DFM KARASIN: CONCERN OVER PAKISTAN NUCLEAR

C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 002584 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2018 TAGS: PREL KNDP PGOV PTER RS PK SUBJECT: DFM KARASIN: CONCERN OVER PAKISTAN NUCLEAR STABILITY REF: A. (A) MOSCOW 2575 ¶B. (B) STATE 88734 Classified By: Ambassador John R. Beyrle: Reasons 1.4 (b, d). ¶1. (C) At the end of an August 27 meeting focused on Georgia (reftel),Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoriy Karasin told the Ambassador that Russia was very concerned about events in Pakistan. In the wake of Musharraf's resignation, and with the departure of Nawaz Sharif from the coalition, "chaos reigned." Russia was "worried" about the recent political developments, with Karasin stressing Russia's proximity to the South Asian nuclear power. Karasin requested further information on U.S. views of Pakistan political developments, including the U.S. assessment of "how Russia should interpret the situation with respect to Pakistan's nuclear weapons." ¶2. (C) Action Request: We appreciate any additional guidance beyond Ref B that can be shared with Karasin's office. BEYRLE =======================CABLE ENDS============================