TRANSFER OF KAZAKHSTAN'S LETHAL MILITARY

S E C R E T STATE 056723 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/20/2019 TAGS: ETTC MARR MCAP MOPS PARM PINR PREL PTER SUBJECT: TRANSFER OF KAZAKHSTAN'S LETHAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT TO SYRIA Classified By: SCA/CEN Director Thomas Hushek for Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request, see paragraph 4. ¶2. (S//NF) Background: Washington has information indicating that a Kazakhstani firm has sold D-30 Howitzers to Syria and is preparing to deliver them. These items are controlled by the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA),and the U.S. is greatly concerned about the transfer of military-related items to Syria. Such transfers will enhance the capabilities of the Syrian military and undermine regional security. In order to halt this transfer, Post is requested to raise this matter with Kazakhstani officials at the appropriate level using the talking points in para 5. Post should be aware that the actual transfer of such lethal military equipment to Syria could trigger sanctions including a ban on certain U.S. assistance to Kazakhstan, and the firm in question could be subject to sanctions under the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). ¶3. (S) Objectives: Provide Kazakhstani officials with information regarding its defense cooperation with Syria and highlight that this involves lethal military equipment (LME). Urge the Government of Kazakhstan (GOK) to cease its defense cooperation with Syria, particularly involving lethal items or technology controlled by the WA. Request the GOK investigate the Kazakhstani firm planning to transfer LME to Syria and stop the transfer. Request that the GOK report its findings. Emphasize that responsible members of the international community must make every effort to ensure that arms exports and technical assistance are conducted consistent with international norms in a matter that does not threaten regional stability. ¶4. (S) Action Request: Department requests Embassy Astana approach appropriate host government officials and deliver the talking points in paragraph 5. ¶5. (SECRET//REL KAZAKHSTAN) Note that the second bullet in the Talking Points is derived from intelligence and must be used verbatim. This point is bracketed and flagged as "VERBATIM POINT." Begin Talking Points. -- We would like to share some information with you in an effort to prevent a potential transfer of proliferation concern. (BEGIN VERBATIM POINT: -- We have information that Kazakhstan Special Engineering �0A;has sold Howitzer D-30 units to Syria, and is preparing to deliver them. END VERBATIM POINT) -- These items are controlled under the Wassenaar Arrangement and their transfer is reportable to the U.S. Congress under the Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA),which may trigger a review of the applicability of sanctions against the Kazakhstani entities involved, pursuant to INKSNA. -- INKSNA requires a report to the U.S. Congress identifying foreign persons with respect to whom there is credible information indicating that the person transferred goods, services, or technology controlled by multilateral regimes, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, to or from Iran, North Korea, or Syria. Sanctions are authorized against the persons (including entities, individuals, governments and governmental entities) identified in such support. -- We are extremely concerned about any transfer of military-related items or services to Syria, as such transfers undermine regional security. -- We urge you to cease the defense cooperation with Syria, particularly involving lethal items or technology controlled by the WA. -- We urge you to investigate the potential transfer and stop the transfer from occurring. -- We respectfully request that you keep us apprised of the status of your investigation and appreciate any further details you uncover regarding this potential transfer, including the goods and services to be performed, the ultimate end-user, contract value, the type and quantities of equipment, any brokers involved in the transaction, and the mode of delivery. -- AT POST'S DISCRETION: If this transfer goes forward, the Government of Kazakhstan could be subject to sanctions on certain U.S. assistance. -- Syria is a state sponsor of terrorism, and we would like to reiterate that arms sales to any State Sponsor of Terrorism could be detrimental to our nonproliferation relationship. -- Syria provides military support to the Hezbollah terrorist group. As such, we are extremely concerned that any arms provided to Syria run the risk of being diverted to terrorist groups. -- We believe that responsible members of the international community must make every effort to ensure that arms exports are conducted consistent with international norms and do not threaten regional stability. We look to Kazakhstan to work to bring stability to the region. -- We underscore that we support Kazakhstan's desire to maintain an arms industry and pursue legitimate international arms sales and related activities. End talking points. ¶6. (U) Washington appreciates Post's assistance on this matter. Department point of contact is Lou Ganem, (202) 647-2329, ganemlc@state.sgov.gov. Please slug all replies to ISN and SCA/CEN. CLINTON