US embassy cable - 05ALMATY2436

UNCLAS ALMATY 002436 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, KUNR, AORC, KZ, POLITICAL 
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN SUPPORTS UN REFORM 
 
REF: STATE 111657 
 
1. (SBU) On June 28, Ambassador delivered reftel demarche to 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Tokayev (other issues discussed 
reported septel).  The FM expressed satisfaction with the 
U.S. decision to frame potential changes to the UN Security 
Council in a broader discussion of comprehensive UN reform. 
In particular, Kazakhstan, he said, wanted to see a greater 
role for the General Assembly and the creation of a council 
that would monitor the work of regional organizations and 
that would report to the Secretary General. 
 
2. (SBU) Turning to the question of expansion of permanent 
seats on the UNSC, Tokayev registered Astana's deep concern 
over UN Secretary General Annan's "option A and option B" 
proposals for managing the competing candidacies for any new 
seats.  The packaging of these options into a unified 
resolution for a vote on July 11 vote is premature, Tokayev 
maintained, and could lead to greater divisiveness.  He also 
noted that these options were at odds with Kazakhstan's long- 
time support for Japan and Germany's bids for permanent 
membership on the UNSC.  The FM asked that the United States 
use its influence to delay the July 11 vote to give this and 
other UN reforms an opportunity for greater discussion. 
 
3. (SBU) Ambassador responded that it would be difficult to 
find a formula for UNSC reform that would find broad 
support.  He agreed, however, that the United States would 
not want to exacerbate tensions over the future of the UNSC 
and promised to convey Kazakhstan's concerns to Washington. 
 
ORDWAY 
 
 
NNNN