ENCOURAGING KAZAKHSTAN'S ADVOCACY FOR MANAS

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 008300

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/29/2014
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR KZ KG RS

SUBJECT: ENCOURAGING KAZAKHSTAN'S ADVOCACY FOR MANAS
COALITION AIRBASE

Classified By: SCA DAS GEORGE KROL; Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: This is an action request; please see
paragraph 4. In addition to press reports, Embassy Bishkek
is receiving strong signals that the Kyrgyz government may
decide in the near future to close the coalition airbase at
Manas. Kazakhstani Ambassador to the United States Erlan
Idrissov affirmed in his January 29 meeting with SCA DAS Krol
that Kazakhstan has and is ready to continue to advocate the
strategic importance of the airbase in high-level meetings
with the Kyrgyz and Russian governments. The Department
requests that post ask the Kazakhstani government to lobby
Kyrgyzstan and Russia on the critical importance of the
airbase to Afghanistan and regional security. End summary.

--------------
Background
--------------


2. (C) Recent press and and diplomatic reporting indicate
that Kyrgyzstan and Russia will conclude a $2.5 billion
economic assistance package during Kyrgyz President
Bakiyev,s visit to Moscow on February 3. Additional press
reporting conveyed that Russia would call on Kyrgyzstan to
close Manas in exchange for that assistance.


3. (C) SCA DAS Krol asked Kazakhstani Ambassador Idrissov on
January 29 for Kazakhstan,s help in pressing Kyrgyzstan to
continue hosting the Manas Airbase. Krol also urged that
Astana convey to the Russian government its support for the
continued presence of the base in Kyrgyzstan. Krol noted
that Secretary Rice had asked President Nazarbayev during
their October 5 meeting in Astana to raise Manas with the
Kyrgyz and Russian presidents. Idrissov said that Nazarbayev
had counseled Kazakhstan,s neighbors on Manas and that
Kazakhstan stands ready to deliver the message again in
Bishkek and Moscow.


4. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Department requests that Post
approach the Kazakhstani government at the highest
appropriate level as soon as possible, drawing on the talking
points in paragraph 5. End action request.


5. (SBU) Begin suggested talking points.

-- The United States values Kazakhstan,s commitment to
strengthen stability in Afghanistan.

-- Kazakhstan,s recent decision to participate in the
Northern Distribution Network and our long-standing
over-flight and aircraft divert agreements provide critical
support to coalition forces in Afghanistan.

-- We welcome Kazakhstan,s commitment to enhance its
cooperation with NATO in Afghanistan in the future.

-- The United States believes that Kyrgyzstan may be
re-thinking its commitment to hosting the critical coalition
airbase at Manas.

-- We urge Kazakhstan to counsel the Kyrgyz government on the
importance of maintaining the airbase, which is taking on an
even greater role as the United States and NATO partners
begin deploying additional troops in Afghanistan.

-- In addition, we urge your government to express to the
Russian government its steadfast support for the airbase and
it vital role in supporting the coalition,s efforts in
Afghanistan.

-- We believe that Kazakhstan is well positioned to advise
and counsel its neighbors on this important issue.

End of talking points.
CLINTON