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