KAZAKHSTAN: REQUEST FOR NUCLEAR SMUGGLING TALKS

UNCLAS ALMATY 000339 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CACEN (J. MUDGE, M. O'MARA),ISN/CTR (B. EASTMAN) SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP PREL PARM PINS KZ POLITICAL SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: REQUEST FOR NUCLEAR SMUGGLING TALKS REF: STATE 8561 ¶1. (SBU) Post conveyed reftel points to the Kazakhstani MFA by diplomatic note on January 20. Olzhas Togyzbayev, of the MFA's international security department told POEC chief on January 25 that, in principle, he thought the idea of a systematic review of programs to combat nuclear smuggling was a good one. He promised to share the proposal with relevant agencies and advise the Embassy of the reaction. ¶2. (SBU) POEC chief will double-track request with Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Committee head Timur Zhantikin on February 1. ¶3. (U) Post will report the MFA response when received. ORDWAY