Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASTANA432
2009-03-11 07:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Astana
Cable title:
KAZAKHSTAN: EXBS ADVISOR'S MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE FOR
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ASTANA 000432
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN
DEPT FOR ISN/ECC: YWONG, ACHURCH, JHARTSHORN, SROBINSON
DEPT FOR ISN/ECC-AMT: LSPRINGER
DEPT FOR EUR/ACE: DFISCHER
DEPT FOR SCA/RA: JSPILSBURY
CBP/INA: SBAKER AND BPICKETT
USDOE/NNSA: CWALKER, TPERRY, EDESCHLER
DOC FOR DCREED
USCG FOR SHABETIMICHAEL
AMEMBASSY BERLIN FOR CUSTOMS ATTACHE
AMEMBASSY TASHKENT, BISHKEK, BAKU, DUSHANBE AND ASHGABAT FOR EXBS
ADVISORS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC MNUC KNNP KSTC KZ
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: EXBS ADVISOR'S MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE FOR
FEBRUARY 2009
I. BROAD ITEMS OF INTEREST TO ADVISORS AND AGENCY MANAGERS:
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ASTANA 000432
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN
DEPT FOR ISN/ECC: YWONG, ACHURCH, JHARTSHORN, SROBINSON
DEPT FOR ISN/ECC-AMT: LSPRINGER
DEPT FOR EUR/ACE: DFISCHER
DEPT FOR SCA/RA: JSPILSBURY
CBP/INA: SBAKER AND BPICKETT
USDOE/NNSA: CWALKER, TPERRY, EDESCHLER
DOC FOR DCREED
USCG FOR SHABETIMICHAEL
AMEMBASSY BERLIN FOR CUSTOMS ATTACHE
AMEMBASSY TASHKENT, BISHKEK, BAKU, DUSHANBE AND ASHGABAT FOR EXBS
ADVISORS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC MNUC KNNP KSTC KZ
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: EXBS ADVISOR'S MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE FOR
FEBRUARY 2009
I. BROAD ITEMS OF INTEREST TO ADVISORS AND AGENCY MANAGERS:
1. (SBU) During February 2-13, the BN-350 Program team traveled to
Aktau to conduct a Canister Requalification Meeting and to discuss
multilateral transport operations for BN-350 spent fuel project.
2. (SBU) During February 11-13, the Second Line of Defense Program
held its quarterly meeting with the Kazakhstan Customs Control
Committee to discuss Phase II activities.
3. (SBU) During February 24-25, the Preventing Nuclear Smuggling
Program conducted a table top exercise in Astana in an effort to
help Kazakhstan evaluate its national nuclear smuggling response
plan.
4. (SBU) During February 23-25, an AirConOps Project team held
meetings with the Kazakhstani Customs Control Committee to discuss
implementation of the Astana Airport pilot.
II. COMPLETED ACTIONS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
A. SITE ASSESSMENTS AND MEETINGS CONDUCTED
5. (SBU) During February 3-5, the EXBS advisor attended the Central
Asia Border Management/Security Conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
This conference was co-organized by the George C. Marshall Center
and the Border Service of Kyrgyzstan. The aim of this conference
was to discuss the process of reforming the border security sectors
in the Central Asia countries and the approaches the countries use
to reform their security sector. No representatives from
Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan were present.
6. (SBU) On February 3, during the Central Asia Border
Management/Security Conference, the EXBS advisor participated in a
panel of EXBS representatives that provided an overview of the EXBS
program's projects and border security efforts in Kazakhstan,
Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. After these presentations, the panel of
EXBS advisors answered a variety of questions on border management,
transnational issues, and common threats.
7. (SBU) On February 4, the EXBS advisor traveled to Novopokrovka,
Kyrgyzstan, and was provided a tour of the Border Service Training
Center. The advisor was afforded an opportunity to observe
differences in the type of border management training provided at
this facility in comparison with the Military Institute in Almaty.
These observations highlight the need for improved inter-regional
border management training regarding transnational issues and common
threats.
8. (SBU) On February 4, the EXBS advisor toured the Ak-Jol Border
Crossing Point in Kyrgyzstan and the connecting Kordai Border
Crossing in Kazakhstan.
9. (SBU) On February 18, the EXBS advisor and LTC Yentz of the
Embassy's Office of Military Cooperation met with Fitz Fitzgibbon,
Defense Attache, and Martin Child, Second Secretary for Regional
Energy Policy, from the British Embassy in Astana to discuss the
subject of cooperation with the Kazakhstani Maritime Border Guard
Service on the Caspian Sea.
10. (SBU) On February 18, the EXBS advisor met with the Embassy's
ASTANA 00000432 002 OF 004
Legatt office to discuss the restructuring of the various
Kazakhstani government agencies that impact passport control and
immigration issues and the impact such restructuring would have on
border security.
11. (SBU) On February 19, the EXBS advisor participated in the
Embasssy's Security Assistance Working Group meeting during which he
presented the EXBS Kazakhstan assistance plan for 2009.
12. (SBU) On February 23, the EXBS team meet with Kurushbek
Sauranbayev, Acting Head of the Kordai customs post, and discussed
inspection procedures and technology utilization at Kordai, which is
located on the border with Kyrgyzstan.
13. (SBU) On February 23, the EXBS team visited the Karasu customs
post escorted by the deputy head of the Kordai customs post, Marat
Polatov, where they reviewed and discussed inspection procedures and
technology utilization with Mombayev Batyrzhan, chief specialist at
the customs post in Karasu, which is located on the border with
Kyrgyzstan approximately 16 kilometers east of Kordai.
14. (SBU) On February 24, the Astana EXBS team met with the EXBS
team in Bishkek and was given a tour of the Kyrgyzstan Customs
Academy by Durlat Osmanaliev, Senior Inspector, Department of
International Cooperation. The team was also introduced during this
trip to First Deputy Chairman Kubanychbek Kulmatov of the Kyrgyzstan
customs service. The Statement of Work for this facility will be
provided to the Kazakhstan Customs Control Committee for their
consideration in the construction of Kazakhstan's new Customs
Academy.
15. (SBU) On February 25, the EXBS team visited the International
Airport in Almaty and meet with Abeuova Aktolkyn, Head of the
International Relations Division of the Customs Control Department
in Almaty. The team was then provided a tour of the airport
facilities and discussed inspection procedures and technology
utilization with Anuar Chuzhegulov, head of the Zhetysu customs
post, and Yerzhan Bottayev, deputy head of the Zhetysu customs post.
16. (SBU) On February 26, the EXBS team meet with Mindulla
Merkaliyev, head of the Kalzhat customs post, which is located on
the border with China, approximately 360 kilometers northeast of
Almaty. The team was then provided a tour of the facilities and
discussed inspection procedures and technology utilization with
Nurlan Syikynov, Chief Specialist of Radiological Control at the
post.
17. (SBU) On February 26, the EXBS team met with Talgat Nogayev,
head of the Korgas customs post, which is located on the border with
China, northeast of Almaty. Nogayev provided the team with an
operational overview of the post's operations, including a detailed
description of inspection procedures and technology employed at the
port.
18. (SBU) On February 27, the EXBS Team was provided a tour by
Rashid Nazyrov, deputy head of the Korgas customs post. The team
reviewed and discussed inspection procedures and technology
utilization with a Mr. Ashimbayev, the head of the delivery section
at the post.
ASTANA 00000432 003 OF 004
B. TRAINING COURSES CONDUCTED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD
19. (SBU) On February 3-5, representatives from the Kazakhstan
Customs Control Committee and the Border Guard Service attended the
Central Asia Border Management Security Conference in Bishkek,
Kyrgyzstan. This conference was co-organized by the George C.
Marshall Center and the Border Service of Kyrgyzstan. The aim of
this conference was to discuss the process of reforming the border
security sectors in the Central Asia countries and the approaches
the countries use to reform their security sector.
C. EQUIPMENT DELIVERED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD
20. (SBU) On January 23-27, miscellaneous articles of equipment,
including inspection gloves, socket sets, wrenches, flashlights,
hammers, and other inspection equipment, were delivered to Customs
representatives at the posts of Karasu, Zhetysu, Kalzhat, and
Korgas.
D. IMMINENT TRAINING OR EQUIPMENT STATUS UPDATE
21. (SBU) During March 18-19, two representatives from Kazakhstan
will participate in the Export Controls for Biological Materials
International Workshop in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This is a joint
Canadian and Kyrgyz sponsored event with U.S. and British
participation.
22. (SBU) During May 18-22, a WMD Basic Investigative Analysis
Course is scheduled in Astana. This International
Counterproliferation (ICP) course is designed for up to 20
police/customs investigators, prosecutors, intelligence analysts,
and other officials responsible for developing actionable
intelligence used in combating the illicit trade or smuggling of
WMD-related materials and technologies.
23. (SBU) During April 13-24, the EXBS program manager and two
representatives from Kazakhstan will attend the University of
Georgia's Center for International Trade and Security Export Control
Academy in Athens, Georgia. The participants from Kazakhstan are
Azat Makhmudov, from the International Security Division of the
Department of Multilateral Collaboration in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, and Nurlan Zhussupbekov, from the Export Control Department
of The Ministry of Industry and Trade.
24. (SBU) The EXBS team is planning a turnover ceremony during April
for three portable shelters that will be donated to the Border Guard
Service for use in the Green Border project.
E. SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN EXPORT CONTROLS, NONPROLIFERATION, OR
RELATED BORDER SECURITY
25. (SBU) None
F. CASPIAN SECURITY INFORMATION
26. (SBU) On February 20, a DOD Caspian Security Cooperation Action
Officer Working Group meeting was held in Stuttgart, Germany, to
discuss the coordination of security cooperation activities to
enhance regional security in the Caspian Basin.
27. (SBU) Country Clearance has been granted for Lt. Michael
ASTANA 00000432 004 OF 004
Fisher, EXBS advisor Baku, to visit Astana from March 15-18. A
meeting has been scheduled for March 16 with the Deputy Chief of
Mission to discuss the future of U.S. assistance to the Maritime
Border Guard Service.
III. RED FLAG ISSUES.
28. (U) None.
HOAGLAND
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN
DEPT FOR ISN/ECC: YWONG, ACHURCH, JHARTSHORN, SROBINSON
DEPT FOR ISN/ECC-AMT: LSPRINGER
DEPT FOR EUR/ACE: DFISCHER
DEPT FOR SCA/RA: JSPILSBURY
CBP/INA: SBAKER AND BPICKETT
USDOE/NNSA: CWALKER, TPERRY, EDESCHLER
DOC FOR DCREED
USCG FOR SHABETIMICHAEL
AMEMBASSY BERLIN FOR CUSTOMS ATTACHE
AMEMBASSY TASHKENT, BISHKEK, BAKU, DUSHANBE AND ASHGABAT FOR EXBS
ADVISORS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC MNUC KNNP KSTC KZ
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: EXBS ADVISOR'S MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE FOR
FEBRUARY 2009
I. BROAD ITEMS OF INTEREST TO ADVISORS AND AGENCY MANAGERS:
1. (SBU) During February 2-13, the BN-350 Program team traveled to
Aktau to conduct a Canister Requalification Meeting and to discuss
multilateral transport operations for BN-350 spent fuel project.
2. (SBU) During February 11-13, the Second Line of Defense Program
held its quarterly meeting with the Kazakhstan Customs Control
Committee to discuss Phase II activities.
3. (SBU) During February 24-25, the Preventing Nuclear Smuggling
Program conducted a table top exercise in Astana in an effort to
help Kazakhstan evaluate its national nuclear smuggling response
plan.
4. (SBU) During February 23-25, an AirConOps Project team held
meetings with the Kazakhstani Customs Control Committee to discuss
implementation of the Astana Airport pilot.
II. COMPLETED ACTIONS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
A. SITE ASSESSMENTS AND MEETINGS CONDUCTED
5. (SBU) During February 3-5, the EXBS advisor attended the Central
Asia Border Management/Security Conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
This conference was co-organized by the George C. Marshall Center
and the Border Service of Kyrgyzstan. The aim of this conference
was to discuss the process of reforming the border security sectors
in the Central Asia countries and the approaches the countries use
to reform their security sector. No representatives from
Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan were present.
6. (SBU) On February 3, during the Central Asia Border
Management/Security Conference, the EXBS advisor participated in a
panel of EXBS representatives that provided an overview of the EXBS
program's projects and border security efforts in Kazakhstan,
Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. After these presentations, the panel of
EXBS advisors answered a variety of questions on border management,
transnational issues, and common threats.
7. (SBU) On February 4, the EXBS advisor traveled to Novopokrovka,
Kyrgyzstan, and was provided a tour of the Border Service Training
Center. The advisor was afforded an opportunity to observe
differences in the type of border management training provided at
this facility in comparison with the Military Institute in Almaty.
These observations highlight the need for improved inter-regional
border management training regarding transnational issues and common
threats.
8. (SBU) On February 4, the EXBS advisor toured the Ak-Jol Border
Crossing Point in Kyrgyzstan and the connecting Kordai Border
Crossing in Kazakhstan.
9. (SBU) On February 18, the EXBS advisor and LTC Yentz of the
Embassy's Office of Military Cooperation met with Fitz Fitzgibbon,
Defense Attache, and Martin Child, Second Secretary for Regional
Energy Policy, from the British Embassy in Astana to discuss the
subject of cooperation with the Kazakhstani Maritime Border Guard
Service on the Caspian Sea.
10. (SBU) On February 18, the EXBS advisor met with the Embassy's
ASTANA 00000432 002 OF 004
Legatt office to discuss the restructuring of the various
Kazakhstani government agencies that impact passport control and
immigration issues and the impact such restructuring would have on
border security.
11. (SBU) On February 19, the EXBS advisor participated in the
Embasssy's Security Assistance Working Group meeting during which he
presented the EXBS Kazakhstan assistance plan for 2009.
12. (SBU) On February 23, the EXBS team meet with Kurushbek
Sauranbayev, Acting Head of the Kordai customs post, and discussed
inspection procedures and technology utilization at Kordai, which is
located on the border with Kyrgyzstan.
13. (SBU) On February 23, the EXBS team visited the Karasu customs
post escorted by the deputy head of the Kordai customs post, Marat
Polatov, where they reviewed and discussed inspection procedures and
technology utilization with Mombayev Batyrzhan, chief specialist at
the customs post in Karasu, which is located on the border with
Kyrgyzstan approximately 16 kilometers east of Kordai.
14. (SBU) On February 24, the Astana EXBS team met with the EXBS
team in Bishkek and was given a tour of the Kyrgyzstan Customs
Academy by Durlat Osmanaliev, Senior Inspector, Department of
International Cooperation. The team was also introduced during this
trip to First Deputy Chairman Kubanychbek Kulmatov of the Kyrgyzstan
customs service. The Statement of Work for this facility will be
provided to the Kazakhstan Customs Control Committee for their
consideration in the construction of Kazakhstan's new Customs
Academy.
15. (SBU) On February 25, the EXBS team visited the International
Airport in Almaty and meet with Abeuova Aktolkyn, Head of the
International Relations Division of the Customs Control Department
in Almaty. The team was then provided a tour of the airport
facilities and discussed inspection procedures and technology
utilization with Anuar Chuzhegulov, head of the Zhetysu customs
post, and Yerzhan Bottayev, deputy head of the Zhetysu customs post.
16. (SBU) On February 26, the EXBS team meet with Mindulla
Merkaliyev, head of the Kalzhat customs post, which is located on
the border with China, approximately 360 kilometers northeast of
Almaty. The team was then provided a tour of the facilities and
discussed inspection procedures and technology utilization with
Nurlan Syikynov, Chief Specialist of Radiological Control at the
post.
17. (SBU) On February 26, the EXBS team met with Talgat Nogayev,
head of the Korgas customs post, which is located on the border with
China, northeast of Almaty. Nogayev provided the team with an
operational overview of the post's operations, including a detailed
description of inspection procedures and technology employed at the
port.
18. (SBU) On February 27, the EXBS Team was provided a tour by
Rashid Nazyrov, deputy head of the Korgas customs post. The team
reviewed and discussed inspection procedures and technology
utilization with a Mr. Ashimbayev, the head of the delivery section
at the post.
ASTANA 00000432 003 OF 004
B. TRAINING COURSES CONDUCTED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD
19. (SBU) On February 3-5, representatives from the Kazakhstan
Customs Control Committee and the Border Guard Service attended the
Central Asia Border Management Security Conference in Bishkek,
Kyrgyzstan. This conference was co-organized by the George C.
Marshall Center and the Border Service of Kyrgyzstan. The aim of
this conference was to discuss the process of reforming the border
security sectors in the Central Asia countries and the approaches
the countries use to reform their security sector.
C. EQUIPMENT DELIVERED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD
20. (SBU) On January 23-27, miscellaneous articles of equipment,
including inspection gloves, socket sets, wrenches, flashlights,
hammers, and other inspection equipment, were delivered to Customs
representatives at the posts of Karasu, Zhetysu, Kalzhat, and
Korgas.
D. IMMINENT TRAINING OR EQUIPMENT STATUS UPDATE
21. (SBU) During March 18-19, two representatives from Kazakhstan
will participate in the Export Controls for Biological Materials
International Workshop in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This is a joint
Canadian and Kyrgyz sponsored event with U.S. and British
participation.
22. (SBU) During May 18-22, a WMD Basic Investigative Analysis
Course is scheduled in Astana. This International
Counterproliferation (ICP) course is designed for up to 20
police/customs investigators, prosecutors, intelligence analysts,
and other officials responsible for developing actionable
intelligence used in combating the illicit trade or smuggling of
WMD-related materials and technologies.
23. (SBU) During April 13-24, the EXBS program manager and two
representatives from Kazakhstan will attend the University of
Georgia's Center for International Trade and Security Export Control
Academy in Athens, Georgia. The participants from Kazakhstan are
Azat Makhmudov, from the International Security Division of the
Department of Multilateral Collaboration in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, and Nurlan Zhussupbekov, from the Export Control Department
of The Ministry of Industry and Trade.
24. (SBU) The EXBS team is planning a turnover ceremony during April
for three portable shelters that will be donated to the Border Guard
Service for use in the Green Border project.
E. SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN EXPORT CONTROLS, NONPROLIFERATION, OR
RELATED BORDER SECURITY
25. (SBU) None
F. CASPIAN SECURITY INFORMATION
26. (SBU) On February 20, a DOD Caspian Security Cooperation Action
Officer Working Group meeting was held in Stuttgart, Germany, to
discuss the coordination of security cooperation activities to
enhance regional security in the Caspian Basin.
27. (SBU) Country Clearance has been granted for Lt. Michael
ASTANA 00000432 004 OF 004
Fisher, EXBS advisor Baku, to visit Astana from March 15-18. A
meeting has been scheduled for March 16 with the Deputy Chief of
Mission to discuss the future of U.S. assistance to the Maritime
Border Guard Service.
III. RED FLAG ISSUES.
28. (U) None.
HOAGLAND