A/S HARTY VISIT TO ALMATY: TACKLING TOUGH TOPICS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ALMATY 000629

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR CA/P - L. SKEIRIK
ALSO FOR CA/P - D. HEIEN AND J. WECHSLER
ALSO FOR CA/VO/F/P - E. PATTERSON AND C. KAGARISE
ALSO FOR SCA/CEN J.MUDGE, SCA/CEN/PPD J. BASEDOW
FRANKFURT FOR RCO - R. BROWN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECONOMIC
SUBJECT: A/S HARTY VISIT TO ALMATY: TACKLING TOUGH TOPICS


1. SUMMARY. Assistant Secretary Maura Harty's visit to
Kazakhstan served to underscore the importance of consular
work to our multi-faceted bilateral relationship. In a
series of high-profile events, A/S Harty discussed our
consular commitment to the business community, the variety
of education options available to Kazakhstani students in
the United States, and, in a well-attended and highly
covered press conference, adoption and visa issues. Later
in the visit, A/S Harty met with entry-level officers and
with consular officers stationed in Almaty and Astana. A
rough translation of media coverage will be sent via email.
END SUMMARY.

-------------- --------------
A/S Harty to AmCham: America is Open for Business
-------------- --------------


2. During a well-attended morning breakfast address to the
American Chamber of Commerce of Kazakhstan on February 6,
A/S Harty reviewed the post-September 11 history of the visa
issuance process and its effect on the international
business community. Her message to the local community: the
Department of State has never been in a better position to
respond to business visa requests and to facilitate business
travel. A/S Harty also noted Embassy Almaty's Business
Facilitation Program and the comparatively low refusal rates
for Kazakhstani B-1 visa applicants.


3. During a question and answer session following her
address, A/S Harty responded to queries on tourist travel
visa issuance rates, the ability of non-profit organizations
to obtain visas, profiling of Central Asian applicants, and
the advisability of business travelers to invite their
families with them on business trips to the United States.
As a follow-up, Consular Section officers met with local
members of the Almaty Tourism Board to address issues
relating to tourist travel to the United States.

--------------
Press Roundtable: Squaring the Adoption Issue
--------------


4. In a spirited session with a large contingent of
national and local print and electronic media, A/S Harty
fielded a number of questions on the adoption of Kazakhstani
children. A/S Harty reviewed the adoption process in
Kazakhstan and described children as "our most important
asset." The media focused their questions on child
kidnapping issues, the difference between adoption and
abduction, the role of an embassy in the adoption process,
and the responsibility of caregivers, teachers, and police
in the U.S. to verify the safety of adopted children.

-------------- --------------
Speech to Students: "Come Study in the U.S.A."
-------------- --------------


5. In a lively exchange with students at a local
university, A/S Harty discussed the many opportunities
available to Kazakhstanis interested in higher education in
the United States. Many of the questions revolved around
financing for higher education in the United States, and A/S
Harty invited students to consult with the embassy's student
advising center on the many scholarship opportunities
available to international students. Students also asked
about documentation needed when applying for a student visa,
immigration issues, and the student visa refusal rates at
Embassy Almaty (currently around 10 percent.).

-------------- --------------
Meeting "The Troops": Time with ELO and CON Officers
-------------- --------------


6. Throughout her visit, A/S Harty met with groups of entry
level and consular officers to discuss "the view from
Washington." A/S Harty spent time with consular officers
from both Almaty and Astana to underscore the Department's
commitment to their career development and professional
growth. At a session at the CMR hosted by Ambassador and
Mrs. Ordway, A/S Harty spoke to ELOs. In a discussion on a
wide range of topics, A/S Harty stressed the importance of
leadership at all levels of the Foreign Service. She often
illustrated her comments with practical and frequently
humorous, anecdotes from her own career

--------------
Comment
--------------


7. A/S Harty's visit to Kazakhstan could not have come at a
more timely moment. In recent weeks, Kazakhstani media have
focused on the U.S. investigation of California based Yunona
adoption agency. In response to questions on this issue as
well as other adoption-related subjects, A/S Harty provided
straightforward answers on safeguards in place that the
Bureau of Consular Affairs and U.S. Embassies employ in
working with both adoption agencies and prospective parents.
Media reporting of her session was uniformly positive and
served to reinforce the embassy's core message on the
importance of assisting Kazakhstani orphans. END COMMENT.
Ordway