Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday celebrated in Astana

By Deepak Arora

ASTANA, Oct 2: Indian embassy in Astana organized a solemn ceremony on Friday at the prestigious National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan to celebrate International Non-Violence Day (Gandhi Jayanti). The Mahatma Gandhi India Study Centre is located at the National Academic Library in Astana.

Mr. Ashok Sajjanhar, Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Ms. Aliya Sarsembinova, Deputy Director General of the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mr. Aidar Abuov, Director of International Centre for Culture and Religions of the Republic of Kazakhstan addressed the gathering of about 150 invited guests.

Government officials, scholars, university teachers, students, artistes, eminent social and cultural figures and Indian nationals in Astana attended the event.

The ceremony was covered by print and visual media in Astana. Ambassador Sajjanhar gave interview to the Astana TV and journalists from several newspapers and magazines in Kazakhstan on the importance and relevance of the philosophy of Gandhiji like international brotherhood, non-violence and the need for peaceful resolution of discords and conflicts.

He also explained to the journalists that during the last 17 years, the Embassy of India in Kazakhstan has been promoting friendship between peoples of India and Kazakhstan by organizing academic, literary and cultural events and Yoga as well as dance classes as part of its “Friendship through Culture” programme.

In his inaugural address Ambassador Sajjanhar informed the gathering that this year the International Non Violence Day marks exactly 140 years since the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. The Apostle of Peace and Non-violence was born on October 2, 1869. In India, this day is commemorated as ‘Gandhi Jayanti’, which is a national holiday.

In 2007, the United Nations honoured the great man by declaring October 2 as ‘International Non-Violence Day’ in acknowledgement of his contributions to promotion of international peace and understanding. Ambassador added that special programmes are being organized the world over to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Ambassador Sajjanhar commented that the power and strength of Mahatma Gandhi lay not in any physical or muscular force. He did not command an army. He did not have an official position in India. Yet through the force of his teachings, his words, his ideas, his life, he was able to move the whole nation and people as one. This was before the time of internet and cell phone.

All this was possible because he lived the life that he preached. As he said, “My life is my message”. Through his own life and personal example, he emphasized his teachings “Be the change you want to see in this world”.

In addition to his immense power of tolerance, he demonstrated to us the great virtue of forgiveness. His motto was “hate the sin not the sinner”. While he fought against the imperial tyranny and oppression of the British Government, he had nothing but warm, kind and generous feelings towards the people of Great Britain.

The Ambassador remarked that Gandhiji’s teachings and preaching of Ahimsa (non-violence), secularism and swaraj (self rule) continue to be as relevant today as they were during his fight against apartheid and colonial rule.

Today when the world is torn apart by the forces of terrorism, religious fundamentalism and extremism, his teaching “an eye for an eye will make the whole world go blind” is extremely pertinent and relevant. He observed that Gandhiji’s achievements are stupendous. His triumph changed the world forever.

As Albert Einstein said at the time of his assassination “future generations will hardly believe that such a man walked on this earth in flesh and blood”. The Ambassador urged the people to rededicate themselves to the Mahatma’s teachings.

The Ambassador took the opportunity to present a collection of books, films and music to the National Academic Library of Kazakhstan. He thanked the National Academic Library for hosting the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in the library.

Ms. Aliya Sarsembinova, Deputy Director General of the National Academic Library thanked Ambassador for the precious gifts which would benefit many readers and students.

She also expressed the Library’s gratitude to the Embassy of India for maintaining the Mahatma Gandhi Study Centre at the Library, and also for imparting Yoga classes at the Library. The Embassy conducts Yoga classes by India-based Yoga Teacher at the Library.

Mr. Aidar Abuov, Director of International Centre for Culture and Religions of Kazakhstan spoke about the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi and his teachings. He enumerated the achievements of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa and in India, his principles of life and the influence of Gandhi on President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

President Nazarbayev is a staunch proponent of social and religious harmony, interfaith dialogue and peace and accord between peoples and countries. He has dedicated the Palace of Peace and Accord (the Pyramid) in Astana for promoting the principles that were preached and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi.

The festivities included cultural programmes. The event started with singing of the favourite hymn of Mahatma Gandhi by Ms. Gaukhar Mukhtar, a Kazakh national who learned Hindi in India. Ms. Nurgul Amerbekova, a Kazakh artiste who studied Indian classical dance in New Delhi enthralled the guests with two delightful items of Odissi dance.

The students of the Mahatma Gandhi Study Centre also delighted the guests by reciting poems in Hindi.

Dr Kairat Umarov is new Kazakh Dy Foreign Minister

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, Sept 9: Dr. Kairat Umarov, who has been Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India and Sri Lanka, has been appointed as the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan.

During his distinguished tenure in India, relations between Kazakhstan and India intensified in many directions, including nuclear energy, space, IT, pharmaceuticals and thermal power.

As a result, the bilateral relations were elevated to the level of strategic partnership following the historic state visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev as the Chief Guest on the Republic Day of India in January 2009.

In his new capacity, he would be overseeing relations with the US and Americas, multilateral cooperation, external publicity and foreign policy studies and prognosis.

Kanat Saudabayev: Kazakhstan's movement towards greater democracy is unequivocal, unambiguous

ASTANA, Sept 9: Kazakhstan's Secretary of State and Foreign Affairs Minister spoke at the presentation of the “National Human Rights Action Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2009-2012”, attended by representatives of government agencies and diplomatic corps accredited in Kazakhstan.

Secretary Saudabayev noted that on the eve of its chairmanship in the OSCE, Kazakhstan is doing a great deal of work bringing national legislation into accordance with international standards. Amendments to the laws on election, political parties and media have been introduced. The amendments implement the instructions of the President outlined in the state program “The Path to Europe”, and also comply with provisions stated by him at the 17th annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

Kazakhstan is ready for further development of legislative framework and consistent alignment according to international standards of human rights. Promotion and protection of human rights can’t be implemented without taking into account international experience and that fact has determined Kazakhstan’s decision to accede to relevant UN covenants and treaties on human rights including International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and also on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Active work is going on in this direction: the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan is working on possible ratification of the Covenant on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities, the first international treaty in the sphere of human rights of the XXI century.

According to the Secretary of State - Minister of Foreign Affairs, “there are necessary prerequisites for their further improvement at the present stage of political development in Kazakhstan. For our country, developing as a secular, democratic and legal state, this statement is not a simple tribute to legal traditions. It is a firm tenet and absolute condition for further progress of the country."

“Since Kazakhstan became independent, the success of Kazakhstan project to build the state has received deserved recognition in the international community, which was proved by Kazakhstan’s election as chairman of the OSCE in 2010. Due to consistent commitment to the choice based on providing the rule of law and effective protection of human rights, peace and harmony are maintained in Kazakhstan, social and economical development is ensured and geography of foreign policy is expanded. Due to the reserve of solidity and reserves accumulated in previous years, our country successfully resists the negative effects of global economic upheaval, confirming the strength of the President’s strategy on building a new Kazakhstan,” Kanat Saudabayev said.

Secretary of State –Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the creation of conditions for high-quality life of our citizens is an important function of the state in terms of providing human rights. That is why Kazakhstan’s leaders are considering effective socio-economic policy of the state as one of the top priorities in protecting the rights of its citizens.

One of the efficient indicators of compliance of fundamental human rights in our state is the desire by tens of thousands of foreigners seeking Kazakhstan’s citizenship.

Speaking about the further process of building democracy, the Secretary said: “We recognize that building democracy is a process that has no end and there can not be such a thing as a perfect democracy. Yet, there is a notion movement, and the movement of Kazakhstan and of our President, chosen during the first days of independence, is unequivocal and unambiguous, and it is one towards a greater democracy, the rule of the law and the protection of rights and freedom for everyone.

Kazakhstan remains committed to all its obligations under the relevant UN conventions, and others documents of international rights. Our state will continue to liberalize the national legislation according to the needs of the developing society of Kazakhstan, carefully studying the recommendations of our foreign partners.

As evidence of our openness for such recommendations we consider the successful cooperation, which led to the development and adoption of the current National Plan.

Mr. Haoliang Xu, UNDP Resident Representative - UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan noted, “The United Nations puts the human rights into prospective at the discussion of aspects of development, regarding the promotion and protection of human rights as an essential requirement for achieving the vision of the Charter of the Justice and Peace”.

He is sure that the implementation of the National Plan in the sphere of human rights in Kazakhstan will contribute to a more complete and effective implementation of policy, implementation of respect for human rights and freedom and further movement to a dialog between civil society and the government on a high level.

Mr. Xu said, “The Plan has the practical value for implementation of the Government’s program “The Path to Europe”, in particular, for the government’s efforts to put the national legislation into accordance with international standards on the eve of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the OSCE in 2010”.

Mr. Paul Brummel, the British Ambassador, noted that “Kazakhstan’s Constitution enshrines a person, his life, rights and freedoms as the state’s highest values.” The Ambassador expressed hope that the implementation of Plan’s recommendations will lead to fundamental changes in the legislation, as well as into the work of institutions and the system of control mechanisms in the area of human rights, which should in general improve the lives of the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”

Kanat Saudabayev named new Kazakh Foreign Minister

ASTANA, Sept 7: On September 4th Kanat Saudabayev was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan; he will continue to serve as Secretary of State. Mr. Saudabayev was previously Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States, the United Kingdom and Turkey.

Kazakhstan’s President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, noted the experience and service – both public and diplomatic - of Saudabayev, as well as his credibility at home and abroad. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Saudabayev takes over responsibility for spearheading Kazakhstan's preparation for and holding the chairmanship of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2010.

On making the appointment official President Nazarbayev praised the work of the previous Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin – who has been appointed Assistant to the President and Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Born in 1946, Kanat Saudabayev served as the Secretary of State of the Republic of Kazakhstan since 15 May 2007. He served as Kazakhstan's ambassador to the United States from December 2000 until 2007, when President Nazarbayev promoted him to the position of the Secretary of State.

In Washington, Mr Saudabayev brought an important contribution
strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the USA in the spheres of security, nuclear disarmament, economy and democratic development. Before his appointment to the U.S., Ambassador Saudabayev had a long career in the fields of government, diplomacy and the arts.

In 1999 and 2000, he served as the head of the Prime Minister’s Office. In the 1990s, he served as Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and to Turkey.

Working in Moscow from September 1991 through May 1992 as the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic to the USSR, and then, after the Soviet Union collapsed, to the Russian Federation, Kanat Saudabayev was a direct participant in and a witness to many crucial events of that time.

Before entering the diplomatic service, Mr Saudabayev had a distinguished cultural career, serving as Kazakhstan’s Chairman of the State Committee of Culture with the rank of Minister, Chairman of the State Film Committee, and Deputy Culture Minister. He began his career as a theatrical producer.

Kanat Saudabayev holds degrees from the Leningrad Institute of Culture and the Academy of Public Sciences of the Central Committee of Communist Party of the Soviet Union. He has a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Kazakh State University and Doctor’s degree in Political Science from the Moscow State University. Mr Saudabayev is married with three children.

Prez Patil addresses 18th National Day of Tajikistan

DUSHANBE: President Pratibha Patil has felicitated the people of Tajikistan on the occasion on their National Day, speaking on the occasion in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, she said that Indo-Tajik relations have got a boost in recent times.

Patil referred to the tradition of historical and cultural relations between both friendly countries.

The President highlighted the fact that Tajikistan is following policy of peace and cooperation. She expressed hope that the country will keep on moving forward on the path of peace and prosperity.

Earlier, talking to her counterpart Emomali Rahmon, Patil urged international community to take urgent, proactive measures to cooperate and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to ensure that these forces do not derail the processes of progress and prosperity.

The talks also focused on wide ranging cooperation in the field of education, culture, investment and enhanced business transactions.

Patil asks countries to take measures to eliminate terrorism

NEW DELHI: India has asked countries in the region to take "urgent, proactive measures" to cooperate and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to ensure that these forces do not derail the processes of progress and prosperity.

President Pratibha Patil, who is in Tajikistan on a three-day state visit, conveyed India's concerns about terrorist threats during talks with her Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon, which also covered a wide-ranging cooperation in the field of education, culture, investment and enhanced business transactions.

She also sought the Central Asian nation's support in eliminating terrorism from the region.

"Our region is today beset by the menace of terrorism. Terrorism, extremism and fundametalism are posing a serious threat to the peace and secuity in our region, be it India, Afghanistan, or Tajikistan," Patil said.

Observing that the 26/11 attacks were one more manifestation of terrorism in the region, she said it was imperative that all goverments of the region take "urgent, proactive measures to cooperate and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, so that these forces do not derail the processes of progress and prosperity".

"We value the support of Tajikistan in the fight against terrorism," she said in a statement.

India and Tajikistan are together in the fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan, and New Delhi believes that concerted efforts between the two nations against terrorism and extremism would contribute greatly to peace and stability in the region.

Patil, the first Indian President to visit the Central Asian Region, said her talks with the Tajik leadership were "extremely useful" and covered issues of bilateral, regional and international importance.

She would be participating in the Independence Day celebrations of Tajikistan, a rare honour given to a foreign dignitary, on Tuesday.

Describing that the Central Asian Region as "our extended neighbourhood" and Dushanbe was geographically close to Delhi, she said "the Central Asian Region figures very high in our foreign policy priorities".

The President said New Delhi considered iself to be a partner in Dushanbe's quest for improving the skills and qualifications of its people.

Noting that over the years, India provided training and participation for candidates from Tajikistan in various human resource development programmes in various fields, she said "we propose to continue doing so".

Patil also invited the Tajik President to visit India again soon to take forward many of the new ideas for bilateral cooperation that they had discussed.

Patil also assured India's support in the field of information technology, entrepreneurial skills, defence training, English language and management.

India's ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) programme offered short-term training programmes in these and other fields to about 100 candidates from Tajikistan and also undertook several small scale developmental and human resource projects in the region.

Tajikistan is one of the largest beneficiaries of the ITEC programme.

Kazakh, India sign S&T Cooperation Programme

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, Sept 2: The Kazakh-Indian Intergovernmental Program of Cooperation on Science and Technology for 2009-2011 was signed here by Dr. Kairat Umarov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India, and Dr. T.Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology. The Program stipulates joint research projects in priority areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, space exploration, information technology, renewable energy and petrochemicals.

Under the Program, the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Science and Technology of India will coordinate scientific exchanges, hold bilateral seminars, and conferences, and promote technological innovation. Ambassador Umarov and Secretary T.
Ramasamy also discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation. It was noted that scientific and technological cooperation is an important component of the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and India, established during the state visit of President Nazarbayev to India as the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in January 2009.

The two sides also agreed to intensify Kazakh-Indian scientific and technological cooperation, also within the framework of the Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, the 5th meeting of which will be held in Delhi next year.

As pointed out by T. Ramasamy, “Indian side is pleased with the beginning of the new phase of scientific and technical cooperation, which offers significant opportunities for expansion of contacts between scientists of two countries». The signing of the Program demonstrates the serious intent of the sides to continue expanding collaboration in the field of new technologies and promising areas of science.

Kazakh overcomes global economic crisis: Nazarbayev

ASTANA, Sept 1: Addressing the Kazakh Parliament here today, President Nursultan Nazarbayev said that "we should not only overcome the difficult period (global crisis), but also thoroughly prepare for the post-crisis phase. It demands serious comprehensive renewal of our legislation".

During the past period, US $19 billion were spent by the State for stabilization measures which corresponds to 14% of GDP. “Today we see the positive results of the measures taken” he said, adding that “Currently, over 5000 investment projects are under way in the country regions, with 393 000 new jobs created. As a result, in the first half of this year, the real monetary income of the population increased. Across the country, projects such as ‘100 Schools / 100 Hospitals’ or ‘20 Smart Schools’ were implemented”.

Emphasizing the importance of food security, President noted that “The support we provided to the agricultural sector is also unprecedented. From January to July, the gross agricultural produce grew by 2.8% against the same period in 2008. Farmers have received over financial support from the State subventions. These subsidies enabled those working in the agricultural sector to succeed in their sowing campaigns and increase areas under crops by 1.6 million hectares”.

In his view, “the financial system of Kazakhstan has been stabilized. For the first seven months of this year, investments into the Kazakh economy grew by 7% on 2008”.

According to international experts, Kazakhstan is leading the efficiency index of anti-crisis policies among CIS countries.

According to him, "the Government has a task - to complete elaboration of Kazakhstan's Development Program till 2020, that is for the forthcoming 10 years. It will be the next step towards implementation of Kazakhstan's Development Strategy till 2030. It is crucial to take into account global changes and tendencies".

Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized five directions, on which the state and society should concentrate efforts in the next 10 years: the post-crisis economic rehabilitation, ensuring economic sustainability, creation of competitive human capital, provision of basic social, housing and public utility services, support of interethnic concord, security, stability of international relations.

The President underscored that “we should improve the investment and entrepreneurial climate in Kazakhstan. New systematic measures aimed at improving the business climate and supporting domestic producers are needed as never before. The system of business inspections should be optimized in the framework of the draft law on control and supervision of activity”.

Continuation of administrative and legal reforms as well as further democratization of Kazakhstan was named as one of the key priorities of the Parliament’s activity. He expressed the view that it is important to continue working on the consolidation of the legislation ensuring a real equality of rights for Kazakhstan’s citizens independent from their racial, national and religious origins. Human rights and freedom protection are another priority.

According to Mr. Nazarbayev, next year is very special for Kazakhstan. It will be marked by an important historical event – Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the OSCE. This honorary mission, in his view, gives Kazakhstan a great responsibility as well as wide opportunities. Kazakh MPs will play an active part by working with their foreign colleagues and participating in the work of various OSCE groups, commissions and its Parliamentary Assembly.

Important aspects of experience sharing was also highlighted. “We should use this opportunity to study the work experience of the Parliaments of the OSCE member-states to apply it practically in
Kazakhstan” he said.

On the way to a world free from nuclear weapons

By Marat Tazhin, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Aug 29: On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of Termination of Nuclear Tests at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Testing Site (SNTS) held on June 18, 2009 the President of the Republic Kazakhstan N.A.Nazarbaev initiated a proposal to declare August 29 as the International Day of Renunciation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. He also made a proposal to work out a new universal Treaty on Comprehensive Horizontal and Vertical Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The new initiatives of Kazakhstan have been dictated by its aspiration for a more secure world, free from nuclear weapons, and its concern that this process is facing considerable obstacles.

Unfortunately, the global disarmament process has been passing through a very long period of stagnation. Due to lack of consensus and absence of political will the international community has not been able to move further in deciding the cardinal questions of disarmament and non-proliferation.

In the first place, this concerns the ineffectiveness of the main tool of nuclear non-proliferation – the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

As of today the NPT is devoid of effective levers to prevent proliferation of the nuclear weapons and emergence of new nuclear powers de facto. Inequality which is inherent in NPT is leading to destructive tendencies and a feeling of ‘injustice perpetuated by NPT’ in some regions of the world. Those countries which are not a member of the recognized ‘nuclear club’ are aspiring to acquire the technology of nuclear weapons and create their own arsenal of such weapons. They consider this as a guarantee of not only their own security, but also as an assurance for safeguarding their foreign policy interests.

This has made the present-day world less predictable, and the problem of use of nuclear weapons has become more complex, as it now depends more on local players rather than global ones.

Our country has got the moral right to come out with new initiatives on this highly sensitive matter. The peoples of Kazakhstan have faced all the horrors of nuclear weapons. Between 1949 and 1991 a total number of 456 nuclear tests were carried out at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Testing Site. These tests caused diseases and sufferings to several hundred thousands of fellow citizens and led to contamination of a huge territory with radiation.

Kazakhstan has closed down the largest nuclear testing site and has destroyed the entire military nuclear infrastructure. By doing so Kazakhstan has set an example of a very high sense of responsibility before the present and the future generations of mankind which convincingly demonstrates that it is the foreign policy of peace, internal stability, and sustainable economic and political development of the country which are the main components of security rather than any nuclear arsenal.

Realizing that there are serious problems in the implementation of NPT, the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev, in his address to 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly in the year 2007, had called upon the nuclear powers to move towards a world free from the nuclear weapons, and also to take measures to ensure effectiveness of NPT and to strongly regulate non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

It is necessary to create clear-cut mechanisms to encourage the countries in possession of nuclear weapons to act within the framework the NPT, and to prevent any signatory country to make an exit from the Treaty. It is necessary that all its participants should adhere to unconditional fulfillment of their obligations as embodied in the unity of its three fundamental components - non-proliferation, peaceful use of an atomic energy and disarmament.

The initiative for a new universal Treaty on Comprehensive Horizontal and Vertical Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is not meant to replace the existing agreements; it is not going to be a mechanical replacement of NPT by something new as a matter of principle.

We are interested in strengthening the NPT, to make it really effective, to overcome its fundamental asymmetry and non-obligatory character of some of its provisions. One month or, possibly, even one year may not be sufficient to complete this task. We keep our doors open for a meaningful and fruitful dialogue with anyone interested in strengthening the regime of non-proliferation and disarmament.

Unfortunately, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) has not yet come into force although it had been passed by the UN General Assembly in September 1996 by majority vote. It is hoped that the example of the new Administration of the United States which has declared that it is committed to the CTBT and is going to place it before the Congress for ratification will be followed by other countries whose participation will decide the fate of this Treaty.

Kazakhstan is making significant contribution to strengthen the regime of verification within the limits of the CTBT, and it is actively cooperating with its Preparatory Committee for setting up of a Global Monitoring Network.

In order to strengthen and develop a system of inspection under the Treaty Kazakhstan had supported the initiative to carry out in September 2008 a wide-ranging Integrated Field Experiment in the territory of the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Testing Site.

Implementation of projects connected with CTBT will make it possible to use the infrastructure available in Semipalatinsk in such a manner so that it more and more acquires the role of an international testing site of peace, ‘a neutral belt’ for solving sensitive issues concerning non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Creation of nuclear-free zones can be one of the ways of reducing the threat of a nuclear war. In this direction a Central Asian Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty (CANFZT) was signed in the city of Semipalatinsk on September 8, 2006 which has come into force on March 22, 2009.

The CANFZT is a real substantial contribution of the countries of this region in the direction of achieving the goals of the NPT, and it also helps to strengthen regional and international security. If we compare the Central Asian zone with similar zones we will notice that it has several characteristic features.

In particular, the Treaty envisages that all the participant countries must sign an Additional Protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to affirm that they do not intend to shift nuclear materials meant for peaceful use to military purpose. This affirmation further proves that the countries of Central Asia have firmly decided that this region should remain nuclear-free in the future also. This is the first and the only zone fully located in the Northern Hemisphere where nuclear weapons had been placed in the past.

Another special feature of the Central Asian zone is that it has common borders with two nuclear powers, i.e. Russia and China, and is very close to India and Pakistan who both possess nuclear weapons.

Symbolically, the Central Asian Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty was signed in Semipalatinsk – the place which has experienced in full measure the evils of nuclear weapons.

Today Kazakhstan has become a signatory to all the basic international documents on prevention of nuclear, biological, radiological and chemical weapons. We have been rigorously fulfilling the obligations of the UN Security Council Resolution No.1540 on non-proliferation of all kinds of weapons of mass destruction.

In July 2005 Kazakhstan joined the Proliferation Security Initiative which is better known as ‘Krakow Initiative’. Kazakhstan is also actively participating in the Global Initiative for Struggle against Acts of Nuclear Terrorism which was put forward by the Presidents of Russia and US in July 2006.

In the year 2004 Kazakhstan signed an Additional Protocol. All the nuclear objects of Kazakhstan fall under the guarantee of IAEA, and all the nuclear activities of Kazakhstan are being carried out in accordance with the rules and standards of the IAEA.

The day when the historical decision to close down the nuclear testing site at Semipalatinsk was taken marks the beginning of the process of complete liquidation of the fourth largest nuclear potential of the world – the nuclear heritage of the erstwhile Soviet Union. The date of 29th August has historical significance not only for Kazakhstan but for the entire mankind too. The fact is that this testing site was closed own not for any technical reasons, but consciously, as a practical contribution to reduction of global nuclear threat. From the point of view of nuclear disarmament this was an unprecedented event of world-wide significance.

On April 24, 2009 the UN General Assembly passed the Resolution “International Cooperation and Coordination of Activities for the Rehabilitation of Peoples and Ecology and Economic Development of the Semipalatinsk Region of Kazakhstan”. It has been proposed to the member-countries to formally celebrate the twentieth anniversary of closing down of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Testing Site.

In this connection declaring the 29th August as the International Day of Renunciation of Nuclear Weapons within the format of UN may acquire very special symbolic significance and it may also help to achieve the goal of the world free from nuclear weapons.

Kazakhstan hopes to get support for this initiative from all the friendly countries when it is put forward before the UN General Assembly.

Kazakh Constitution leads nation on path to success: Envoy

NEW DELHI, Aug 26: While releasing a book on Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Ambassador Dr Kairat Unarov said the country's progress has been due to its Constitution that was adopted in 1995. "The Constitution is a cornerstone of all successes.

Dr. Kairat Umarov released the book "Contemporary Kazakhstan - Success Story of Nation Building", authored by journalist Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, in the presence of a select gathering of diplomats, academia and media persons. The book release was dedicated to the Constitution Day celebrated on August 30.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Umarov said “whatever impressive achievements Kazakhstan has reached is due to the main law. The Constitution is a cornerstone of all successes. Adopted in 1995, it set the conditions for Kazakhstan to be a secular, democratic and market oriented country with rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens as the primary focus”.

It was highlighted that “because of the Constitution, we have a full democracy, vibrant civil society and free media. Kazakh citizens enjoy fundamental rights, such as free school education, freedom of speech and belief. That is why there is 98% of literacy in Kazakhstan. Censorship is prohibited by law. Citizens are engaged in constructive dialogue with the government and they are participants in decision making processes”.

Dr. Umarov described the book launch as a welcome and timely initiative that would cement Indo-Kazakh ties further and building bonds of everlasting friendship and partnership between the two countries.

He said 2009 has been a very positive and progressive year from the point of bilateral relations, as it included a visit by Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, the signing of several important agreements to cooperate more actively in the field of petrochemicals, oil and natural gas, and explore and promote opportunities in the fields of science and technology, information technology, thermal power, hydro-carbons, pharmaceuticals and culture etc.

Additionally, he said, both countries are actively working to finalize an inter-governmental agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which is significant in the wake of India gaining NSG clearance.

He highlighted the fact that leaderships of the two countries were now meeting more often at and on the sidelines of international conferences such as last month’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia. This reflected well for enhancement of ties in the short and long term, he added.

Former Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Rajiv Sikri spoke of his stint as India’s ambassador to Kazakhstan in the mid-1990s when Kazakhstan’s Constitution was adopted, and said he was quite amazed by the progress Kazakhstan has made in the nearly two decades of its existence as a modern independent nation state.

He said that afterwards during his many visits to Kazakhstan, he had always come back with an impression of a country taking steady and concrete steps in establishing itself in the international community. He said that it was always a pleasure to visit Kazakhstan, and having an association with it is an honour.

Narender Kumar, owner of Har-Anand Publications, also recalled his past association with Kazakhstan, including writing and publishing a biography of President Nazarbayev, a reprint of which is due next year.
Endorsing the views of other two speakers, Kumar said Kazakhstan is a country in constant evolution, always seeking ways to improve its infrastructure and the lifestyle of its people. He emphasized that both India and Kazakhstan should consistently look for ways to enhance people-to-people contact, trade, commerce and culture etc.

Chaudhury said that while his book was one of many on Kazakhstan, he felt that it would be a worthwhile read as what stuck out most about his visits to Kazakhstan and his interactions with the people of that country, was the warmth and affection that they displayed towards Indians. That, he said, was something to build on for the future.

Chaudhury, whose areas of interests include foreign policy issues and strategic affairs, said his book provides information on Kazakhstan from an Indian perspective and highlights aspects of a Central Asian country that would be of interest to the Indian reader.

Divided into seven chapters, the 88-page book (plus two annexures) effortlessly and lucidly bridges the awareness gap about contemporary Kazakhstan; dealing with its evolution into a modern nation state in the post-Soviet era (1991 onwards), its multi-vector foreign policy, its unique relationship with India and the steps it has taken under its visionary president Nursultan Nazarbayev to sustain a vibrant economy.
One of the seven chapters is dedicated to the special ties that India and Kazakhstan enjoy. It recalls the fact that contacts go back to the days of the Great Silk Route, which passed from China to the Western World through Central Asia.

From an Indian perspective, the book highlights three key reasons why Kazakhstan is important - (1) Its strategic location (2) Its vast energy and mineral resources and (3) Its secular and composite social structure. The fact that India was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence finds special mention. The chapter on India also highlights the great affection that people of Central Asia have for Indians thanks primarily to its benevolent image, popular movies, culture and ancient civilization.

In the 21st century, the book talks of Kazakhstan and India rediscovering each other and predicts that as the pace of globalization increases, the status will change from "immediate neighbours to extended neighbours". The chapter concludes with a plea for improving modes of direct transportation.

The rapid development of Kazakhstan’s oil and gas fields in the early 2000s has facilitated huge economic growth (average annual growth rate of ten percent) and a modernized political structure. As a country, Kazakhstan has undertaken many timely reforms with the help of both Asian and European experts, and this helped it engage with major powers such as the US, the UK, the EU and China.

Published by Har-Anand Publications (P) Ltd, the book while throwing light on different aspects of national development and emerging opportunities; provokes new thoughts and ideas on the way forward between the two countries.

Indian embassy in Astana celebrates I-Day

By Deepak Arora

ASTANA, Aug 15: The 62nd anniversary of India’s Independence Day was celebrated at the Residence of Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar here this morning. The ceremony began with the flag hoisting by Ambassador Sajjanhar and singing of National Anthem and patriotic songs by the ladies of the Indian Embassy.

In his remarks to the guests before the telecast of address by President of India on the eve of Independence Day, Ambassador acknowledged the significant contribution of the Indian community in Kazakhstan in promoting and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Ambassador referred to the Parliamentary elections that took place in India in April-May, 2009 as a result of which the ruling United Progressive Alliance Government led by the Congress Party had come back with a stronger majority. The results of the elections signify continuity with change. The new Government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh has taken far reaching decisions for the economic development and growth of the country. The Government was determined to bring the economy back to the growth path of 9 per cent in the shortest possible time.

Ambassador Sajjanhar said that the Indian economy had not been affected as severely as the economies of other developed and developing countries due to the economic crisis. Indian economy had grown at a rate of 6.7 per cent in 2008. It was the largest recipient of remittances from the Indian diaspora amounting to US$ 52 billion. This is a testimony to the confidence that Indians abroad have in the future of the country.

The Government is determined to devote special attention and emphasis to the building of physical infrastructure including roads, ports, power, airports, etc. as well as social infrastructure including education and health.

Ambassador also dealt with the significant visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to India as the Chief Guest at our 60th Republic Day celebrations. This was a strong reaffirmation of the respect and affection of the people of India for President Nazarbayev and for the people of Kazakhstan. Discussions and meetings during the visit provided a significant impulse to bilateral political, strategic, economic, commercial, cultural and military ties. Several path-breaking Agreements in the areas of oil and gas, civil nuclear energy, space were signed.

President Nazarbayev invited several Indian companies including NTPC, ONGC, GAIL and NPCIL to positively consider collaborating with Kazakhstan in renovation, modernization and construction of coal-based power plants; construction of a petrochemical complex in Atyrau; establishment of joint ventures to manufacture pharmaceuticals for Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries. Several business delegations have visited Kazakhstan from India over the last few months.

Ambassador’s remarks were followed by the recorded telecast of the address to the Nation by the President of India on the eve of the 62nd anniversary of India’s independence.

Indian nationals living in Astana and nearby cities including Karaganda (250 km), Atyrau (3000 km), Pavlodar (500 km), officials of the Embassy along with their families and children participated enthusiastically in the celebrations. Friends and well-wishers of India in Kazakhstan including representatives of several companies like Arcelor-Mittal, Punj Lloyd, Tata Consultancy Services and others also attended the celebrations. About 100 people participated in the activities.

Indian tea and refreshments were served after the official ceremony.

This was the first Independence Day celebration in Kazakhstan after the visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to India in January, 2009. His visit resulted in upgradation of bilateral relations to the level of Strategic Partnership.

To mark this event, LB Associates with the support of the Embassy published a special issue titled “India-Kazakhstan: Strategic Partners” which was released and distributed to guests during the Independence Day ceremony. Copies of this publication are also being made available to Ministers and Senior officials in the Government of Kazakhstan and Members of Parliament, Universities, Libraries, Think-Tanks and Cultural Institutions in Kazakhstan.

Ambassador gave interviews to three leading newspapers and journals in Kazakhstan viz. Astana, Vechernyaya Astana and Fokus to mark this important occasion. All these interviews focused on the achievements and strong march of India towards progress, growth and development. Information about India’s Independence Day was also carried in several newspapers as well as on Radio channels, according to George Raju, Head of Chancery.

Kazakhstan Focuses on OSCE Chairmanship 2010

By Deepak Arora

ASTANA, Aug 12: Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev held a key meeting on the nation’s preparations for the OSCE chairmanship in 2010 on August 8.

In a speech President Nazarbayev emphasized that “we are the first nation in the CIS, Central Asia and the entire Asian continent – with a predominantly Muslim population – to chair this respected European organization… I regard the OSCE chairmanship as a strategic national project, a major milestone since independence…”

“The decision of the OSCE member states to approve Kazakhstan’s candidacy was very well-grounded: our nation is the most stable in the region; we have avoided interethnic and interfaith conflicts. Kazakhstan is a predictable partner… the nation is a part of all regional safety structures…but pursues a foreign policy of its own to protect national interests”.

Kazakhstan’s chairmanship will take course against the continuing global economic crisis, growing tensions, threats of energy and food crises, and escalating threat of proliferation. “Therefore,” said President Nazarbayev, “we need to perform the mission honorably - being fully aware of our responsibility”.

The President said that during the chairmanship Kazakhstan will focus on reducing weapons of mass destruction, tackling environmental issues, address the provision of energy and food security, and strengthen inter-ethnic and inter-faith accord.

Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin said at the meeting that preparations for the OSCE chairmanship are at the active stage.
“Kazakhstan is a pioneer among all ex-Soviet states and our chairmanship is a unique precedent… The nation will chair the Organization in a tough period that requires very balanced policies.”

Under the directorship of Foreign Minister Tazhin, President Nazarbayev has established a State Committee to coordinate Kazakhstan’s agenda for the OSCE chair.

Friends of Central Asia Forum launched in Delhi

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, Aug 13: Indian Federal Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed launched a new NGO, “Friends of Central Asia Forum”, aimed at promoting ties between Central Asia and India, at a function attended by representatives of diplomatic corps, think tanks, NGOs and media.

Mr. Ahmed expressed satisfaction over fast expansion of relations between Central Asian countries and India, including in the field of tourism. He also talked of efforts being made to promote tourism ties with Eurasian countries. For instance, an idea was promulgated to open a tourism office in one of the Central Asian countries to look after organizing road shows, fairs and exhibitions to promote India as a tourist attraction and introduce Central Asian beautiful nature and tourist sites, with well developed infrastructure to Indian holidaymakers.

Speaking at the function, Kazakhstan Ambassador Dr Kairat Umarov welcomed the initiative to further intensify ties between Central Asia and India. He said that the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and India was established as a result of historic state visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev as the Chief Guest on the Repuiblic Day in January 2009. Along with the priority directions of cooperation such as nuclear energy, space exploration, IT, the importance of developing cultural and tourist exchanges were stressed.

The participants were informed that Astana would be hosting 18th General Assembly of World Tourism Organization, which will be attended by over 150 delegations from all over the world.

The Kazakh Envoy talked of tourist attractions of Kazakhstan, which offer entertainment and complete rest for the foreign guests.
He also spoke of the Kazakh Embassy’s initiative to hold “Kazakhstan-India Travel and Tourism Fair” (KITTF) on an annual basis in an effort to bring together major stakeholders of the tourism sector – Government officials, travel agencies, hoteliers and airlines.

The aim here is to evolve attractive tourist packages to promote tourism flow between Kazakhstan and India. This year, the 4th KITTF will be hosted in New Delhi in the second half of October 2009.

Secretary General of the newly established Forum, R.N.Anil, explained the tasks of his organization, which include enhancement of dialogue in the fields of culture, arts, business and tourism. He announced the plan to send delegations of the forum to all the Central Asian countries.

In his speech, Bhishma Narain Singh, President of “Unity International” and former governor of several states, talked highly of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy initiatives. He warmly recalled his visit to Almaty 1998 to hand over “Unity Award” to President Nazarbayev for his “great contribution to strengthening international peace and understanding”.

Dr. A.R.Kidwai, former Governor of Bihar, West Bengal and Haryana and Sirajuddin Qureshi, Chairman, Friends of Central Asia Forum and President, India Islamic Cultural Centre, also participated in the meeting.

Overall, establishment of yet another organization helping to build bridges of friendship between the two regions was hailed as a positive event.

New Book on Kazakhstan Launched in India

NEW DELHI, Aug 7: Kazakhstan Ambassador Dr. Kairat Umarov released a book “Contemporary Kazakhstan: the Way Ahead” here at a function that was attended by academics, scholars, students and media representatives.

The book containing articles of outstanding Kazakh and Indian scholars on the socio-political and economic processes in Kazakhstan and its relations with India was published by Eurasian Foundation and dedicated to the successful historic visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to India as the Chief Guest on the Republic Day in January 2009.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Kairat Umarov briefed the participants on the politico-economic achievement of Kazakhstan and its foreign policy initiatives.

In particular, the Kazakh Envoy said that “Kazakhstan contributes greatly to strengthening international peace and security” by having given up the forth largest at the time nuclear arsenal, CICA development and holding the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

He also talked about the new initiatives of President Nazarbayev to establish international nuclear fuel repository in Kazakhstan and drafting a new Comprehensive Treaty on Horizontal and Vertical Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Dwelling on the bilateral relations, the Kazakh Envoy mentioned that “during the historic visit of the President of Kazakhstan to India in January it was decided to establish and develop strategic partnership between our countries”. It was underscored that “Kazakhstan is the biggest trade partner of India in Central Asia, whose share is more than overall Indian trade with the region”.

Senior scholar of the IDSA Prof. P. Stobdan said that “there are all prerequisites for further enhancement of partnership between Astana and New Delhi in the areas of nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, IT, pharmaceuticals, and space exploration, academic and cultural contacts.”

In the context of dynamic growth of Kazakh economy, he called Kazakhstan as the new “Asian Tiger” and “Rising Star of Asia”.

Rajiv Sikri, former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, and former Ambassador to Kazakhstan, observed that “over the last years there have been a tremendous progress in bilateral relations.” According to him, “this is mostly owing to President Nazarbayev, who is really behind the coming closer of our nations”.

JNU Professor Ajay Patnaik and Director of Eurasian Foundation Arun Mohanty highly appreciated the multi-vector foreign policy of Kazakhstan, which led to sreating favorable conditions for the overall development of the country. To their mind, “multi-vectorism is not just a slogan, but a working formula, which could be studied and used by India in its foreign policy”.

“This book is the most comprehensive work on Kazakhstan. The Eurasian Foundation undertook this project as Kazakhstan is today the second largest strategic partner of India in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) after Russia,” observed Dr. Mohanty.

The book is divided into three sections: Kazakhstan’s foreign policy; internal developments in Kazakhstan; and bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan.

On the whole, the participants were of the view that Kazakhstan is an important country in Central Asia and it is necessary to enhance strategic partnership with this Eurasian country.

Indian companies expand presence in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, July 9: Indian companies are expanding their presence in Kazakhstan, according to Chairman of “Batys” Social and Entrepreneurial Corporation Andar Shukputov.

In projects being realized by Batys, some Indian technologies and equipments are used. For example, “SBS-Farmatsia” Ltd. has been established, which produces generics, which involves use of preparations and substances of Indian companies such as «Yashica Pharmaceuticals Pvt.Ltd», «Fleming Laboratories» и «Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd». AS of now, the products of “SBS Farmatsia” are being tested.

Batys also takes part in plant on production of liquorice and its refined items. The Plant is scheduled to be launched in September 2009. At the plant, equipments of SSP Pvt. Ltd., Indian company, is being installed.

Batys is aiming at setting up a new plant on production of potassium mineral fertilizers, which would be exporting its manufactured goods to India as one of the biggest import market.

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