KAZAKHSTAN READY FOR BN-350 TALKS

UNCLAS ASTANA 000966 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/CEN (M. O'MARA) DOE/NNSA FOR C. KENNEDY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MNUC PARM KNNP KZ SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN READY FOR BN-350 TALKS REF: A. STATE 185480 B. STATE 185757 ¶1. (SBU) Almaz Tulebayev, Director of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) Department of Nuclear Energy and International Affairs, told Pol-Econ Chief on December 22 that Kazakhstan is prepared to hold talks on the final disposition of BN-350 spent fuel on or after January 20. According to Tulebayev, the Kazakhstan delegation will be led by Timur Zhantikin, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Committee. He expects that the delegation will also include representatives from MEMR, Kazatomptrom, the KNB, the National Nuclear Center, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Environment, and Emergency Situations. ¶2. (SBU) Tulebayev said that the fuel must be taken from Aktau quickly, calling the current location unsatisfactory. He agreed that it would be useful to have a discussion of permanent disposition options. Tulebayev told Pol-Econ Chief that Kazakhstan will begin to compile a list of suggested agenda items. He also asked Pol-Econ Chief for the U.S. agenda and a list of U.S. participants. Pol-Econ Chief informed Tulebayev that the U.S. will soon send Kazakhstan a Terms of Reference document. MILAS