Commonwealth of Independent States
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Almaty to host CICA Special Working meetingASTANA, May 4: The Kazakh Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mr. Yerzhan Ashikbayev, has said that a two-day meeting of the Special Working Group of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) will take place in Almaty beginning May 6. A list of events in the sphere of combating illegal drug trafficking and new challenges and threats will be discussed and then considered at the forthcoming meeting of the Senior Officials Committee to be held in June in Seoul. “The participants will elaborate on the drafts of political declaration and the agenda of the ministerial meeting, Convention on legal capacity, privileges and immunities of CICA Secretariat and its personnel, possibility of setting up a fund for development of CBMs, and some other documents”, the spokesperson said. India seeks energy cooperation with KazakhstanASTANA, April 7: India has sought the help of Kazakhstan to meet its rising energy needs as the two countries agreed to bolster bilateral trade and economic cooperation. "We held discussions on means of increasing bilateral trade and expanding the areas of economic cooperation, particularly in the hydrocarbon sector," Vice President Hamid Ansari said after delegation level talks with his Kazakh counterpart Kassym Jomart Tokayev in Astana on Monday. The parleys saw Kazakhstan extending its support for India's membership in an extended U N Security Council with Tokayev hailing New Delhi as a "reliable partner" of Astana in international fora. Kazakhstan has been consistently supporting India's representation in an expanded UNSC. Kazakhstan is among the top ten countries in terms of hydrocarbon energy reserves as also mineral resources including uranium. The Kazakh leader said the two sides had reached an agreement on setting up a friendship group. "Greater economic engagement between India and the countries of the Central Asian region is not only mutually beneficial for the countries but also for the whole region and the world," Ansari, who also met Kazakhstan Prime Minister Karim K Massimov, said addressing the Kazakhstan Senate. Ansari said with the economies of India and Kazakhstan registering impressive growth, there were "wide ranging opportunities" to expand areas of economic cooperation. Welcoming Ansari, who arrived in Astana on Sunday night on a four-day visit, Tokayev noted that India is one of the fastest growing economies and Kazakhstan wanted greater cooperation with it. Ansari expressed India's readiness to cooperate in the higher education sector by sending Indian professionals and training Kazakh students and professionals in various disciplines in India. With the spectre of terrorism also haunting the Central Asian region, Ansari told the Senate that India's “accommodative pluralism has greatly contributed to stability and development when multiculturalism has come under strain in many parts of the world.” Ansari will be holding talks with Kazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Tuesday. The Vice-President earlier concluded a three-day visit to Turkmenistan during which the two countries signed an MoU on facilitating cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Kazakh strengthens its hold over energy sectorBy Deepak Arora
Presenting his annual state of the nation address at the joint sitting of both houses of parliament, Nazarbayev called for consistent strengthening of State authority in strategically important branches of economy to consolidate Kazakhstan’s position as an influential and responsible player in global energy markets, as well as to enter international market with value added goods. "The main dimension in the oil-and-gas sector is boosting the position of the state as an influential and responsible participant on international oil and energy markets," he stated. "Work must be continued in this direction." Speaking on “Consistent modernization and maintenance of stable economic growth” President Nazarbayev also laid stress on speedy infrastructural development of economy’s main sectors such as electricity generation and transportation system. With this in mind, he instructed to start implementation of the largest transportation project in Kazakhstan “Transcontinental corridor Western Europe – Western China”. The Kazakhstan President said that his country will continue to strengthen political and economic cooperation with China, Russia and other Central Asian countries. He said Kazakhstan will also expand constructive cooperation with the United States, the European Union and NATO in a bid to solidify the security in the Central Asian regions. Kazakhstan will assume the rotating presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2010, symbolizing the country's international status is climbing to a new high, Nazarbayev said. Nazarbayev called for the development of a new state program, tentatively titled Path to Europe, which would set out Kazakhstan’s agenda for chairing the OSCE and also boost economic cooperation, attract cutting edge technologies and modern management practices and further reform legislation. He said the priorities of macroeconomic policy are focused on establishing an efficient response mechanism to financial instability threats and enhancing the international markets’ confidence in Kazakhstan’s economy. “Structural reforms in financial system are to be continued to raise its competitiveness and stability, further improve management of systemic risks both in private and state sectors, as well as elaborate a quick response measures in case of force-major situations.” Kazakhstan President noted that inflow of foreign capital into the banking sector is regarded as a vote of confidence in Kazakhstan, a source of financial support and best international practices of banking services. On the agenda is to bring the tax system in line with the goals of the new stage of Kazakhstan development, thereby promoting modernization and diversification of Kazakhstan’s economy, elimination of “shadow business”. “New Tax Code must become the law of direct action and prescribe the reduction of tax burden for non-extractive industries, especially for small and medium sized enterprises, at the expense of greater economic return from extractive sector.” The address necessitated further improvement of Kazakhstan’s model of political and state functioning through combination of universally accepted mechanisms of democracy development and traditions of Kazakhstan society, with a view of maintaining long term stability, peace and harmony. Increased effectiveness of public administration, further administrative reform, systemic measures against criminality and corruption are set to be accomplished within the framework of political modernization. The President noted the importance of comprehensive assistance to entrepreneurship, freeing it from a burden of administrative pressure and illegal interference. According to “Increasing Kazakhstan population’s prosperity” task, the President said a provision of social welfare will remain amongst the most important targets. “Healthcare and education are named nationwide priorities and they will be developed by attracting private capital as a part of corporate social responsibility.” The fourth theme of the address was devoted to the consolidation of international authority, regional stability and international security. It is underlined that the basic priorities of Kazakhstan foreign policy remain invariable. India can become major hub of Western classical music: Kazakh musicianBy Deepak Arora
According to the Kazakh musician, "India is an emerging great power and the forces of globalization have made the people increasingly aware of classical music. I think the time is ripe for Western classical music to make inroads into India". He has a very optimistic view on his mission, saying, "India has the potential to become a major hub for Western classical music like Singapore, South Korea and China".
Bisengaliev and NCPA officially launched the Symphony Orchestra of India on August 10, 2006 at the NCPA Museum. Establishment of such an orchestra means a whole new future for Indian musicians. In the SOI, there are 35 musicians from Kazakhstan. The Orchestra includes 11 Indian and other instrumentalists from all over the world. On February 15 this year, Kazakhstan Ambassador Dr Kairat Umarov inaugurated the fourth Concert and Opera Season of the Symphony Orchestra of India. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Umarov underscored that “performance of the Symphony Orchestra of India founded and headed by Kazakhstan musician Marat Bisengaliev is a special contribution to revitalizing the cultural links our ancestors have enjoyed for many centuries”. It was highlighted that both Kazakhstan and India are engaged with each other in developing untypical culture – Western Classical Music, which shows that true culture recognizes no boundaries and indicates to the openness of the two countries to the highest level of arts. The full-scale production of Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker” was played on September 23 and 24, 2006. The great soloists and conductors came to play with Symphonic Orchestra of India including A.Anissimov, J.Wildner, A.Leaper, soloists as M.Collins, A.Gavrilov, R.Wallfrisch. The concerts were held on September 30 and October 2, 2006. On February 27, there will be full-scale production of Giacomo Puccini’s Opera “Madame Butterfly” at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai. The concerts will be conducted by Johannes Wildner and performed by the leading world singers M. Malagnini, D.Ceconne, E.Veda and other international invitees. Kazakhstan abolishes death penaltyBy Deepak Arora
This is in line with a UN resolution adopted on death penalty moratorium by majority of votes in the third committee in November 2007, according to Dr Kairat Umarov, Kazakhstan Ambassador in India. Dr Umarov said the resolution of the General Assembly has no binding force, but it is a political signal for leaders of the world. The document has been introduced on behalf of almost 80 states and called the countries to refuse application of death penalty, which contradicts the basic principles of the United Nations. In line with this commitment, Kazakhstan issued a Presidential order on December 6 last year and gave an amnesty to 31 people charged with capital punishment at different times, and changing the verdict from the death penalty to life imprisonment as an alternative. The Ambassador said this humane measure has been taken from the perspective of steps of Kazakhstan, which was elected to chair the OSCE in 2010, towards promoting international standards in human rights. As a democratic state firmly committed to the rule of law, Kazakhstan proclaims life, rights and freedoms as the highest values of a human being. It may also be mentioned that Kazakhstan had introduced a moratorium on death penalty way back in December of 2003. In accordance with its Constitution that was amended in May 2007, the death penalty may be imposed only in exceptional cases, such as grave crimes leading to the killing of people by terrorist acts or during wartime. Meanwhile, the accused has the right to appeal. Uzbeks repose faith in President KarimovBy Deepak Arora
Announcing the preliminary results, Abdusalomov said Asliddin Rustamov of People's Democratic Party received 4,68,064 votes ( 3.7 per cent); Akmal Saidov, an Independent, got 4,20,815 votes (2.85 per cent); and Dilorom Tashmukhamedova of the Adolat party received 4,34,111 votes (2.94 per cent). There were 2.9 per cent invalid votes.
With the announcement of the results, Islam Karimov has won the third seven-year term. He has been ruling the country since 1991 when the Uzbekistan gained independence. As per the Uzbek law, Abdusalomov said, the final results of the Presidential elections will be announced any day during the next 10 days ie by January 3 next year.
The Chief Election Commissioner said 300 international independent observers from 30 countries had observed polls. Teams from five international organizations such as Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) had also observed the polls. Besides, he said 23,300 local election agents of the candidates had observed the polls. Over 85 per cent polling in Uzbek Presidential pollsBy Deepak Arora
The percentage of polling that commenced at 6 am closes at 8 pm is expected to touch 90 per cent. President Islam Karimov is a front runner among the four candidates to win the third seven-year term. Preliminary results are expected on Monday evening. Besides Karimov, the other little known Presidential candidates in the fray are: Dilorom Tashmukhamedova from the Adolat party, Asliddin Rustamov from People's Democratic Party, and Akmal Saidov, an Independent. This correspondent who traveled 300 kms in four regions from Samarkand to Jizzax to Sirdaryo and Tashkent to observe elections found that nearly 60 per cent of people had caste their votes by 12 noon local time at most of the polling stations. People came dressed in beautiful attires, some in traditional costumes, to caste their votes and celebrate democracy. "Nearly 50 persons had reached a polling booth in Jizzax half an hour before the opening of the polling station. We go for namaz at 6.20 and wanted to do the good work of voting before that," confided a voter.
The young voters, who have completed 18 years of age and were voting for the first time, were given roses and applauded by the staff at a polling station in Tashkent. This was true to in all the polling stations this correspondent visited in different regions. The polling stations had special play rooms for the children who had accompanied their parents. There were also medical rooms at each polling station with doctors on call for any emergency. Polling staff with special boxes went to the houses of old and infirm and handicapped persons. Nasiba, an election agent, confided that her candidate is note expected to win but said "let the truth prevail". The Uzbek Central Election Commission pronounced the presidential elections valid. "More than 9.8 million people, or 59.8 percent of registered voters went to the polls by 12.00 local time. This figure grants the right to pronounce the presidential elections valid," said a spokesperson of Central Election Commission. Under the law on elections of Uzbek president, they are regarded as valid if over 33 percent of people out of nearly 16.3 registered voters, go to the polls. As many as 264 international observers, including 11 from India, from 30 countries visited different regions of the country to observe the polls, which were found to be free and fair.
Five international organizations hade also sent their teams to watch the polls. These include Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have sent 78 observors, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) 26, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) three and Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) has sent a team of six. Uzbekistan Presidential vote on SundayBy Deepak Arora SAMARKAND, Dec 22 : As many as 17 million voters will vote for the next Uzbekistan President on Sunday. All arrangements have been made receive the voters at over 10,000 polling stations in the country, said Mirzo-Ulugbek Abdusalomov, Chairman, said Central Election Commission. There are four candidates in the fray, including President Islam Karimov, who has ruled the country since its independence in 1991. The other three candidates, who are little known in the country, in the race are Dilorom Tashmukhamedova from the Adolat party, Asliddin Rustamov from People's Democratic Party, and Akmal Saidov, an Independent and a parliament deputy. As many as 264 observers, including 11 from India, from 30 countries have descended here watch the fairness of the democratic elections, which the world is watching with keen interest. Five international organizations have also sent their teams to watch the polls. These include Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have sent 78 observors, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) 26, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) three and Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) has sent a team of six. There was hectic one-month poll campaign in run up to the presidential elections where candidates met the voters, addressed rallies and reached the people through radio, television and newspaper campaigns. Going by the attendance at public rallies and meetings, one can say that Islam Karimov, candidate from the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen – Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, has maintained his popularity. His programme includes issues like continuation of wide-scale reforms, support of farmers and small business, improvement of the investment climate, reduction of the tax burden, introduction of high technologies in production and increase of the real incomes of the population. In the years of independence, President Karimov has successfully implemented deep reforms in all fields in the country. Foundations of the national statehood, democratic state and strong civil society were laid. Reforms to democratize, liberalize and modernize the country and introduce the market economy have given significant results. Many people, with whom this correspondent talked to, felt that support of the candidature of Islam Karimov was a reliable guarantee of continuation of the reforms in the country, further development of the economy and improving the people's well being. Tymoshenko elected as Ukrainian Prime MinisterDec 19: Ukraine's parliament elected Yulia Tymoshenko, the fiery and controversial heroine of the Orange Revolution as Prime Minister on Tuesday, a move that could accelerate the former Soviet republic's push to become closer to the West. Tymoshenko got 226 votes, the bare majority needed in the 450-member parliament, from deputies in her bloc and the party of President Viktor Yushchenko. Tymoshenko and the president formed a majority coalition after elections late last year, despite frequent tensions between the two. Before the vote in the Verkhovna Rada, Tymoshenko declared that the coalition was solid. "You have two patriots in politics who will hold this flag up high and never drop it. Today's vote is a moment of truth for the democratic coalition," she said. However, the vote count indicated the difficulties ahead of the Yushchenko-Tymoshenko coalition. The opposition dominated by the Party of Regions, which is led by pro-Russia former prime minister Viktor Yanukovych, is in strong position to fight initiatives by the Western-leaning reformist coalition. Party of Regions lawmaker Hanna Herman predicted the coalition would not last long, saying "the earlier they come, the earlier they'll leave". Loyalties switch frequently in Ukrainian politics and an attempt to return Tymoshenko to the premiership in 2006 derailed when a formerly allied party crossed over to join a coalition with Party of Regions. Kazakhstan Marching AheadBy Deepak Arora
A beaming Kazakhstan's Secretary of State Kanat Saudabayev said "We have gained really a great victory. Kazakhstan has managed to prove its leadership in the region and that it meets all the criteria of the organization's head." He added "Kazakhstan was the collective candidate of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Consistent democratic reforms of President Nazarbayev have received high international recognition." Kazakhstan has a reputation of a main integrator of the post-Soviet space. The steadfast position of Kazakhstan President Nazarbayev led to the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States – structure that helped avoiding chaos after the USSR collapse and preventing conflicts of interstate separation. Much significance for the regional security and economic stability comes from Kazakh President's initiative on creation of the Central Asian Union. Besides, wide recognition in the world has led to such progressive initiatives of the Kazakh leader as Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Thanks to its proactive international and regional policies of peace and security, internal stability, excellent record of religious and ethnic tolerance Kazakhstan has received full support of OSCE member-states to chair the organization. It is regarded as a country that can enrich the organization with its experience.
Inspired by the past, Dr Umarov said, "we are making a lot of efforts to revive the direct transport routes and nourish our friendly relations in any possible way. Most importantly, President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who regularly meet with each other, are behind endeavors to strengthen the bilateral relations." In recent year, bilateral interaction has seen dynamic growth in various spheres. Trade turnover has increased by 74 per cent and reached US $ 210 million in 2006. In 2006, Indian investment to Kazakhstan increased to US $ 16 million, indicating the growing confidence of Indian businessmen in the favourable environment of the Kazakh economy. On their part, Dr Umarov said "Kazakh companies are also establishing their presence in India with KazStroy (infrastructure), Kaspain Shelf (oil exploration), TVL (retail equipment) being the earliest ones to explore the Indian market." On the eve of the Independence Day of Kazakhstan, the positive developments taking place in the bilateral relations are largely a product of successful institutionalization process of mutual interaction. There are several bilateral structures that meet annually and are the driving forces behind the trend, he said. Nowadays, Kazakhstan and India are rediscovering each other. This, coupled by the rapid economic growth taking place in each country, opens a wide horizon for the constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation. I am sure that in the 21 st century our countries will seize the momentum to further strengthen constructive partnership. In today's world, it is remarkable that Kazakhstan is associated with continuous growth and sustainable development. The reason is that over the last 8 years, it has been enjoying 10 per cent growth at average in a row, which is among the highest in the world. It is true that at the early years of its statehood, Kazakhstan was in deep economic crisis as a consequence of the former USSR's collapse. However, owing to successful economic reforms and sound public policy, the country has overcome the hardships and is fast catching up with the Eastern European countries in terms of per capita income. Its GDP per capita in 1991 was $ 400, now it stands at $ 7,000. In this success story, investments played had a major role. For the 16 years, it has attracted over $ 70 billion of FDI and it has come to the stage, when the domestic investment, which stands at $ 80 billion, surpasses the foreign investments attracted. Today, Kazakhstan has become a net exporter of capital. Its entrepreneurs have already invested more than US $ 18 billion in foreign economies, among them US $ 5.3 billion is made in EU countries. International experts estimate the potential of Kazakh companies to invest abroad at over $ 40 billion. At present the Kazakh investors are encouraged to actively enter foreign markets through buying shares of successful companies overseas and participating in large scale projects, said Dr Umarov. In the globalizing world, it is necessary to learn from others to keep up with the high development strides and stay open minded. Thus, in building strategic policies it has borrowed best practices from the experience of successful countries. For instance, we have established development institutions and holding companies in the priority sectors such as Samruk (oversees public companies), Kazyna (manages development institutions), KazAgro (Agriculture) and Samgau (IT, Science and Technology).” Kazakhstan has established special economic and industrial zones, technology parks, social and entrepreneurial corporations to help promote competitive manufacturing. Under the Government's Strategy of Industrial Innovation, Kazakhstan has developed industrial clusters in oil-and-gas machine building, food processing, textiles, transport logistics, metallurgy, construction materials and tourism, where it has comparative advantages. The special focus is on tapping the brightest talents through giving them the best training at the leading universities around the world. Under the Presidential Bolashak ('Future') Program, 3,000 Kazakh students are given fully financed scholarships to pursue their higher education abroad. For those who cannot afford to leave the country, the best professors from abroad, including India, are invited to deliver lectures at Kazakh universities in high technology, engineering, etc. The purpose is to impart world standard education on Kazakh students and train highly qualified managers and specialists to efficiently run the growing economy. Kazakhstan has for the most part of its history been a raw material supplying country owing to its vast natural riches. Even today it successfully export mineral and fossil resources in great volumes to the world market. Kazakhstan has proven oil reserves for the next 50 years and gas reserves for more than 75 years. However, it is recognised that the real progress will come only through diversifying the economy to decrease our dependence on raw material exports. In 2000, a National Fund was established to accumulate revenues from commodity exports. The Fund, which has already accumulated US $ 16 billion, also allows controlling inflation and stimulating the development of non-commodity sector. Dr Umarov said Kazakhstan has been reshaping itself owing to consistent and proactive policy of President Nursultan Nazarbayev whose vision has transformed the country into a modern, progressive and economically viable state. Having achieved impressive economic growth, Kazakhstan is set to obtain even more ambitious tasks. Everyone agrees that without political stability in the country it is almost impossible to preserve economic progress. The Kazakh Government has been successful in ensuring stable domestic environment, he said. In its 16 years of history, Kazakhstan has not seen any internal conflict or clash along the ethnic or religious lines. Kazakhstan's case in promoting religious tolerance and freedom of religions is exemplary. In fact, Dr Umarov said "we believe that the great asset we have for development is diversity of culture, talents and mindsets of our people consisting of over 130 ethnic groups with 40 religious outlooks. As a strong follower of secularism and inter-ethnic harmony, we believe in the principle of unity in diversity." Regardless of their race or ethnicity, Kazakh citizens' fundamental rights are well protected by the Constitution. Furthermore, minorities have a say in the Government policy through the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, which has evolved from an advisory organization to a national body with a quota of seats in the Parliament. India extends full support to CICABy Deepak Arora
CICA is one of the most important Kazakh foreign policy initiatives and is aimed at promoting political dialogue on security issues and strengthening peace in the continent. India has been an active supporter of the forum right from its inception, according to CICA Executive Director Jandos Asanov. In a meeting with the two-member CICA delegation that arrived here from Almaty here, Minister of State for External Affairs Ahamed conveyed his deep appreciation for the vision of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev in taking the initiative of convening the CICA and his continued and unflinching support to the CICA process. Ahamed recalled that at the time of independence, Kazakhstan faced a number of challenges and President Nazarbayev handled these challenges single-handedly. He also dwelt on excellent bilateral between India and Kazakkhstan based on centuries old links between the two countries. The Minister was confident that the relations between the two countries would strengthen even further. He hoped for better cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy. The delegation of the CICA Secretariat is led by the Executive Director Jandos Asanov and also includes its Director Avinash Pandey. The delegation also held meetings with K.C. Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, K. Omarov, Kazakhstan Ambassador in India and Chenkyab Dorji, Secretary General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Ambassador Omarov said India has been an active supporter of the forum right from its inception. "This year, member countries have celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Conference. Today it is coming out of Kazakhstan and its events are being held in member countries." For instance, he said in March this year, the CICA Senior Officials Committee (SOC) meeting was held in Bangkok. In 2008 and 2009, Republic of Korea and India are likely to host the next meetings of the SOC. Ambassador Omarov also informed the delegation that the embassy has been actively involved with the Indian Government and other agencies on CICA matters in its capacity as diplomatic representative of the Chairman of CICA. During the meeting with the delegation, K.C. Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to the CICA process and promised full support for carrying the CICA process forward. The two sides discussed issues relating to further development of the CICA process were discussed. Jandos Asanov informed that India has volunteered to be co-coordinator with Republic of Korea for implementation Confidence Building Measures in Information Technology and Energy Security and with Azerbaijan in development of secure and effective systems of transportation corridors. Avinash Pandey said India has also offered to host the meetings of the CICA Special Working Group and Senior Officials Committee during the second half of 2008 or beginning of 2009. During the meeting with the Secretary General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, modalities for establishing formal links between the Secretariats of CICA and SAARC for exchange of information and best practices were discussed. Ruling Nur Otan knocks out Opposition
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ALMATY, Feb 20: Taking a cue from India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev has called for steps to stimulate domestic investment resources with growing role of state holdings, development institutions and social-business corporations. 
NEW DELHI: Renowned Kazakh violinist Marat Bisengaliev had finished in August 2006 the task of setting up the first ever professional Symphonic Orchestra of India (SOI) in Mumbai. Funded completely by the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), Bisengaliev had been given a carte blanche to make the orchestra up to truly world-class standard in India.
He further commented, adding to a debate spurred on by the geographical shift of supremacy in Western classical music from Europe to Asia, especially China, “India definitely has the capability, and is no lesser than China. What is essential is that quality music has to be provided to Indian listeners, to children especially. And this will remain the raison d'etre of the Symphony Orchestra of India." 
NEW DELHI, Jan 17: Kazakhstan has become one of the first CIS countries to abolish death penalty.
TASHKENT: Uzbek President Islam Karimov has won the presidential election with an overwhelming majority by garnering 88.1 per cent of the 14.7 million votes cast on Sunday, according to Mirzo-Ulugbek Abdusalomov, Chairman of Central Election Commission.
The Chief Election Commissioner said that no complaints were received from any quarters on the elections held on Sunday.
He said 1,47,65,444 of the 16.3 million voters had exercised their franchise in a free and fair atmosphere on Sunday. "The large number of voters' turnout shows that country has further moved towards democratization and modernization."
TASHKENT, Dec 23: Uzbekistan kept its date with democracy, when over 85 per cent of the 16.3 million people had caste their vote till 6 pm to elect the President, according to Mirzo-Ulugbek Abdusalomov, Chairman, Central Election Commission.
The OSCE news has come at a time when Kazakhstan and India are celebrating the 15 th anniversary of establishment of their relations. "Although contacts between our nations date back to the days of the Great Silk Route, Kazakhstan and India are strategically important to each other, as they are in their extended neighborhood. It is especially so in the globalization age, when the world is fast becoming a 'one small village'", says Dr. Kairat Umarov, Kazakhstan Ambassador in India. 
NEW DELHI, Dec 10: India has reiterated its commitment and full support to the CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence Measures in Asia) process that unites 18 Asian countries. 
ALMATY (Kazakhstan): Kazakhstan President NurSultan Nazarbayev's ruling Nur Otan party has completely sweeped the Parliamentary elections held on Saturday by capturing 88.5 per cent of votes. 
NEW DELHI, Aug 8: Kazakhstan, the largest and most modern of the Central Asian republics, is seeing a sea change in its democratization process. The country at the moment is witnessing a frenzy of campaigning for the parliamentary elections due on August 18. 
To respect the will of the lawmakers to quickly implement the series of fundamental constitutional reforms passed by the Majilis, President Nazarbayev called for an early dissolution of the House. The term of Majilis was to end in 2009. 
Kazakhstan's Ambassador to India, Dr Kairat Umarov, said the Prime Minister will represent the majority party, thus the parties acquire a greater role in the political life of Kazakhstan. From now on he has to seek a vote of confidence to the newly elected Majilis. He can also be removed through a vote of no confidence with a simple majority.
NEW DELHI, Aug 4: India and Kazakhstan have reiterated their resolve for a joint fight against terrorism.
The heads of the delegations also positively appreciated constructive activities the Joint Working Groups (JWG) on Hydrocarbons, Military and Technical Cooperation, Counter Terrorism. 
All these structured dialogues operate under the umbrella of Inter-Governmental Commission co-chaired by the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister B.Izmukhambetov and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora, which has proved to be efficient and active pursuant of deepening mutually beneficial interaction. 
NEW DELHI, March 26: India and Kazakhstan have decided to enhance trade ties in the field of textiles and clothing.
In June 2006, a high level delegation, headed by Mr. Berdibek Saparbaev, Deputy Head of Kazakhstan's Prime Minister's Office, had visited India to acquaint themselves with Indian textile expertise and promote cooperation in textile sector with India for developing Kazakhstan textile industry. 
ASHGABAT, Dec 24: Turkmenistan president Saparmurat Niyazov was buried on Sunday near a golden-capped mosque he built and named for himself in the impoverished Central Asian nation. |
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev |
ALMATY, Dec 16: Though it is the comedy film "Borat" has, of late, put Kazakhstan into limelight, it is one of the youngest nations with a fast growing and dynamic economy, a viable political system and a vibrant civil society.
Kazakhstan, oil-rich nation sandwiched between Russia and China, became an independent State on December 16, 1991. In its 15 years of independence, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev is diligently working towards making Kazakhstan one of the 50 most competitive nations in the world.
The President has announced the launch of seven clusters to diversify the country's dependence on oil and gas sector. The clusters are in such industries as tourism, food, textiles, metallurgy, oil and gas machine building, building materials and transport logistics.
Foreign companies willing to invest in such clusters are being given incentives. In this context small and medium enterprises are not only being developed within the country but also being welcomed to invest in Kazakhstan.
Infrastructure - roads, bridges, airports, telecommunications, electricity and internal and external oil and gas pipelines - is another sector attractive to foreign investors.
When Kazakhstan became an independent State, it was desperately poor and desperately restricted. It possessed no knowledge or experience of self-government and very little understanding of how modern markets function. Independence had been thrust upon it by the turn of history and the break-up of the Soviet Union, and all it knew was that if it didn't act quickly, instead of a new and independent Kazakh nation, it would have anarchy.
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Minister Gulzhana Karagussova |
Kazakhstan is now a major exporter of oil and is set to become one of the top five producers in the next decade. As a major non-OPEC oil exporter, it is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world with 10 per cent growth or more during each of the past five years. The number of people living below the poverty line has fallen from 40 per cent to under 16 per cent in the past five years. The unemployment rate is 7.6 per cent, says Dr (Mrs) Gulzhana Karagussova, Labour and Social Protection Minister.
The country now has a viable political system with a maturing democracy. This young country has gradual shifted its capital from Almaty to Astana, a 21st century phenomenon, and establishment of the Regional Financial Centre in the former capital.
Astana is a new, modern planned city build from scratch during the past 10 years and one can still see the huge array of construction activity. What is striking is the architectural designs of the buildings - of all shapes and sizes - that gives a new character to the vibrant and breathtaking city.
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Arken Arystanov |
The Regional Financial Centre of Almaty (RFCA), a special zone within Almaty-- the largest city of Kazakhstan, was set up early this year. It has been designed to serve as a regional financial centre for the Central Asian region and to encourage foreign investment. Foreign companies with businesses in the RFCA receive financial incentives and are reimbursed for auditing costs for registering in the Centre, according to Dr Arken Arystanov, Chairman of RFCA.
Dr Arystanov said investors entering the RFCA have access to the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), as well as the most stable and developed banking and technological systems in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Recently, he said the RFCA and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) signed a memorandum on bilateral cooperation formally allying the two in a cooperative business relationship.
Despite possessing considerable oil reserves, conditions for nation-building were not exactly propitious, to begin with. But since President Nazarbayev took charge of the young nation's political destiny, change has come at a rapid pace.
"We have repaid our debts to the IMF seven years ahead of schedule, privatised more than 80 per cent of the economy, created a Norwegian-style stabilisation fund that has helped tame inflation and introduced a fully funded pension scheme that I believe will one day be the envy of Western Europe," said President Nazarbayev.
Kazakhstan's opportunity to build a modern, democratic state came as the result of disintegration of an empire rather than a military invasion. But the suddenness of that collapse meant that it was expected to learn new ways and to acquire new habits and skills almost overnight.
President Nazarbayev put economic reform before democratic reform, not because he judged it to be more important but because he knew that democratic reform would stand a much greater chance of success if matters were prioritized in that way.
In her book, Statecraft: Strategies for a Changing World, Margaret Thatcher writes, "I do not believe that liberty and democracy are somehow alien to Asia -- one only has to see the enthusiasm with which the Hong Kong Chinese welcomed the changes briefly introduced between 1992 and 1997 to grasp that. But nor do I believe that it is possible in any country -- Asian or non-Asian -- which lacks an understanding and experience of what is involved, to introduce democracy at a stroke without risking trouble. That is particularly so when there is a background of violence."
Accordingly, in building the new Kazakhstan President Nazarbayev took care to proceed gradually, adapting and modifying existing institutions, creating new ones only where this was necessary and ensuring that these reflected national characteristics.
"Rather than purging the old, corrupt, inefficient public services or asking civil servants to renounce their past allegiances, we opened up the civil service to competitive examination. Rather than disbanding our armed forces we renounced the huge nuclear arsenal that we were bequeathed by the Soviet army and adapted those forces for the post-Cold War era.
Would-be nation-builders dangerously delude themselves if they believe that the first step in building a nation must be to destroy existing institutions and that the second must be to reach for a blank sheet of paper," says Nazarbayev.
Democracy in Kazakhstan remains in its infancy, but the two recent elections -- for the Kazakh lower house in 2004 and for the presidency in 2005 -- fulfilled the most important requirement of any democratic system: voters were given a genuine choice of candidates.
Says President Nazarbayev: "We accept that past elections have not been flawless, but at each election our democratic institutions grow stronger.
Gradualism is the key: if our approach to nation-building had been characterised by impatient schemes of political abstraction, we should most certainly have failed and the price of failure would have been catastrophic."
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Kairat Umarov |
Many experts call Kazakhstan an "Anchor of Stability in Central Asia". It occupies a unique place in Eurasia. It is in the very heart of Eurasia and is a welcoming and caring heart of Eurasia. Hospitality comes naturally to the people. Therefore, there are ample opportunities to enlarge people-to-people contacts between Kazakhstan and India, says Dr Kairat Umarov, Kazakh Ambassador to India.
Multi-ethnicity and tolerance are the other features of the Kazakh society. As an example of commitment to religious tolerance, Astana had in September hosted the second Congress of Leaders of World with the aim to develop dialogue between different faiths. Over 27 delegations from around the world, including India, took part in the Congress.
It was a huge success and religious leaders who attended the Congress vowed to contribute to strengthening peace in the world through promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.
Kazakhstan is turning to a new center of international diplomacy as it has hosted many events of international significance and it is an initiator of regional integration processes and mechanism for security in Asia. It is expected to chair the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2009.
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Yerzhan Ashikbayev |
"For Kazakhstan, security is of absolute importance for economic success. It's a top priority of our foreign policy. Kazakhstan assumes its responsibility for strengthening security in the region and, more widely, in Asia, by leading integration process," says Mr Yerzhan Ashikbayev, spokesman of Foreign Ministry.
Kazakhstan has been host to the Coference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
The second CICA summit, held recently in Almaty, attracted 18 countries, including India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Russia welcomes Indo-US N-deal
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: Russia has been one of the first countries to welcome the landmark nuclear deal between India and the United States.
Speaking to this correspondent, the visiting Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mr. Alexander D Zhukov, said “we welcome the deal as it will help India access to clean nuclear technology.”
Mr Zhukov, whose rank is equivalent to Deputy Prime Minister, said “Russia had been building nuclear power plants in India. We will be keen to build two or three more plants here in future.”
Speaking at an interactive meeting organized by FICCI, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said the Russian government was ready to grant five-year visas to Indian businessmen.
However, he said the issue of re-admission, which regulates the mechanism of repatriation, was holding up the signing of a formal agreement between the two governments.
Mr Zhukov said the Russia-India Joint Study Group is finalizing its recommendations to raise the bilateral trade turnover from US$ 2.75 billion to $10 billion by 2010. The recommendations would be shared with Russian and Indian business for their feedback, following which serious efforts would be made to remove the stumbling blocks to enhanced trade between the two countries.
Mr Zhukov who is leading a 54-member business and official delegation to India for the India-Russia Inter-governmental Commission (IRIGC) on Trade, Economic, S&T and Cultural Cooperation, said: We will discuss with Indian officials the issuance of a five-year visa to Indian businessmen, but we feel it should be linked to the re-admission issue.”
Russia considers the signing of the readmission agreement as necessary before the visa regime is simplified as, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, 36755 Indian nationals entered Russia in 2004 and only 30982 left it.
During the first half of 2005, 17210 Indians entered Russia and only 14749 left the country. More than a hundred illegal migrants from India have been detained last year on their way to European countries through the territory of the Russian Federation.
Mr. Zhukov said for the development of technology parks, Russia would rely on India’s successful experience in the field as the Russian government proposes to set up such parks throughout the country. He invited Indian business to participate in large numbers at the 11th International Economic Forum at St. Pertersburg in July 2007, where the focus will be on the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), particularly India.
He saw huge cooperation for joint ventures between Russian and Indian companies in areas such as energy, metallurgy, construction, new materials and physical infrastructure such as railroads, seaports and airports.
Mr. Nand Khemka, Chairman, India-Russian Federation Joint Business Council (JBC) and Chairman, Sun Group, alluded to the impediments to trade between India and Russia, saying: The visa regime in Russia prevents easy visits, there is lack of trust in Russian banks among Indian enterprise and the reputation of Indian business in Russia and Russian business in India, except in select sectors.”
He said the pharma sector has so far failed to realize its full potential as the registration process takes up to an incredible two years. This handicap affects their capacity to register new products and face the market. Further, while the EXIM Bank of India has provided a credit line to the Russian banks of US$ 30-50 million, the Russian banks have put such conditions that the Russian importers have not been able to utilize the facility.
Dr. Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI, spoke of the strong growth of the Indian economy, its attraction as an investment destination and identified the sectors that offer the scope for cooperation and investment as automobiles, IT, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, Food Processing, telecom, civil aviation and infrastructure.
India plans $5 B investment in Russial
NEW DELHI, Dec 4: India plans to invest $5 billion in various projects in Russia to source one billion barrels of oil and oil-equivalent gas from the country as part of measures to diversify its energy sources.
“We are targeting one billion barrels of oil and oil-equivalent gas from Russia,” according to ONGC Videsh Ltd managing director R S Butola. Butola was speaking at the function to receive the first oil from Sakhalin-1 project in Russia’s Far East.
Though he did not elaborate on the proposed projects, but sources said the total investment could be to the tune $5 billion.
Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said India plans to get more oil and gas from Russia to diversify sources of energy.
“Russia being the largest producer of gas and having largest gas reserves is definitely important to us. The multipolar energy supply chain, which Russia is capable of creating, would help us to diversify our sources,” Deora said.
At present, India imports more than 70 percent of its crude oil requirement and most of it comes from the Middle Eastern countries.
Butola said ONGC’s total exposure in Sakhalin-1 has come down to $1.5 billion after Russia’s state-controlled oil giant Rosneft repaid the 1.2 billion dollars loan that the Indian firm had extended to it as part of the agreement to get OVL to get into Sakhalin.
Rosneft had in 2001 asked OVL to finance Rosneft’s 20 percent stake in Sakhalin-1. This loan was to be repaid in the form of crude oil but the Russian company paid it in cash.
Butola said the total project cost of the Sakhalin-1 stands at $12.8 billon and OVL would chip in its share through revenues generated from crude oil sales.
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