhanov, head of the MFA's Europe and Americas Department Serzhan Abdykarimov, and Senate staff member Bakhytzhan Abdraimov participated. -------------- Nazarbayev Visit -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Abykayev told A/S Boucher that the Kazakhstani government is looking forward to President Nazarbayev's upcoming visit to Washington, which will highlight Kazakhstan's role as a leader in economic reform in Central Asia and a supporter of stability and development. Boucher replied that the visit would be a good opportunity to discuss not only Kazakhstan's achievements, but also its plans for further political reform. There will be much discussion, and some criticism, in the U.S. press of Kazakhstan's record on democratization. Abykayev pointed out that Kazakhstan's goal of building a secular democratic state is well known, and is part of the 2030 Strategy; Nazarbayev had always said that economic reform would have to come first. Every country makes mistakes, Abykayev said; Kazakhstan learns from its own. -------------- Congress of World Religions -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Abykayev noted that the September 12-13 Congress of World Religions in Astana, which he had organized, served as international recognition of Kazakhstan's work in fostering religious tolerance. The congress, which would include 26 religious leaders from Kazakhstan and around the world, scholars, and political figures, would cover both religious issues and the importance of tolerance in ensuring security and stability. -------------- Political Reform -------------- ¶5. (SBU) In response to A/S Boucher's question regarding the impact of further political reform on the role of Parliament, Abykayev referred to discussion in the Democratization Commission of increasing the number of seats in both houses. He did not favor expansion of the Senate because it was already large enough to carry out its legislative work; however, he could support the proposal for the Assembly of Peoples of Kazakhstan to select a certain number of senators. Abykayev observed that it might be useful to increase the number of seats in the Mazhilis since the lower house does most of the work on drafting legislation. ¶6. (SBU) The Senate speaker said that he agreed with the proposal Nazarbayev had put forward for the Prime Minister to form the government and the Parliament to approve it. Abykayev added that the Parliament needs additional qualified staffers and assistants in order to do its work effectively; this would not require any change to the Constitution. ORDWAY