UPDATE 3-Kazakhstan warns foreign companies over contracts

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By Raushan Nurshayeva

ASTANA, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Kazakhstan fired a warning shot at foreign companies on Thursday, saying the government would repeat tactics used during a row over the huge Kashagan oilfield if they violated their contracts.

The Central Asian state's new-found assertiveness in energy diplomacy has alarmed foreign investors who see its actions as part of the growing global trend of resource nationalism.

Astana reinforced the view last month when it doubled its stake in Kashagan and stripped Italy's Eni (ENI.MI) of its leading role in the world's biggest oil find in three decades after months of tense negotiations.

Prime Minister Karim Masimov, speaking at an energy ministry meeting, said foreign firms needed to show willingness to abide by Kazakh laws if they wanted to press ahead with their work.

"All existing contracts with foreign investors will be respected by the Kazakh side and will not change if investors are fulfilling all their contractual obligations," he said.

"But if he (investor) is not fulfilling them, then we will hold friendly talks, just like with Kashagan."

Masimov did not say whether he was unhappy with certain specific sectors or projects. Apart from oil and gas, Kazakhstan operates uranium, coal, copper, zinc and other deposits.