US embassy cable - 05ALMATY1011

UNCLAS ALMATY 001011 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
STATE FOR EUR/CACEN (JMUDGE), EUR/RPM 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: MARR, PREL, KZ, POLITICAL 
SUBJECT:  KAZAKHSTAN: MARCH 9 MEETING WITH NATO SGSR AMBASSADOR 
ROBERT SIMMONS 
 
1. (SBU) Summary: During his March 9 visit to Almaty, NATO SGSR 
for Central Asia Ambassador Robert Simmons met with NATO chiefs 
of mission to brief on the organizations efforts to implement 
Istanbul Summit commitments regarding Central Asia.  The two 
most tangible results were the creation of his position, and 
the establishment of a NATO liaison officer for Central Asia. 
Simmons also briefed on Kazakhstan's progress toward IPAP, and 
answered questions on a variety of issues.  End summary. 
 
2. (SBU) On March 9, the Ambassador hosted a meeting for the 
NATO Secretary General's Special Representative (SGSR) for 
Central Asia, Robert Simmons, and Chiefs of Mission from NATO 
member states with a presence in Kazakhstan.  Simmons gave a 
brief introduction explaining two main points stemming from the 
Istanbul Summit:  1) the mandate to give priority to Central 
Asia and the Caucasus by the creation of his position and 2) 
the appointment of Alexander Katranis as NATO liaison officer 
for Central Asia.  Mr. Katranis will reside in Kazakhstan, 
splitting his time between Almaty and Astana. 
 
3. (SBU) Simmons reported that Kazakhstan had initiated the 
Individual Partnership Action Program (IPAP) by submitting the 
first stage presentation package in early March.  The 
submission of the IPAP presentation package was an extremely 
positive step in Kazakhstan's relationship with NATO.  Simmons 
noted that NATO is optimistic regarding Kazakhstan's IPAP, as 
it outlines solid priorities in social and economic reform and 
defines what type of assistance Alliance countries and partners 
can give. 
 
4.  (SBU) In responding to a question about next steps, Simmons 
briefly outlined the three stages of commitment to NATO: the 
Individual Partnership Program (IPP), the Planning and Review 
Process (PARP), and IPAP.  Kazakhstan had been active in IPP, 
identifying 160 activities for 2005.  A PARP team was scheduled 
to visit in April to look at defense planning issues. 
 
5. (SBU) Simmons responded to a question about Uzbekistan's 
level of commitment to NATO by stating that the latter 
submitted its IPAP over a year ago, but has yet to take the 
appropriate steps to meet program goals.  By waiting and 
planning, Kazakhstan has a better opportunity of implementing 
each goal and ensuring success. 
 
6. (SBU) Asked about China's view of NATO, Simmons responded 
that China has shown increased interest in NATO activities, but 
understands that NATO is not in competition.  The Secretary 
General will visit China and Japan later in the year. 
 
7. (SBU)  In response to a question on border control and 
Russia, Simmons responded that NATO's role is to use tools for 
defense reform, such as language training, and provides less 
direct assistance to border control ministries. 
 
8.  (SBU) At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador encouraged 
Chiefs of Mission to maintain an interactive dialogue and 
offered to host periodic meetings.  The Chiefs of Mission 
indicated that they were eager to coordinate with the new NATO 
liaison officer who will be responsible for ensuring sharing of 
information. 
 
9. (SBU) Simmons encouraged Chiefs of Mission to provide input 
to Brussels and review documents to determine what each country 
can do for greater and more effective cooperation in 
Kazakhstan. 
 
10 (U) Minimize for Dushanbe considered. 
 
Ordway 
 
 
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