Statement by H.E. Ambassador Kairat ABUSSEITOV
London – 19th December 2011
Due to the incoming inquiries on the situation in Mangystau Oblast H.E. Ambassador Kairat Abusseitov states the following:
The government deeply regrets the loss of life in Zhanaozen that resulted from a group of persons taking the law into their own hands and using violence against peaceful citizens as well as the police.
The situation in Zhanaozen is now under control. The government had no choice but to declare a state of emergency in the town since innocent lives were at stake. The state of the emergency has been imposed for 20 days but may be lifted earlier if the security agencies believe it appropriate to do so.
At this stage, it is too early to speculate on the exact cause of the violence and how it occurred. An investigation has been launched to identify how the violence occurred and who was behind it and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The police acted with bravery and prevented a very serious situation from resulting in further loss of life. For this they should be commended.
The tragedy in Zhanaozen is an isolated incident and must be viewed against the background of Kazakhstan’s impressive achievements over the past 20 years in improving the living standards of its citizens and ensuring their security. The disturbances coincided with celebrations across the country to mark 20 years of Kazakhstan’s independence. The country has made enormous progress since 1991 and Kazakhstanis can deservedly take pride in their achievements. Per capita GDP has grown 12 times and average salaries and pensions are the highest in the region. The country has the best performing economy in the CIS. Kazakhstan has been praised internationally for its success in maintaining harmonious relations among its many different ethnic and religious groups.
