Hello everyone,
It's been another big week of news and views about politics in
Kazakhstan.
Today, there was a rally in memory of Altenbek Sarsenbayev with
approximately 1,500 participants in Almaty. Though I only observed
part of the rally from the safe distance of my apartment window,
I've heard more details from a reliable source on the ground. From
what I gather, the event was organized by Movement for a Just
Kazakhstan and many opposition leaders were involved. Apparently,
they had requested the proper permission to hold the rally legally
but had been granted a permit for a very brief period of time at the
outskirts of the city. The event began at 12:00 near the Academy of
Sciences but that turned out to be an unsuitable location because
speakers at the demonstration could not be heard over the music
blasting from the Academy building and the roar of engines from a
car exhibition taking place nearby. People were carrying banners,
candles, flowers and pictures of the deceased Nurkadilov,
Sarsenbayev and the young girl (daughter of an activist) who was
raped and killed last year. There was a quite a show of police
force and the police repeatedly informed participants that their
activity was illegal. At 12:30 the rally began to move toward the
New (Republican) Square. Police attempted to block the movement but
were outnumbered by the participants. The event continued on
peacefully at New Square for more than an hour despite constant
reminders from the police regarding the illegal nature of the
gathering. I have uploaded a couple of pictures that you can view
in the photo section on the website for this group. In the files
section there is a word file with additional pictures. Local and
western media representatives were on the scene so I expect that
there will be media coverage of the event in the near future.
As always, the articles in this posting have been gathered from a
variety of different sources and reflect different viewpoints. If
you have something interesting to share, please send it to me and I
will post it to the entire group.
Best regards,
Jennifer Wilson
Chief of Party, IFES-Kazakhstan

INDEX OF ARTICLES

1. Weekly News Wrap
2. In 24 years Astana is planned to have entered the group of the
thirty best capitals of the world
3. Press service of Senate released the statement of Nurtai
Abykayev, chairman of the chamber
4. Oath of new members of the government
5. Ambassadors of the SCO member-countries met in Moscow.
6. Council of wise men and its tasks
7. Rallies and public order
8. Kazakhstan: Government Pushing Nuclear Power Despite Public
Fears
9. Kazakh Opposition Demands Resignation Of Parliament Speaker
10. Kazakh President Accepts Security Chief's Resignation
11. Kazakh President's Daughter Urges Security Head To Quit
12. Kazakh Secret Agents Held Over Sarsenbaev's Killing
13. Kazakhstan: Authorities Say Suspects Confess To Killing
Sarsenbaev
14. Suspects Reportedly Confess To Killing Kazakh Politician
15. Kazakh Opposition Party Denied Registration
16. Murder Widens Political Gulf in Kazakhstan
17. Swedish Vice-Premier Arrives in Kazakhstan on Official Visit
18. Astana Mayor Reshuffles Heads of Department in Capital
Administration
19. President of RK Makes Statement on Sarsanbayev Assassination
20. Unions Have All Opportunities to Defend Workers Rights – MP
Nazarbayeva
21. Parity of Interests and Social Stability
22. Priorities of Mutual Interests
23. Life Becomes Better
24. Estimation of Work - Applause
25. Optimization and Optimism
26. Report and Calculation
27. Budget "Goes" to Regions
28. General Prosecutor's office to give of judgment execution
functions to Ministry of Justice
29. New government members and regional akims take oath
30. Kazakhstani women seek more presence in governing bodies
31. Bozhko appointed acting Kazakh special service chief
32. Interior Minister announces detention of six suspects of
murdering Sarsenbaiuly, his driver and bodyguard
33. New Shymkent's Akim appointed
34. Kazakhstani democratic processes discussed in Wales
35. E-Government to be launched this year
36. Astana to enter 30 of the world's most competitive cities by 2030
37. Ex-Ambassador of US to Kazakhstan attended EFCA fund opening
38. Kazakh Culture Minister suggests increasing NGOs projects
financing
39. 2 detained on suspicion of Sarsenbayev's murder organization
40. Kazakh Culture Minister offered hosting NGOs Forum
41. Reappointed ministers took an oath
42. Kazakh National Security Committee Chair resigns
43. Majilis endorsed amendments to draft law on education
44. Majilis approved bill regulating migration process
45. Kazakh President greeted Eurasian Women's Summit
46. Kazakh President commented on death of Sarsenbayev
47. Great Britain Ambassador met with "Otan" Party representative
48. President signs laws
49. Information Analysis Center for Central Asian problems be set up
in Moscow.
50. 26 public service centers to be opened in Kazakhstan
51. Kazakh ministries work out service rendering standards
52. Servicemen of a special forces unit of he Kazakh National
Security Committee suspected of Sarsenbayev\'s assassination,
sources say
53. Organizer of Altynbek Sarsenbayevs abduction and his accomplices
are reported collared
54. 5 Kazakh agents held in death of politician
55. Kazakhstan's top security officials must resign -- MP
56. Kazakh Opposition Demands Resignation
57. Kazakh Intelligence Chief Quits in Murder Scandal
58. Kazakhstan Intelligence Chief Quits
59. Six Held In Kazakh Figure's Slaying
60. Kazakhstan Agents Suspected in Murder
61. Kazakh Security Agents Held In Killing of Opposition Figure
62. Kazakh official offers to quit
63. Kazak security chief resigns over ex-minister killing
64. Kazakh leader vows justice after ex-minister killed
65. Pressure mounts over Kazakh death
66. Kazakhstan spy chief stands down
67. Kazakh officers linked to murder
68. Killings Dull Central Asia Democracy Hopes
69. Top Kazakh Aide Quits in Crisis After Killing of Opposition
Figure
70. Kazakh opposition demands resignation of parliament speaker
71. Changes in National Security Committee leadership in Kazakhstan
72. Kazakh sources: Local oligarch used the murder of the opposition
leader to remove the head of the KNB
73. Committee for National Security of Kazakhstan leadership may be
dismissed if connected with oppositionist's murder
74. Kazakh national security service head resigned over the murder
of a high-profile opposition politician
75. Kazakhstan's national security service involved in the murder of
opposition leader
76. Kazakh National Security Committee Implicated in Death of Anti-
Nazarbayev Politician
77. Kazakh officers 'linked to murder'
78. 5 top security agents arrested in killing of leading dissident
79. Kazakh Opposition Demands Resignation
80. Rogue agents arrested over murder
81. Kazakh Opposition Leader's Death Sparks Widespread Protests
82. Kazakh Speaker Refuses to Quit
83. The expose in Kazakhstan
84. Murder in Kazakhstan: Factsheet
85. Assassination of Altynbek Sarsenbayev: Update on the
Developments
86. Kazakhstan Intelligence Chief Quits
87. New deaths and arrests in Kazakhstan?

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IRIN NEWS.ORG
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1. Weekly News Wrap

This week in Central Asia, the slaying of an opposition leader in
Kazakhstan is fuelling a political crisis in the region's largest
nation, international media reports claimed. Five Kazakh security
service officers were arrested and the national security chief,
Nartai Dutbayev, resigned, the Kazakh media reported.
The arrests and resignation came just days after Altynbek
Sarsenbaiuly, a Kazakh opposition leader, his bodyguard and driver
had been killed and their bodies were found in the mountains near
the Kazakh commercial capital of Almaty on 13 February.
Sarsenbaiuly, a former government minister and one-time ally of
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, joined the opposition in 2004
after splitting from the government.
On Thursday, the Kazakh police announced the arrest of Erzhan
Utembayev, head of the Kazakh parliamentary administration, under
suspicion of taking part in the murder of Sarsenbaiuly. "Utembayev
has been arrested for his links with the organisation of this
crime," said the interior ministry's press service, confirming
Wednesday's arrest.
Earlier, Kazakhstan's main opposition group 'For A Just Kazakhstan'
called for the resignation of Nurtai Abykayev, the speaker of
parliament, to avoid any conflict of interest in the investigation
of the murder.
"To prevent any pressure, formal or informal, on the investigation
underway we demand the immediate resignation of Nurtai Abykayev,"
the group said in a statement. Abykayev previously headed the
National Security Committee (NSC) and Nazarbayev's administration.

http://www.irinnews.org

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"KHABAR" INFORMATION AGENCY
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2. In 24 years Astana is planned to have entered the group of the
thirty best capitals of the world

A special meeting with the participation of the country's President
was devoted to the new strategic plan of the development of
Kazakhstan's capital. In 2005 over 2 billion dollars were invested
in the development of Astana. Over a million square meters of
housing were commissioned and in the coming years a network of
industrial regions will be organized within the city, navigation
along the Yesil river will be developed, a skating rink will be
opened and a light railway system will be launched. These are just a
few items from the large-scale program scheduled before 2030. The
mayor of Astana, Umirzak Shukeyev said that four strategic tasks had
been identified for the achievement of these plans. They include the
diversification of the city's economy, the arrangement of high-
quality infrastructure and ecology and the improvement of the city
management system. A separate section of the new strategy of the
development of Astana is devoted to the sphere of medical care. A
new maternity center will be built this year as well as a number of
other big medical institutions. Another important issue mentioned in
the strategy concerns the training of high-qualification
specialists. The minister of education and science has proposed the
creation of a scientific-educational center «Bilim Ordasy», which
would become a new generation university and enter the group of the
100 best universities of the world in the future. Heads of big
construction companies working in Astana have reported to the
president on the progress of construction of new housing estates,
the unique «Highville» complex representing an entire high
technology town. The Palace of Peace and Accord is also being
finished in the capital. It is expected to be commissioned as early
as this coming autumn. The President has expressed his views on the
city's development and set tasks for the future.
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- Astana is not just an administrative center, it is the pride and
symbol of Kazakhstan. All its economic, political and social success
mean the success of our country. The level of the city's socio-
economic development has grown over the last five years as you know.
In the year 2000, 75% of house-building was accomplished through
subsidies from the state budget, while in 2005 80% of new
construction was financed by private organizations. The average
monthly salary of the population has trebled over this period while
small and medium sized business output has grown fivefold. The
contribution to the economic development of the country has been
significant. In fact, Astana is growing even faster than we had
planned. We forecasted that in 2005 the population of the city would
not have exceeded 400 thousand. This year we will mark the 8-th
anniversary of the capital, where in fact about 600 thousand people
now live.
The new center of Eurasia – Astana – is being constructed mainly at
the expense of private investments thus giving additional impetus to
the economy of Kazakhstan.

==========

3. Press service of Senate released the statement of Nurtai
Abykayev, chairman of the chamber

It says nobody can influence the investigation of murder of Altynbek
Sarsenbaiuly. Earlier the Ministry of Interior Affairs informed
about the arrest of Yerzhan Utembayev, who held the post of head of
Senate's staff, he is suspected in implication to the murder. Nurtai
Abykayev considers «Investigation and court will determine his
implication to this murder». The statement of Senate's Speaker also
says «Obviously, organizers of the murder planned to destabilize
situation in the country and undermine the trust to the political
course, oriented for the strengthening of democratic bases of the
state. All the participants of this terrible crime must appear in
the court and punished. In response to anxiety of some political
forces concerning my pressure onto the law enforcement forces during
the investigation, I say that the Parliament is the legislative
branch of the power and it has no rights to influence the
investigation and court's decision. I have no any moral, human and
official rights for this as well». Also it was written in press
release of the Senate that Yerzhan Utembayev was discharged and now
deputy Magzam Kasymov acts the head of Senate's staff.

==========

4. Oath of new members of the government

In Astana new members of government and regions heads as well as the
Republican Guards commander and the chairman of the National bank
have sworn to the people of Kazakhstan and the President. A festive
ceremony has taken place in the capital's residence «Ak Orda» under
the accompaniment of the state anthem. Having laid a hand on a
special copy of the Constitution, the chairman of the National bank
Anvar Saidenov, the Minister of Justice Zagipa Baliyeva, the
Minister of Finance Natalya Korzhova taken the oath.
Also the ministers of emergency situations Shalbai Kulmakhanov, the
minister of environment Kamaltin Mukhamedzhanov, minister of
Culture, Information and Sport Yermukhamet Yertysbayev, minister of
Energy and Mineral Resources Baktykozha Izmukhambetov, the
Republican Guards commander Abai Tasbulatov, head of the Aktobe
region Yeleusin Sagindikov, head of the Mangistau region Krymbek
Kusherbayev and a new head of the Karaganda region Nurlan Nigmatulin.
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan:
- Today is the ceremonious moment, your swearing to the people of
Kazakhstan, and this is a constitutional act; with each word of the
oath you confirm your readiness to serve our people. Taking into
consideration the hopes of people, you are working for the
government service. There is an enormous task in front of us – to
join the top 50 competitive countries of the world. This is an
absolutely new task in our development which requires great
practical and theoretical knowledge so as to fulfill the program you
were offered and it also requires painstaking efforts. I hope you
will be doing all you have to do to perform this honorary mission
you have been offered to fulfill.
After a solemn ceremony a joint photo for memory and personal wishes
from the President.

==========

5. Ambassadors of the SCO member-countries met in Moscow.

A conference of the Ambassadors' Club of the SCO member-countries
has taken place at the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Moscow. The Shanghai
Cooperation Organization was founded 10 years ago and its main aim
is securing the safety and economic cooperation of the member-
countries. At the time being Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan,
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are among the SCO members. Four other
countries – Mongolia, India, Pakistan and Iran have the status of
observers. This year a recently appointed ambassador of Kazakhstan
to Russia Zhanseit Tuimebayev presides at the Club. This is the
first meeting of the head of the Kazakhstani diplomatic mission with
his colleagues. The diplomat said that interaction under the SCO
framework is one of the priority-driven directions of Kazakhstan's
foreign policy and expressed certitude that the forthcoming jubilee
summit in Shanghai in June 2006 will encourage the organization's
development. Informal communication under the framework of the
Ambassadors' Club and a mutual exchange of information will
contribute to the consolidation of friendship, trust and interaction
between our countries, the ambassador said.
Zhanseit Tuimebayev, ambassador of Kazakhstan to Russia:
- During the meeting we discussed the important issues on activity
of this international organization. And preparation for the coming
jubilee summit of SCO, that will be held in Shanghai.

==========

6. Council of wise men and its tasks

Council of wise men attached to executive committee of the CIS has
been created in Minsk. An organizational conference concerning the
creation of a new hierarchy attached to the executive committee of
the CIS, has taken place in Minsk. The hierarchy was called
the «Council of wise men» and will include competent state employees
and public figures. In the near future , they plan to work on the
concept of the modification of the CIS. The idea for the Council
belongs to Vladimir Putin. He suggested creating this hierarchy at
the summit of heads of states of the CIS held last year in Kazan.
Such hierarchiess have been successfully working for a long time
under the UN and European Parliament. The heads of states of the CIS
supported the initiative of the Russian president as they believe
the Council of wise men should enhance the prestige of the
Community.
Yuriy Yarov, representative of Russia to the Council of wise men of
the CIS:
- I have been working at the executive committee of the CIS for five
years and this helps in some measure. I have some experience and can
see problems and I know why didn't succeeded in everything when we
first began.
Tokmukhamed Sadykov, rector of the Kazakh National teacher's
training college, represented Kazakhstan at the meeting. He
considers this hierarchy is forward-thinking.
Tokmukhamed Sadykov, representative of Kazakhstan to the Council of
wise men of the CIS:
- I consider being the representative of our state and our people is
a great honor to me.
The Council of wise men should introduce its first recommendations
at the summit of presidents which will be held this year.

==========

7. Rallies and public order

The briefing in the city Prosecutor's office was dedicated to this
theme. The Almaty akimat received an application from the city
branch of Communist party of Kazakhstan for the holding of rally.
The akimat didn't objected to this. The organizers wanted to hold
the rally on the Chokan Valikhanov square. But rallies, meetings,
marches, demonstrations and picquets are to be held in another
place.
Rinat Shamsutdinov, deputy akim of Almaty:
- There is a decision of the Almaty city maslikhat that advises to
hold non-state public political measures in square, which is behind
the «Sary-Arka» cinema. The limited number of people – less than
several hundreds of people must participate in rallies. And tens of
thousands of people undergo some inconveniences: trafficking is
closed, sometimes it is noisy and it is dirty after the rallies.
Askar Dosekenov, deputy of Prosecutor of Almaty:
- If the actions if held without the permission of city akimat, or
in another place, the rally is considered to be illegal.
The Prosecutor's office explained that participation and holding of
unauthorized actions causes and administrative responsibility
according to the article 373 of Code of RK on administrative
violations of the law, which supposes fine of about 50 monthly
calculation indices or administrative arrest till 15 days and
criminal responsibility according to the article 334 of Criminal
Code of RK, with a fine of 1000 monthly calculation indices or
arrest of 1 year of imprisonment depending on role and consequences
of a crime. The Prosecutor's office of Almaty appealed to the Almaty
residents saying not to violate the public order.

http://www.khabar.kz

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RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY
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8. Kazakhstan: Government Pushing Nuclear Power Despite Public Fears

By Gulnoza Saidazimova
Authorities in Kazakhstan are eager to advance a plan to develop the
country's nuclear energy industry and build a nuclear power plant.
They argue that Kazakhstan needs to develop alternative energy
sources. However, many Kazakhs oppose the idea, citing the serious
health and environmental consequences suffered by hundreds of
thousands of people living close to a former nuclear test site in
Semipalatinsk. Many Kazakhs also have concerns over the Baikonur
Cosmodrome, which remains the world's biggest space launch center.
PRAGUE, 24 February 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The Kazakh government's most
recent meeting on the nuclear industry took place on 20 February.
Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov, who chaired the meeting, said a
project was drafted to develop the nuclear energy industry and he
announced a plan to form a working group to discuss nuclear power
possibilities for Kazakhstan.
The Country's Best Option?
Officials maintain that as Kazakhstan develops alternative energy
sources, nuclear energy is the best option as Kazakhstan is one of
the largest uranium producers in the world.
Kazakhstan is well endowed with energy resources, including abundant
reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas, which made the republic one
of the top energy-producing regions of the Soviet Union. But much of
these are exported abroad or already used for domestic consumption.
"All Kazakh lands are misused. Air and water are not clean. People
are dying out."
Shynar Zhanibekova, spokeswoman for the state's KazAtomProm company,
tells RFE/RL that the major factor in deciding to build nuclear
power plants is a lack of other sources of energy. "The first
question is whether there is an energy deficit in Kazakhstan," she
said. "A nuclear power plant should be constructed only if there is
a deficit. If such a deficit exists, undoubtedly, nuclear plants
have an advantage since they are the most ecologically clean
[sources of energy]."
Energy Deficit?
And it is very plentiful -- Kazakhstan extracted some 4,360 tons of
uranium annually last year -- five times more than in 1997.
Authorities say the amount could be easily increased to 15,000 tons
by 2010 due to large resources and the low cost to mine it.
Kazakh officials also say the country has the benefit of nuclear
know-how with nuclear power as it had a plant in Aktau near the
Caspian Sea that was closed in 1999.
It is not clear whether the government's current plant envisions
reopening the Aktau plant or building a new one on Lake Balkhash
near Almaty. The latter seems to be considered more feasible.
Either way, authorities will have to consider a public opinion that
remains mostly negative about nuclear power mostly due to the
Semipalatinsk nuclear tests.
Health Problems Near Semipalatinsk...
Semipalatinsk has been a persistent wound on the Kazakh environment
and the health of its citizens. It was the world's second-largest
nuclear military-industrial complex and the site of nearly 500
nuclear test explosions before the Kazakh government closed it in
early 1990s.
A 1992 study estimated that 1.6 million people in Semipalatinsk have
been affected by radiation from the tests. Many others continue to
suffer its ill effects. Surveys, including one by the Semipalatinsk
Prenatal Center, show that only 10 percent of pregnant women in
areas close to Semipalatinsk are healthy.
Kazakhs also remember very well the 1986 disaster at the Chornobyl
nuclear plant in Ukraine, where many Kazakh citizens worked at the
time.
Mels Eleusizov chairs the Nature (Tabighat) movement that has been
the most active in the area. "We don't want [the nuclear power
plants]," he said. "No one needs them. I am sure our officials have
no right to harm my children's health. No one but God is in charge
of human lives. We have very fresh memories of the Chernobyl
tragedy. Our countrymen were there and were harmed. Many of them
have already died."
Eleusizov says the construction of nuclear power plants is not
efficient as it lasts for many years but that the plant itself can
only be used for a certain number of years before it becomes
unsafe. "After 20 years of work, a plant will not be safe anymore
because the possibility of a radiation leak," he claims.
But officials disagree. KazAtomProm's Zhanibekova says modern
technology and improvements in nuclear plant designs rule out any
nuclear accidents similar to the one at Chornobyl: "New-generation
nuclear power plants do not harm the environment, do not produce
carbonic acid and, thus, do not contribute to the 'greenhouse'
effect. They are safe compared to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant
and others built in the 1980s. [They] are anti-seismic. They also
will remain safe even if an aircraft falls on them."
...And Baikonur
Kazakhs are also influenced by the negative effects of the Baikonur
Cosmodrome. A woman in Almaty summarizes the opinion of many Kazakh
citizens. "Of course, we all are against it," she said. "All Kazakh
lands are misused. Air and water are not clean. People are dying
out. We have Baikonur. It is enough for Kazakhstan. Do you know how
much it rains after only one rocket launch from Baikonur?"
Built 51 years ago, the Baikonur space center remains the world's
biggest and the most active space launch center.
Numerous independent studies have said that many of the people who
live in and around Baikonur have severe health problems,
particularly endocrine and blood disorders. The environment has also
been severely damaged. Kazakh officials deny any major problems.
In 1999, Kazakhstan temporarily banned launches at Baikonur after
two Russian Proton space rockets exploded over central Kazakhstan,
showering the ground with toxic fuel. Later, the profitable
cosmodrome was reopened despite public protests.
Baikonur generates some $115 million to Kazakhstan's budget
annually. Russia and Kazakhstan recently signed a deal whereby
Russia will continue to use Baikonur until 2050.
Russia's Rosaviakosmos space agency, the United States' NASA, and
the European Space Agency all launch rockets from the base.
The daily "Izvestiya-Kazakhstan" wrote on 27 December that the
country's authorities are trying to change public opinion by
emphasizing the technical and financial advantages of nuclear energy
and the safety of modern-era nuclear plants.
The commentary came after Kazakh Energy and Mineral Resources
Minister Vladimir Shkolnik made yet another statement on the need
for the country to develop its nuclear-energy sector.
(RFE/RL's Kazakh Service in Almaty contributed to this report.)

==========

9. Kazakh Opposition Demands Resignation Of Parliament Speaker

ALMATY, 23 February 2006 (RFE/RL) -- In the wake of killing of the
opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbaev, Kazakhstan's opposition is
demanding the resignation of the speaker of parliament's upper house.
Sarsenbaev's death has resulted in a number of political casualties
in recent days.
The head of the national security service (KNB), Nartay Dutbaev,
resigned on 22 February following the news that KNB agents were
arrested for the killing.
And then, on 22 February, Erzhan Utembaev, the head of the Senate
administration, was arrested for allegedly organizing Sarsenbaev's
death.
In a statement released on 23 February, opposition leaders demand
that Senate speaker Nartay Abykaev resign, saying he has enough
power to influence the probe into Sarsenbaev's death.
Abykayev is also a former head of the KNB.
Opposition figures have accused government officials of playing a
role in Sarsenbaev's murder.
Sarsenbaev, who was found shot dead on 13 February, was the co-
chairman of the Naghyz Ak Zhol (True Bright Path) party.

==========

10. Kazakh President Accepts Security Chief's Resignation

PRAGUE, 22 February 2006 (RFE/RL) -- President Nursultan Narzarbaev
has approved the resignation of Kazakh National Security Committee
(KNB) Chairman Nartai Dutbaev.
The announcement was made today to RFE/RL's Kazakh Service by the
KNB's press service.
Dutbaev offered his resignation after the KNB said on 21 February
that five members of its elite Arystan combat unit have been
arrested over the murder of opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbaev.
The co-chairmain of the Naghyz Ak Zhol (True Bright Path) party was
found shot to death, along with his bodyguard and a driver, on the
outskirts of Almaty on 13 February.
Opposition figures suspect the authorities had a role in the
killing. The Kazakh government denies this.
(RFE/RL's Kazakh Service)

==========

11. Kazakh President's Daughter Urges Security Head To Quit

22 February 2006 -- The elder daughter of Kazakh President Nursultan
Nazarbaev has called on the leadership of the National Security
Committee (KNB) to quit.
Speaking to reporters on 2 February, Dariga Nazarbaeva also said the
KNB's elite unit, Arystan (Lion), should be disbanded.
The call came one day after the KNB said five members of Arystan had
been arrested in connection with the murder of the opposition leader
Altynbek Sarsenbaev.
Arystan reports directly to the head of the KNB, Nartay Dutbaev.
The body of Sarsenbaev, the co-chair of the Naghyz Ak Zhol (True
Bright Path) party, was found on 13 February together with the
bodies of his bodyguard and driver. They had been shot.
Opposition figures suspect the authorities had a role in the
killing. The Kazakh government denies this.
Dariga Nazarbaeva is a powerful player on the Kazakh political
scene. She is a member of parliament and heads her own party, Asar
(All Together).
(Reuters)

==========

12. Kazakh Secret Agents Held Over Sarsenbaev's Killing

21 February 2006 -- Kazakhstan's secret service says five of its
members have been detained on suspicion of involvement in the
killing of the opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbaev.
The five are members of an elite unit of the National Security
Committee.
The announcement comes one day after Interior Minister Baurzhan
Mukhamedjanov said five suspects had confessed the murder. He added
that the police are also holding a sixth person, who is the
suspected of masterminding the killing.
The body of Sarsenbaev, the co-chair of the Naghyz Ak Zhol (True
Bright Path) party, was found along with those of his bodyguard and
a driver on the outskirts of Almaty on 13 February. They had all
been shot.
Opposition figures suspect the authorities had a role in the
killing. The Kazakh government denies this.
(AFP, Reuters)

==========

13. Kazakhstan: Authorities Say Suspects Confess To Killing
Sarsenbaev

By Gulnoza Saidazimova
Kazakh Interior Minister Bauyrzhan Mukhamedzhanov told journalists
in Almaty today that the suspected killers of Kazakh opposition
politician Altynbek Sarsenbaev have been found and have confessed to
murder. He said five people confessed to carrying out the
assassination of Sarsenbaev -- a former government official and
cochair of the opposition Naghyz Ak Zhol party -- who was found dead
along with his driver and bodyguard on 13 February.
PRAGUE, 20 February 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Interior Minister
Mukhamedzhanov said the five people detained as suspects in
Sarsenbaev's killing have been interrogated and confessed to the
crime. He added that a sixth person was detained as a suspected
organizer of the killing.
Alleged Confessions
"We can't disclose names of the detained," he said. "All of them
were arrested and are being interrogated now. They have already
confessed."
The opposition announced that they have formed a public committee to
conduct an independent probe and called on the authorities for a
fair investigation.
The official gave details of the confessions, saying that the
killing was ordered. "The organizer ordered the perpetrators to
arrange the abduction of a certain businessman and deliver him to an
agreed location," he said. "For doing this job, he offered them a
$25,000 reward after the job was completed."
Sarsenbaev, a former Kazakh minister of information and former
Kazakh ambassador to Russia, was also a cochair of the opposition
Naghyz Ak Zhol Party (True Bright Path).
He had been missing since the afternoon of 11 February. On 13
February, Sarsenbaev, his bodyguard, and his driver were found shot
dead in a mountain gorge near Almaty by local villagers on 13
February.
The interior minister said the suspects abducted Sarsenbaev late on
11 February from his car, took him to the Almaty suburbs, and
assassinated him and the other two men there.
Second Murdered Opposition Figure In Three Months
Sarsenbaev is the second opposition figure murdered in the last
three months. In mid-November, prominent opposition member Zamanbek
Nurkadilov's body was found in his Almaty apartment with three
gunshot wounds.
An official investigation concluded that Nurkadilov had committed
suicide. The opposition ruled out this conclusion, arguing that
Nurkadilov would not be able to shoot himself twice in the chest and
once in the head.
The opposition claimed that political reasons were behind the death
of Sarsenbaev as well.
On 14 February, the opposition group For a Just Kazakhstan held a
press conference in Almaty. The group's leader, Zharmakhan Tuyakbai,
declared that Sarsenbaev's killing was politically motivated.
"Altynbek Sarsenbaev and his two young aides, Baurzhan Baibosyn and
Vasily Zhuravliov, died tragically at the hands of murderers,"
Tuyakbai said. "They were killed like sheep, like cattle, with their
hands tied behind their back. They were shot in the back and then in
the back of their heads. That is proof that it was a political
murder."
Colleagues Claim Political Assassination
Tuyakbai ruled out other reasons -- business and criminal -- behind
his fellow oppositionist's murder.
The opposition announced that they have formed a public committee to
conduct an independent probe and called on the authorities for a
fair investigation.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev immediately ordered an
investigation into the murder. He also expressed condolences to the
family and friends of Sarsenbaev.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been assisting
Kazakh authorities in investigating the murders. Mukhamedzhanov said
today that an FBI agent had already arrived to Almaty.
(RFE/RL's Kazakh Service contributed to this report.)

==========

14. Suspects Reportedly Confess To Killing Kazakh Politician

ALMATY, 20 February 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Five suspects detained by
Kazakh police in connection with the killing of an opposition leader
have confessed to the murder, Kazakh Interior Minister Baurzhan
Mukhamedjanov announced today.
Mukhamedjanov also said the police had arrested a sixth person, the
suspected mastermind behind the killing of Altynbek Sarsenbaev.
Mukhamedjanov said that the "organizer" had paid $25,000 for
Sarsenbaev to be kidnapped and delivered "to an agreed location,"
RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
The minister added that, at the invitation of the Kazakh
authorities, an agent from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) has arrived to Almaty to assist in the investigation.
The body of Sarsenbaev, the co-chair of the Naghyz Ak Zhol (True
Bright Path) party, was found along with those of his bodyguard and
a driver on the outskirts of Almaty on 13 February. They had been
shot.
Opposition figures suspect the government had a role in the killing,
a charge rejected by the Kazakh authorities.
Sarsenbaev was the second prominent opposition figure to be shot
dead in recent months.

==========

15. Kazakh Opposition Party Denied Registration

20 February 2006 -- Kazakhstan's Justice Ministry has denied
registration of the opposition Forward! (Alga!) party.
The deputy chairman of the ministry's registration service
committee, Talgat Manaev, told Interfax-Kazakhstan today that the
committee questioned the authenticity of the submitted lists of
party members.
Under Kazakh legislation, parties must gather at least 50,000
members in order to gain registration. The Alga! party said in a
statement today that it is planning to appeal in the Supreme Court
against the decision.
The movement is being set up by members of the unregistered
Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan party.
Another opposition party, the Real Bright Path (Naghyz Ak Zhol), is
also seeking registration with the Justice Ministry.
(Interfax-Kazakhstan)

http://rfe.rferl.org

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INSTITUTE FOR WAR AND PEACE REPORTING
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16. Murder Widens Political Gulf in Kazakhstan

Even though the government is trying to show its investigation is
scrupulously fair, colleagues of murdered opposition leader Altynbek
Sarsenbaev say the true story remains untold.
By Gulmira Arbabaeva in Almaty
The murder of a leading political figure in Kazakstan has developed
into a major row that threatens to widen the already huge gulf
between the government of President Nazarbaev and the embattled
opposition parties.
The sheer violence of what looks to have been a professional hit
against Altynbek Sarsenbaev has shocked the country, and threatens
to shake the image the Kazak government has nurtured of a safe,
trouble-free society.
As Sarsenbaev was one of the co-leaders of the Naghyz Ak Zhol party,
his opposition colleagues placed the blame squarely on the
government. For their part, the authorities have denied any part in
the killing, and have moved quickly to make arrests.
The revelation that the suspects are members of an elite security
service unit will bolster the suspicions of the opposition – who are
now asking who ordered the murder - but also reflects the
authorities' position that they are doing their utmost to clear the
matter up and will not protect anyone found to be involved.
Sarsenbaev – sometimes referred to as Sarsenbay-Uly, a Kazak form of
his name – was found dead on the outskirts of Almaty, Kazakstan's
second city, on the morning of February 12. The bodies of his driver
Vasily Zhuravlev and bodyguard Baurzhan Baibosyn were found nearby.
Sarsenbaev had been shot in the back and, presumably to ensure the
job was done, in the head. Initial reports that he died in a hunting
accident were quickly discounted.
A MAJOR FIGURE IN OPPOSITION POLITICS
Sarsenbaev, 43, had an eventful political career, first as a
Nazarbaev ally and later an opponent. At 30, he became the youngest
serving cabinet minister and was in charge of the press and
information ministry for eight years.
In 2001 he moved up to become secretary of the Security Council, a
body that works closely with President Nazarbaev. The following
year, he became ambassador to Kazakstan's strategic ally Russia, but
resigned in 2003 to join the newly formed Ak Zhol (Bright Path)
party.
In 2004 he was briefly coopted back into government as information
minister, but stepped down after just three months in protest at the
September parliamentary election.
Some of Ak Zhol's leading lights including Sarsenbaev, Oraz
Zhandosov and Bulat Abilov, broke with the party in spring last year
to form Naghyz ("the
real) Ak Zhol. Sarsenbaev also sat on the steering board of the
umbrella opposition group the Movement for a Fair Kazakstan.
Many saw him as a uniquely influential figure who provided
intellectual and strategic direction for the opposition. He also
spoke out stridently against government corruption, naming many
important names – and no doubt making a few enemies along the way.
GOVERNMENT ACTS SWIFTLY
As the rumour-mills got going, it was clearly important for the
government to take a stand on such a highly sensitive political
issue, and to be seen to be taking real action in as transparent a
manner as possible.
"Regardless of who is behind this crime, those who carried out,
organised and ordered these murders will all stand before a court
and receive the harshest punishment," said President Nazarbaev,
saying he had "immediately issued strict orders to the law-
enforcement agencies to involve all forces in solving this crime."
Interior Minister Baurzhan Mukhametjanov and chief prosecutor Ilyas
Bakhtybaev were personally placed in charge of the investigation.
Their officers were reported to be looking into three different
possible motives for the murder: a business fall-out, a domestic
dispute and a plot designed to create political instability.
At a February 16 briefing, Mukhametjanov announced an unprecedented
reward of 10 million tenge (about 75,000 US dollars), for
information leading to the arrest of the culprits. He also said that
on the president's instructions, FBI experts had been called in to
help.
On February 22, the National Security Committee or KNB announced
that five of its own men had been arrested in the case. The five all
served with Arystan, a special paramilitary unit within the security
service. The KNB said the men were arrested after mobile phones
belonging to Sarsenbaev's dead driver and bodyguard were traced.
The same day, police on the Sarsenbaev murder squad arrested a
senior politician in connection with the case. Erzhan Utembaev, who
was head of the administrative office in the Senate or upper house
of parliament and was formerly a deputy prime minister, was detained
in the capital Astana. It is not known what police want to talk to
him about.
Also the same day, KNB chief Nartay Dutbaev announced his
resignation. There has been no suggestion that he was implicated,
and his decision to step down is instead a clear sign of the
government's wish to show that senior officials will be held
accountable for the actions even of rogue elements.
OPPOSITION UNCONVINCED
None of this was enough for opposition politicians, shaken by what
they see as a brutal premeditated attack on one of their own. To
signal their lack of confidence in any official investigation, they
set up their own unofficial, independent investigative commission
led by For a Fair Kazakstan chairman Zharmakhan Tuyakbay, who as a
former chief prosecutor has some credibility.
Sarsenbaev's funeral turned into an opposition protest meeting at
which some harsh words were addressed to the government. Communist
Party leader Serikbolsyn Abdildin spoke of "a policy of elimination,
violence and reprisals against dissidents".
News of the KNB men's arrest fuelled rather than defused their
suspicions about the government's intention to see the investigation
through.
The general secretary of the Movement For a Fair Kazakstan, Tulegen
Zhukeev, cast doubt on the official story, suggesting that it was
not the whole truth and more people may have been involved.
"Despite the recent news of the arrest of criminals, the direct
killers of Altynbek Sarsenbaev have not yet been found," he
said. "There is no doubt that those under arrest only carried out
part of the contract killing."
Jukeev said the opposition investigative commission also wanted to
have a chance to talk to the FBI agent who had now arrived in
Kazakstan to help the authorities. "We'll naturally aim to meet him.
He needs to question not just individuals made available to him by
the [official] investigative team, but also people whom we identify -
starting with ourselves."
The opposition campaign continued with a February 22 meeting of the
independent commission which issued a statement saying "the police
have not yet identified the contractors, the real organisers, and
the murderers – all of whom are still at liberty." The commission
also urged the Kazak authorities to interrogate a list of senior
political figures with whom Sarsenbaev had been at odds in recent
years.
SECOND MURDER IN THREE MONTHS
Sarsenbaev's death follows uncomfortably close on the heels of the
murder of another senior opposition politician. Zamanbek Nurkadilov
was found dead at his home in November last year, shortly before the
presidential election.
Nurkadilov, like Sarsenbaev, spent many years as a heavyweight in
the Nazarbaev regime, only to fall out with the president and join
the opposition.
Mayor of Almaty for nine years, when it was still the country's
capital, Nurkadilov stepped down as emergencies minister in April
2004. Although he took a strong stand against the president – even
calling for impeachment – he differed from Sarsenbaev in that he
failed to win a leading role in the opposition.
An official investigation said that he committed suicide with his
own gun, but the opposition raised questions about the nature of his
injuries, which suggested he received bullet wounds to the chest
before the final head shot

http://www.iwpr.net

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KAZAKHSTAN TODAY
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17. Swedish Vice-Premier Arrives in Kazakhstan on Official Visit

ALMATY. An official visit of Bosse Ringholm, Vice-Premier of Sweden,
to Kazakhstan commenced yesterday, February 20, Yerzhan Ashikbayev,
spokesperson for the MFA of RK, stated Monday at a briefing.
Mr. Ringholm met Danial Akhmetov, Prime Minister of RK, yesterday
and today he plans to meet Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of
Kazakhstan.
Further development of bilateral economic and political co-operation
and promising joint projects will be discussed. Besides, a business
forum with participation of official and business circles of both
countries will take place in Almaty as a part of the visit. Co-
operation in oil & gas and other sectors of economy will be the
subject of the forums.
The commercial turnover between Kazakhstan and Sweden in 2005 was
$278.3 million, of which $16.9 million were spent for the exports
and $261.4 million for the imports.

==========

18. Astana Mayor Reshuffles Heads of Department in Capital
Administration

ASTANA. Cadre reshuffles took place in the capital administration,
Kazakhstan Today correspondent reports.
Valentina Satkaliyeva was assigned Head of Treasury Department and
Zhasulan Akhmetov was assigned Head of Customs Control Department.
Umirzak Shukeyev, mayor of Astana, has presented the new Heads of
Department to the city activists at a meeting in the city
administration today, February 20.

==========

19. President of RK Makes Statement on Sarsanbayev Assassination

ASTANA. All guilty of assassinating Altynbek Sarsenbayev, Baurzhan
Baibossynov, and Vassily Zhuravlev will be punished severely,
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan, said responding to
questions from correspondents of national TV channels.
"Independently of who is behind this crime, who was the executor,
the organiser, and the client of these murders they will all face
the severest punishments in the court," - he said.
"I view it as a challenge to the society and authorities. It is a
challenge to the image of our country. The criminals wanted to
disseminate terror and distrust between people. Somebody is very
unhappy about peace, order, and stability in our homeland," - N.
Nazarbayev said.
The head of state reminded that he gave "strict orders to the law
enforcement authorities to attract all forces to investigate this
crime. I follow the course of investigation attentively. There are
first results already."
Moreover, he stressed that "Kazakhstan is ready to co-operate with
all countries interested in the investigation of this crime."
The head of state offered once more his deepest condolences to the
families of the victims.

==========

20. Unions Have All Opportunities to Defend Workers Rights – MP
Nazarbayeva

TEMIRTAU. "Today Trade Unions have all opportunities to defend
workers rights." MP Dariga Nazarbayeva, leader of "Aimak"
parliamentary group, has stated this today at an away meeting of the
group.
"If they say they cannot do something, it means they are just
looking for excuses," - she has said.
However, Mrs. Nazarbayeva believes pickets and strikes to be "an
extreme measure. In Europe workers defend their rights by pickets
and manifestations and we also will see someday the police
protecting their meetings rather than dispersing them," - she has
said noting at the same time that she is not calling for radical
measures. "The political stability is a universal value of the whole
society," - she has stressed.
Mrs. Nazarbayeva has noted that the economic development of the
country brings about changes in the individual needs. "Therefore let
us all together work hard on changing our life for the better
without waiting for help from Daddies and Mommies and foreign
investors, all the more so because we have a 15-year experience," -
she has said.

http://eng.gazeta.kz

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KAZAKHSTANSKAYA PRAVDA
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21. Parity of Interests and Social Stability

We have a good life and it is going to be still better – is the main
idea of the government-approved program of the country's development
in the successive three years. It has clearly defined accents. In
2008 GDP per capita is to reach $ 5 450, which 1,5 times exceeds the
present characteristic. In the nearest decade Kazakhstan is expected
to rank among 50 most competitive states of the world. It is all
beyond doubt. We enjoy high rates of economic growth and living
standards are rising continuously. All that is going on against the
backdrop of stable socioeconomic situation in the country.
Kazakhstan leadership in the region is recognized among the
politicians, experts and influential international institutes.
We do not owe this situation to a lucky train of events as certain
opponents assert . Suffice it to remember the crisis and the
formidable challenges we had gone through, following the USSR decay.
Our success would be unthinkable without a firm and effective power,
clear-cut strategy of reforms. Back then President N.Nazarbayev
offered his model for our country in transition time – economy
first, then politics. Maximally liberal, open and competitive
economy. Strong power responsible to people, capable of carrying out
the badly needed radical reforms. Social democratization, but not
weakening of the state power.
In this connection it would be appropriate to quote President: "We
talk about freedom and democracy, people's welfare, cultural
prosperity. These words mean nothing without strong economy."
Our neighbors –Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, where they staked on
politics, not economy turned out to be losers and are now facing
serious challenges.
In comparison to the above states Kazakhstan is much better off. It
is largely due to the policy of putting economic priorities in the
first place, pursued from the very start.
World experience suggests liberal reforms without creation of the
class of proprietors is tantamount to building sandcastles. In this
regard support of small and medium-scale business has always been
one of the state power priorities.
We have not by far reached the level of EU states, where middle
class constitutes practically 90% of the population. It must be
admitted social stratification is a fact in our country.
Nevertheless within a short lapse a big layer of the people availed
of self- realization opportunity through private property. It is
difficult to say how many people in Kazakhstan rank themselves to
the middle class. Sociologists' figures vary.
But one fact is obvious: the number of such people has grown in our
country. I can gather it from the mushrooming cars, restaurants,
cafes, tourist companies and supermarkets. Only five years ago our
residents could not afford it. According to the official data
private sector accounts for 85% of the industrial output. The share
of small and medium-scale business in GDP makes up about 25%.
However it does not give grounds for self-complacency. In developed
countries small and medium-scale business constitutes over 90% of
the total number of the businesses and accounts for over half of the
GDP volume.
Not only economic constituency determines middle class significance.
Political aspect is no less important. A strong middle class is a
reliable antipode to riots and disturbances. Whatever they say about
the nature of "orange epidemic" and other social shocks on CIS space
one thing is obvious: economically weak and unstable states and
societies are first of all hit by such troubles. Victor Hugo once
said: "Poverty generates revolution and revolution generates
poverty."
The stronger the middle class, the more stable the society, the less
economic and political risks. It is middle class that is most of all
interested in the sociopolitical model guaranteeing safe business
with sustainable income. Being susceptible to vibrations of economic
conjuncture, triggered by political crises, conflicts and
confrontations the middle class is not inclined to risk the existing
status quo and as a rule opts for political stability. The fear of
losing everything, earned in the years of hard work is dominant in
choice of priorities among the well-to-do people.
Sociologists refer to middle class as "silent majority". Avoiding
political discussions this class always votes for the power, capable
of maintaining order, economic and political stability, safety of
their property and freedom of business.
It is known too rich people are prone to grab everything for
themselves, they are eternal disturbers of peace; and too poor
people are apt to dispossess the rich. Middle class alone is
pragmatic and reasonable and in this respect is pledge of political
stability and balance.
No wonder President N.Nazarbayev won in the election. Not only did
he manage to unite the people around a single common goal, but
strengthened social well being in the state. It works better than
any other slogans.
Yevgeny Kononovich

==========

22. Priorities of Mutual Interests

Minister of culture, information and sport Yermukhamet Yertysbayev
recently met with representatives of non-governmental organizations.
Implementation of the tasks, set by the state leader Nursultan
Nazarbayev before NGOs at II Civil forum, in the light of Kazakhstan
prospective enlisting the number of 50 most competitive states was
in the focus.
The minister's initiative to meet with NGOs leaders was conditioned
by expediency to elaborate common strategy for realization of large-
scale political and social reforms. Yesterday they met to discuss
motions and work out recommendations on implementation of the tasks,
voiced by the state leader in early 2006.
-The society's liberalization leads to strengthening of non-
governmental sector, - the minister said taking the floor, - being
an authorized coordinating body in the sphere of internal policy, we
are advancing a range of initiatives on interaction with NGOs for
near future, - he clarified the ministry's position.
First of all they offer to proceed with creation of systemic
mechanism for cooperation with NGOs. The second important factor in
strengthening of partnership is annual increase of funding of the
state social order. For example in 2006 the ministry planned to
allocate KZT 128 mln 519 thousand in the frames of budget program
for the purpose. At that the head of the department considers the
sum insufficient for implementation of most significant NGO
projects. Taking into account the fact, the ministry will strive for
increase of the state order's sum.
Apart from that they will continue consultations on the state order
in central and local executive bodies.
The minister noted: in compliance with the state leader's
instructions, their department has prepared governmental resolution
on establishment of coordinating council under RK government on NGOs
interaction. The document was approved in December 2005. In fact the
council is to become a connecting link between Government and NGOs
and provide formation of complex targeted state policy on further
development of non-governmental sector and its constructive
interaction with the state bodies.
They also discussed expediency of creation of mechanism for
placement of the state order in connection with adoption of the law
on the state order, providing delegation of the state rights on
social services to NGOs. In other words mechanism for control over
effective disbursement of budget means is of special concern.
In this respect motions on amendments to Budget code were passed to
ministry of economy and budget planning.
The minister considers that creation and development of permanent
branch and regional consultative-advisory bodies will provide
qualitative growth of civil society, as well as NGOs' participation
in activity of the chamber of public inspectors under Majilis and in
State commission on democracy and civil society.
The ministry offered to hold international NGO forum in Kazakhstan
to raise the country's image.
-If we want to be enlisted among 50 most developed countries, we are
to act in all directions, - he marked. That's why I support the idea
of the forum's holding in our republic: we'll obtain an opportunity
to exchange experience and establish partnership relations with the
power. At present we are considering prospective meeting with
organizations-donors, who are working in Kazakhstan and topical
items of development of ecological tourism, social programs and
informational exchange.
Establishment of international contacts is another important
direction in Kazakhstan NGOs' activity. The forecast fruits of such
contacts are strengthening of domestic NGOs' positions, expansion of
their thematic directions, attraction of financial resources in
implementation of socially significant projects.
The meeting participants also spoke on expediency of study of demand
for targeted group of services with regard to transference of social
services to NGOs and importance of NGO web-resources' support. The
minister reminded that National NGO information resource center has
been established. He also noted: governmental resolution on
President's decree on implementation of 2006 - 2011 Conception on
development of civil society in RK is under elaboration and all
their motions will be taken into account.
In the conclusion the minister underlined importance of NGO activity
in the regions. It was recommended to expand their funding sources
at the account of commercial sector and promotion of the idea on
business' social responsibility.
NGO representatives approved all the initiatives voiced and their
details would be discussed at the following meetings of the minister
with the leaders of republican NGOs.
Olga Sokolay

==========

23. Life Becomes Better

Present meetings of akims with residents are held in a different
atmosphere. Practically all the requests to akims made by Kyzylorda
resident are solved.
One of the main problems is frequent electricity cutoff. Earlier
power men did not provide auls with electricity though their
residents paid for the service. District and aul akims could not and
maybe did not want to solve the problem. And residents demanded to
sort things out.
The demand is logical: how can one live without a fridge, TV set,
etc.?
At the last meeting Ikram Adyrbekov, oblast akim promised to solve
the problem and kept his word.
In 2005 electricity appeared in most remote auls, where it has never
been before. For the first time in their life the residents have
electricity in their houses.
Many other issues, including drinking and irrigation water,
construction and restoration of schools, hospitals and roads have
already been solved or are under solution. But life goes on and new
problems emerge.
At the meeting of Najmaddin Mussabayev, akim of Aralsk oblast with
residents of Karakum aul people asked him to solve problems with
fodder delivery. Difficulties usually start in winter. There are
about 30 farms, that could afford machinery for haymaking. This
issue needs proper organization and the district akim instructed
rural consumer cooperative to assist the farmers.
In Kolaryl aul of Kazalinsk district people asked the authorities to
assist in preparation of gardens for the new season - with machinery
and irrigation systems. Nurman Talkanbanov promised to help.
Meeting of Ibragim Abibullayev, akim of Syrdaria district with
Inkardaria residents was very interesting. Last year the akim
promised to have Karakaska aul electrified, club and road – restored
and solve drinking water problem. All promises were fulfilled. That
is why people came to the meeting to thank the akim for the work. He
shared on socioeconomic development of the region, programs and
projects to be implemented in the current year.
In comparison with last-year meetings present meetings are
constructive. The Akims fulfilled their promises. Problems, raised
by the residents prove that living standards in auls have improved.
State and local programs for aul support and rural economy
development played a significant role in this.
Vladimir Lee, Kyzylorda

==========

24. Estimation of Work - Applause

We have not seen anything like that before. At the meeting with
Ekibastuz residents Valery Nabitovsky, town and district akim listed
everything done and to be done by executive power. The audience
applauded to the report as if it promised "gold mountains" to them.
Stanislav Kurjei, former leader of "Ekibastuzugol" appreciated the
akim's efforts, noting that meetings with people disciplined leaders
of executive power.
Dennis Price, general director of LLP "Bogatyr Access Komir",
assessing the work of V.Nabitovsky said that present Ekibastuz and
the town it used to be 7 years ago were two different things.
The town residents are thankful to V.Nabitovsky for asphalt- coated
roads and lightened streets.
Every Friday all people clean their territories. Criminality has
decreased. Housing-communal services are working better. Work of
passenger transport has been well arranged, tariffs on common
services – stabilized. It is not a full list of akim's and his
team's achievements.
People respect V.Nabitovsky for his simplicity. He does not shirk
from meeting with the people, is always ready to listen to them and
heed to all the offers and complaints.
Out of 77 orders, made by residents in 2005 only 2 were unfulfilled.
Ekibastuz HPS and coal deposits exceed the planned targets. Farmers
show the same results. They are first in implementation of
agricultural program. As a result payments to local budget and
people's welfare are growing. There are not so many regions in the
republic where average wages in January 2006 made up KZT 32 200 that
is 13% more than in 2004. Veterans don't pay bus fares and communal
bills. Number of low-income people decreased by 900 individuals.
When the akim was quoting these and other example he thanked all
Ekibastuz residents for the achievements. They, executive power and
deputies, veterans, national-cultural centers and non-governmental
organizations, parties and movements can and will work in close
collaboration.
Sergey Gorbunov, Ekibastuz

==========

25. Optimization and Optimism

In keeping with RK Government 2006-2008 program, voiced last week by
RK PM Danial Akhmetov reduction of control and supervisory functions
of state bodies are expected.
In January 2003 number of state servants in Kazakhstan was about 73
000 people, in 2004 – about 90 000 servants, in the end of 2005 –
the figure was over 100 000. Isn't it too much for the country with
over 15 mln residents?
The criticism was heard. The program's paragraphs provide for
establishment of professional Government, increase of responsibility
of every minister, introduction of IT in management process and
harmful effect of bureaucracy is reflected in them. Concrete
mechanisms for the set tasks' realization are expedient.
For example the document offers to re-consider established
classification of state servants' offices, it will allow to reduce
duration of documents' consideration and speed up resolutions on
them.
In this case results of state bodies' activity will be useful. The
question arising is: why not introduce estimation of work of state
structures and servants, solving the citizens' urgent problems? It
would be useful to study international experience, for example Japan
intends to reduce number of state servants twice within ten years.
Success of the program depends on access of Kazakhstan residents to
Internet and on computer skills of the people. International
practice shows informatization processes in a state are accelerating
if 18 % of the population have access to Internet. In Kazakhstan the
figure is 2,97 %. But RK Government promised that the situation
would change in near future at the expense of tariff reduction on
Internet services and arrangement of IT trainings in schools and
universities. It is expected that 8-10 % of RK population will
become Internet users by 2008. Level of transaction services will
allow RK citizens to use state bodies' e-services from any point of
the republic.
We should remember: minimization of corruption field depends on
reduction of controlling and licensing state bodies. And power
understands it. In the same program the Government notes that its
priority task is creation of the system, in which state apparatus
would focus on common regulation functions and lawmaking activity,
transferring part of their functions to non-state sector.
Another side of the issue is creation of conditions for formation
and development of local self-government system. Appropriate
conception, elaborated by National commission for democracy and
civil society development appeared. Executive power promises that in
the current year 2007-2009 state program for support of local self-
government will be elaborated.
2006-2008 Government program is optimistic. It covers all spheres of
our life and shows state apparatus' intention to build a strong
state and democratic society.
Sergey Nesterenko

==========

26. Report and Calculation

In his progress report Nurgali Ashimov, West-Kazakhstan oblast akim
dwelled on short-term outlook.
The future in Priuralje is predictable, economic indexes are
promising. Industrial production growth exceeds 20% - the highest
characteristic among the republic's oblasts. Annual volume of all
the 32 regional programs has been fulfilled. Further development is
anticipated in two main directions - "Oil and gas engineering"
and "Transport logistics" clusters .
Coordination council is currently working under oblast akimat
keeping progress of the charted plans on hold. Planning and design
office is under formation on the basis of "Algorithm" technopark
and "Micrography" institute. In its laboratories output of the whole
machine-building engineering complex will be tested. Machine-
building department opened at the agro-technical university to train
the required specialists.
"Transport logistics" cluster with special economic zone "Western
gate" will be situated on Kazakhstan-Russia border. The project is
still under design. Ural businesses formerly constituting military-
industrial complex are reviving. But according to the oblast leader
not all of them are yet ready for work under the new conditions in
compliance with international standards. Produce quality is their
main consideration at present.
Nevertheless only two companies received management quality
certificates. Small and medium-scale business enjoys support. In the
expired year they registered 2 700 new subjects, which entailed more
jobs. Volume of the produced output increased by 24%, tax incomes
have grown by over a third. Business registration procedures were
facilitated . "Zhardem" center for small and medium-scale business
support opened under Uralsk akimat , working on one- window
principle. Micro-crediting mechanisms are improving, thereby
contributing to business initiative development.
About 60% of Priyralje population are rural dwellers. Agriculture
has been the region's traditional branch for many years. The last
two lean harvest years proved that risk farming zone conditions
demand well-planned actions. The countryside is undergoing
structural changes. Within the expired year 47 farming partnerships
were formed instead of the anticipated 240.
Practice shows they are on the right track. Bigger agro-holdings
have better produce, at a much lower prime cost at that. Oil
cultures, vegetables and vine crops grow better. The oblast budget
allocated KZT 120 mln, on which "Batysservice" company procures
special machinery. It was estimated the project would increase
potatoes and vegetables' output. Pedigree husbandry, processing
branch are being recovered. Stable agro-produce sales market will
enable to make the production cost-effective.
Social sphere is undergoing changes too. At the previous account
convention the problems of drink water, gas, roads prevailed. On
President's instruction, given during his visit to Priuralje last
year gas pipeline is to be constructed joining Karachaganak deposit
to the oblast center, enabling gasification in the countryside on
the Ural left bank.
At present 70% of the oblast residents use clean drink water. Road
construction is to be continued in-depth.
Significant changes concerned healthcare and education. New
equipment is being installed at schools – over 200 schools have
received it already. Olympiad in engineering is regularly held. Ten
winners among the school leavers receive special grants, enabling
training at Kazakh-British University. A hundred more winners are
entitled for a free education at vocational school. On CNT results
in the last year the oblast was fourth.
Yerbolat Dosayev, healthcare minister attended the account meeting.
Prior to it he paid visits to the new surgery at oblast clinic
hospital, town policlinic and a rural ambulance station, had a
meeting with medical college students.
They are currently elaborating a new law providing for grants to
medical students from the regions to sort out the problem with
medical personnel shortage, especially in the countryside. Social
protection to physicians is envisaged.
N.Ashimov reacted to the question, concerning not only social
sphere, but also outlook for the region. The residents raised urgent
problems, that still hold on. But they could see their akim had kept
his promises, given at the previous constituency meeting.
Liudmila Korina, West-Kazakhstan oblast

==========

27. Budget "Goes" to Regions

This year local executive bodies are supervising implementation of
some budget programs on agrarian sector's development. They are to
disburse almost KZT 22 bln out of KZT 90 bln, allotted for the
branch. The government is convinced: such mechanism is very
effective, due to akimats' "closeness" to the people. Marat
Orazayev, director of budget department under agriculture ministry
speaks on this "transformation" of the state support of agrarian
sector.
- President's last Address contains instructions to the government
on preparation of the draft on distribution of powers between state
management levels. Ministry of agriculture doesn't stay aloof
either. That's why provision on further transference of ministry's
powers to akimats , in particular agro-production's subsiding was
introduced in the branch law "On state regulation of AIC and rural
territories' development". Related amendments were made to Water
code, laws on breeding stock, on protection of plants and
quarantine, veterinary, seed farming.
Among other things regional akimats will fulfill the programs on
regulation and development of seed production, cattle breeding,
veterinary, subsiding of cost of services on supply of water to
producers and drinking water from grouping water pipe lines. KZT13,6
mln transfers are allotted for support of rural production in the
regions. At that subsiding of purchase of fuel and lubricants and
feedstuffs will be carried out for the first time. KZT 726 mln is
envisaged for drinking water payments and KZT 7,3 bln is allocated
for construction of water-supply objects in settlements. Thus 24%
out of the total sum, allocated from republican budget to
agriculture ministry will be disbursed at the local levels.
We'll help akimats to implement budget program and fulfill control
over the means' disbursement: 280 staff specialists from territorial
departments were sent to local bodies and KZT 183 mln is earmarked
from national budget for their provision.
On the whole such decentralization will reduce execution of all
financial documents and make assistance to farmers more effective
and operative. In future all agro-complex will be financed from
regional budgets. Moreover, local budgets' expenditures will
increase in new law on official transfers for 2008-2010.
Will the above novelties tell on subsiding of sowing and harvesting
campaigns?
No. Last year certain sums were allocated from republican budget for
crediting of the campaigns. But Budget code doesn't provide
subsiding of the above measures from local budgets. In such
conditions we decided to increase Prodcorporation's authorized
capital by KZT 7 bln for annual crediting of crop husbandry. In the
current year additional KZT 2 bln is to be allotted, on the whole
the sum will reach KZT 9,5 bln. As it is known the farmers may
return credits both in grain and in money. At that interest rate is
5,3 % for eight months.
The only change is: special akimat commissions selected the
borrowers. At present Prodcorporation has obtained related license,
i.e. access to the state resources was considerably simplified.
At recent Governmental meeting finance minister Natalya Korzhova
spoke on the complexity of budget financing system. The motions on
its simplification were voiced. Do your share her opinion?
- Complexity came after modernization of Treasury by administrations
of local budget programs: a lot of papers and documents are to be
prepared now. Moreover, many supervising bodies and accounting still
remain. Acting state purchase procedures also hamper execution of
republican budget.
On the results of 2005, the ministry didn't disburse KZT 1,4 bln. At
that KZT 304 mln out of the above sum are the means, saved at the
tenders. KZT 249 was not disbursed due to objective reasons. About
KZT 700 mln falls at investment projects, implemented at the account
of external loans and grants. Lat year international financial
institutes allotted KZT 6,3 mln for AIC and KZT 5,6 was disbursed.
What is "the most topical item" on the agenda of your department
today?
We have completed all procedures for opening of funding on budget
programs: their passports and plans of payments were approved. This
year our 44 budget programs are to provide disbursement of KZT1 bln
600 mln. The means are distributed among oblast and regional levels
via Treasury. All required normative-legal acts -prepared.
One of our main directions now is control over targeted transfers'
execution. We plan to introduce akimats' monthly accountability.
We also started formation of the ministry's budget for 2007.
Some words about significant investment projects: in 2007, alongside
with Kazakhstan WTO accession we plan to finance measures on
harmonization of standards in veterinary, protection of plants in
compliance with international requirements. Lion share of the state
funds will be channeled to the programs on development of rural
territories, in provision with drinking water in particular – KZT 18
mln is envisaged for that. Apart form that 10-15 infrastructure
objects will be constructed in the framework of the program "Zhasyl
yel".
Maxim Shimansky,

http://www.kazpravda.kz

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INTERFAX-KAZAKHSTAN
*************************

28. General Prosecutor's office to give of judgment execution
functions to Ministry of Justice

Astana. February 24. Interfax-Kazakhstan – Court enforcement
functions in civic suits may be handed over from Supreme Court
administration department to the Ministry of Justice, first deputy
of the Prosecutor General Iliyas Bakhtybaev announced.
"The practice shows that the Ministry of Justice has been
successfully handling judgment enforcement in criminal cases. That
expertise could be easily applied to enforcement of court rulings in
civil suits," Bakhtybaev told journalists during the break at the
round table on execution of judgment held in Astana on Friday.
"We are witnessing a low efficacy of enforcement proceedings and
lamentable provision of officers of court with material resources,"
Bakhtybaev underlined while speaking at the round date. He added
that if a judgment executive body is within the government's area of
competence, "these issues will be much easier to solve."
The Supreme Court administration department chief Irak Yelekeev
speaking at the meeting said that officers of court are not endowed
with sufficient power, nor vested with relevant authority, nor they
have adequate remuneration or social benefits."
Yelekeev suggested that "officers of court should be provided with a
free access to debtors' information, including tax and bank secrets,
their number should be significantly increased and an institute of
private bailiffs should be considered as another option."

==========

29. New government members and regional akims take oath

Astana. February 23. Interfax-Kazakhstan – New government members
and regional akims have taken an oath of office on Thursday in
Astana.
The ministers, who swore allegiance to the republic, were Minister
of Justice Zagipa Balieva, the Minister of Finance Natalia Korzhova,
Minister of Environmental Protection Kamaltin Mukhamedjanov,
Minister of Culture, Information and Sport Yermukhamet Yertysbaev,
Minister of Emergency Situations Shalbai Kulmakhanov, Minister of
Energy and Mineral Resources Baktykozha Izmukhambetov. The other
officials taken the oath were Aktyubinsk oblast akim Yleusin
Sagindykov, Karaganda oblast akim Nurlan Nigmatulin, Mangystau
oblast akim Krymbek Kusherbaev and also National Bank chair Anvar
Saidenov and Commander in Chief of Republic's Guards Abai
Tasbulatov.
After the swearing-in ceremony, the president of Kazakhstan reminded
the new government members that "taking an oath is a constitutional
act and every word you said, is your promise to serve the nation and
meet people's exceptions."

==========

30. Kazakhstani women seek more presence in governing bodies

Astana. February 22. Interfax-Kazakhstan – Kazakhstani women seek
more active involvement in the governing bodies of the republic.
"We have a goal to raise the female presence in executive and
representative bodies up to 30%," Aitkul Samakova, presidential
advisor and chair of the National Commission on Family and Women,
declared at the first Eurasian summit of women in Astana on
Wednesday.
In this regard, Samakova said that female public association and non-
governmental organizations will be pursing more active correlation
with political parties operating in the Republic.
Another step in this direction will be creation of a unified
national training network in the republic to train female
politicians to participate in political processes and election
campaign.
Samakova believes that Kazakhstan "is far ahead of other countries
in regard to the issues of gender policy," which is proved by many
international conferences.

==========

31. Bozhko appointed acting Kazakh special service chief

ASTANA. Feb 22 (Interfax-Kazakhstan) - Kazakh President Nursultan
Nazarbayev has signed a resolution appointing Vladimir Bozhko acting
National Security Committee head, the presidential press service
said on Wednesday.
The appointment of 56-year-old Bozhko, who most recently served as
first deputy head of the National Security Committee, came after
Nazarbayev accepted a letter of resignation tendered by former
special service chief Nartai Dutbayev.

==========

32. Interior Minister announces detention of six suspects of
murdering Sarsenbaiuly, his driver and bodyguard

Almaty. February 20. Interfax-Kazakhstan – Kazakhstani Interior
Minister Baurzhan Mukhamedzhanov has announced detention of six
suspects of murdering oppositionist Altynbek Sarsenbaiuly, his
driver and bodyguard.
Five perpetrators and a head of this crime were arrested, he told a
press conference on Monday in Almaty.
According to Mukhamedzhanov, the detainees confess their guilt,
however their names are not disclosed in the interests of the
investigation.
The investigation found out that the originator offered $25,000 to
the perpetrators to kidnap and kill "some businessman," the minister
informed.
The minister stated that the perpetrators tracked down Sarsenbaiuly
at 9:00 p.m. on February 11 in his neighborhood in Almaty and
stopped Toyota Camry with the politician, kidnapped him [as well as
his driver and the bodyguard] and took them to the Malaya Stanitsa
area.
"On the originator's order, the victims were reseated from Toyota
Camry to a still unestablished car," Mukhamedzhanov underlined.
Presently, the investigating team "thoroughly collects and analyzes
information contributing to clear this crime," the minister said.
According to his information, an FBI expert arrived to Almaty on
Monday assigned with "a task to review the criminal case, fix
necessary experts for rendering methodical assistance to the
investigation."

==========

33. New Shymkent's Akim appointed

Shymkent. February 20. Interfax-Kazakhstan – A number of staff
changes have been carried out at at the administration of South-
Kazakhstan oblast.
Omirzak Ametuly has been appointed the new Akim (head of
administration) of Shymkent city, the press service of the oblast
akim said.
Ametuly born in 1955 graduated from Kazakh Polytechnic Institute in
1978. Formerly, he had been the Akim of Sairam district of the
oblast since November 2003.
Shymkent with 530,000 population is Kazakhstan's third largest city.
Previous akim of the city, Galymzhan Zhumzhaev has been appointed
the Deputy Akim of the oblast in charge of domestic policy issues
succeeding Ali Bektaev in this position who was appointed Akim of
Turkestan city.
New akims have been also appointed to Sairam and Shardara districts
in the South-Kazakhstan oblast.

http://www.interfax.kz

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KAZINFORM
*************

34. Kazakhstani democratic processes discussed in Wales

ASTANA. February 25, 2006. KAZINFORM. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan
to Great Britain Yerlan Idrissov participated in the round table of
the Wales Center of International Relations in Cardiff. The subject
of the round table was the process of democracy building on the post-
Soviet area, Kazinform has learnt from the press service of the
Kazakhstan Embassy in Great Britain.
The Wales Center of International Relations is the national Wales
form for the exchange of opinions and ideas about international
problems between the representatives of scientific and political
communities. This organization is engaged in expansion of the global
issues understanding in Wales, promotion of peace, human rights and
mutual understanding on the international arena and fulfills the
role of coordinator in the relations of Wales with international
organizations.
Conduction of the round table on February 23 with participation of
Ambassador Yerlan Idrissov was initiated by Honorary Consul of
Kazakhstan in Wales Douglas Townsend. The meeting was chiefly
focused on the questions of Kazakhstani democratization process.
Addressing the audience of the political and educational communities
of Wales Douglas Townsend told about his view of the democratic
processes in Kazakhtan and emphasized considerable progress in this
sphere and the leading position of the republic in the region.
Ambassador Idrissov distinguished the basic achievements of
Kazakhstani society and government and noted the necessity of
further development and perfection of Kazakhstani statehood.

==========

35. E-Government to be launched this year

ASTANA. February 24, 2006. KAZINFORM. /Aybyn Bakhytuly/ - In mid
2006 the Electronic Government will start working. This news has
been announced by Chairman of the Agency for Informatization and
Communication Askar Zhumagaliyev today during the sitting of the
Agency.
He says the republic possesses the necessary infrastructure for the
work of such government. The websites have been introduced in 32
governmental bodies out of 34. The E-Government portal will have
been worked out by mid April. The citizens will be able to use the
informational and interactive services, particularly tax
declaration, licenses, electronic procurements that will be provided
via the internet.

==========

36. Astana to enter 30 of the world's most competitive cities by 2030

ASTANA. February 24, 2006. KAZINFORM. /Dina Yermagambetova/ - By the
year of 2030 Astana is to have entered the number of 30 most
competitive and developed cities of the world. President of
Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has announced this today summing up
the sitting on social and economic development of the capital.
"The strategic plan for such long-term period must be a conceptual
document containing goals, tasks, tools, terms and the system of
result appraisal", the President emphasized. These objectives must
be specifically described in the program documents of the city,
particularly the State Program of Social and Economic Development of
Astana city till 2030", the President said.
The leader also emphasized that Astana must become a model capital,
the leading city of Kazakhstan and Central Asia and serve he basis
of the sustainable development of the country.

==========

37. Ex-Ambassador of US to Kazakhstan attended EFCA fund opening

BISHKEK. February 24, 2006. KAZINFORM. /Vladimir Dobrovolsky/ - In
Bishkek on February 23 the ceremony of the Eurasia Fund of Central
Asia opening took place. According to the information of EFCA
Bishkek office this organization will be combining the experience
accumulated since the 1990s with the new objectives – mobilization
of the public resources and promotion of the local institutes. The
ceremony has been attended by the ex-Ambassador of the USA to
Kazakhstan Elizabeth Johnes who is now member of the Council of the
EFCA Trustees.
"Keeping on supporting the new initiatives the Eurasia Fund of
Central Asia will remain one of the most important civil institutes
in the region.

==========

38. Kazakh Culture Minister suggests increasing NGOs projects
financing

ASTANA. February 23, 2006. KAZINFORM /Dina Yermaganbetova/ - The
Ministry will continue its work on annual enhancement of financing
of state social order, Yermukhamet Yertysbayev, Culture, Information
and Sport Minister of Kazakhstan, has said in the course of the
meeting with reps of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) today. In
the framework of 2006 Budgetary Program our ministry plans to invest
KZT123 million into socially important NGOs projects, he noted. I
think it is insufficient. I will bend every effort to increase
financing.
According to him not only the ministries but also other state bodies
should take into account financing of socially important NGOs
projects forming their budget.
Thus, we can fulfill tasks set by the President of Kazakhstan on
gradual enhancement of financing NGOs activity. It is to make KZT 1
billion by 2010, the Minister emphasized.

==========

39. 2 detained on suspicion of Sarsenbayev's murder organization

ASTANA. February 23, 2006. KAZINFORM – In addition to earlier report
data connected with the murder of A. Sarsenbayev, V. Zhuralev and B.
Baibosyn, Kazakhstan Ministry of Internal Affairs spreads the text
of press-release.
On February 22 the police found a car in which, according to the
preliminary information, the victims may possibly be taken away. The
driver of the car V. Miroshnikov was detained. Y. Utembayev, the
head of Senate Administration, living in Astana city, was arrested
later in the same day.
At present operational investigative group conducts investigation
(interrogations, criminal identifications, frisks) in Astana with a
view to clear the criminal pattern and degree of culpability of the
detainees.
The investigation on the murder case continues. Mass media and
publicity will be informed on its further results, the document
reads.

==========

40. Kazakh Culture Minister offered hosting NGOs Forum

ASTANA. February 23, 2006. KAZINFORM./Dina Yermaganbetova/ The
Culture, Information and Sport Minister of Kazakhsan Yermukhamet
Yertysbayev has put forward a motion to hold International Forum of
NGOs in Kazakhstan at the meeting involving the reps of non-
governmental organization.
We may share practice first at the forum of Central Asian and CIS
NGOs, he added. I think they way of Kazakhstan NGOs' development
will be of interest.
In the course of the sitting discussed were the NGOs and Ministry's
near-term cooperation. The Minister highlighted a need to increase
financing socially significant NGO projects, interaction of the
country's non-governmental and international organizations.
To date we are working at holding the meeting with the donor
organizations operating in Kazakhsta. Issue concerning cooperation
in ecotourism, social programs, information exchange and methodical
consulting is under consideration by now.

==========

41. Reappointed ministers took an oath

ASTANA. February 23, 2006. KAZINFORM. /Dulat Moldabayeva/ Today in
the Ak Orda residence the reappointed ministers and akims of the
oblasts (regions) of Kazakhstan have taken an oath of loyalty to the
people and the Head of the State.
By every word of the oath you affirm that you will serve taking into
account the wishes of the whole nation, President of Kazakhstan
Nursultan Nazarbayev said addressing the sworn.
Nursultan Nazarbayev has reminded of the task the country faces- to
rank among the 50 most competitive states of the globe.
It is quite a new stage in our development which claims great
practical and theoretical knowledge. I hope and believe you will do
everything needed to fulfill this honorary mission, Nursultan
Nazarbayev noted.

==========

42. Kazakh National Security Committee Chair resigns

ASTANA. February 22, 2006. KAZINFORM. President of Kazakhstan
Nursultan Nazarbayev has received today Chairman of the Committee
for National Security Nartay Dutbayev and satisfied his claim of
resignation.
- I have met with the President and he satisfied my petition to
resign from the post of Chairman of the National Security Committee.
As you know the investigation of the murder of Altynbek Sarsenbayev
and others disclosed implication of a group of the Committee agents
in the crime who betrayed the interests of civil service, the
interests of the nation and entered into a conspiracy. In this
situation I deem I have no right to manage the Committee and handed
in my resignation. I would also say this group of people will pay
the penalty but in general the Committee of the National Security
will always be faithful to the people of Kazakhstan and serve the
country with dignity, Nartay Dutbayev announced at the briefing for
journalists.

==========

43. Majilis endorsed amendments to draft law on education

ASTANA. February 22, 2006. KAZINFORM / Muratbek Makulbekov/ - Draft
law "on amendments to some legislative acts on education of
Kazakhstan" was approved at the plenary session of Kazakhstan
Majilis. Introducing the draft law, Education and Science Minister
of Kazakhtan Byrganym Aitimova noted the suggested amendments to
legislation enable President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to
appoint or dismiss rectors of concrete state high educational
institutions.
Deputies of Majilis submitted amendments specifying kinds of paid
educational services provided by the state educational institutions,
determining the procedure of certificates' obtainment by the
participants of international Olympiads to compete for educational
grants.

==========

44. Majilis approved bill regulating migration process

ASTANA. February 22, 2006. KAZINFORM. /Muratbek Makulbekov/ At
today's plenary session the Majilis of Parliament of Kazakhstan has
approve the draft law of Kazakhstan "On amendments to some
legislative acts on regulating migration processes" in the first
reading.
Interior Vice Minister Alik Shpekbayev represented the bill. It was
worked out for the purpose of improving legislation effect in sphere
of migration and determination of terms the foreigners and stateless
persons may conduct private business there.
Majilismen included small business into the sphere of migration law
effect for the governmental variant deals only with large and medium
business.

==========

45. Kazakh President greeted Eurasian Women's Summit

ASTANA. February 22, 2006. KAZINFORM. /Aigul Tulekbayeva/ The
Eurasian Women's Summit (EWS) has started its work today in Astana.
The president of the Kazakhstan Businesswomen Association Raushan
Sarsembayeva is its moderator. I'm sure the Eurasian Summit will
confirm the truth if women set goals they can do everything, she
underlined.
The Advisor to President, the directress of the National Commission
for Family and Gender Policy Aitkul Samakova has read the greeting
of the Head of the State Nursultan Nazarbayev to the audience. The
history of the great steppe knows a lot of distinguished women, wise
mothers, and courageous warriorersses, faithful teammates and
beautiful muses and our contemporaries worthily continue these
traditions. The country possesses all premises for gender society,
the Gender Equality Strategy was adopted. Kazakhstan numbers more
than 2 500 women NGOs. There are 4 women ministeres in the country's
Cabinet.
The Advisor to President, the directress of the National Commission
for Family and Gender Policy Aitkul Samakova, EurAsEC secretary
general Grigory Rapota and Parliament deputy Dariga Nazarbayeva were
the first to take the floor.
As earlier reported, those attending are above 400 women from 20
states of the world. A conference on realization of gender policy,
political women's promotion in the society, globalization and
integration problem is on wihin the Summit. A Declaration on
foundation of the Council for gender strategy promoting intra-
EurAsEC will be adopted upon completion of the event.

==========

46. Kazakh President commented on death of Sarsenbayev

ASTANA-AK ORDA. February 21, 2006. KAZINFORM – Today the Head of the
State Nursultan Nazarbayev has answered questions of "Khabar"
and "Kazakhstan" TV Channels' correspondents in connection with
tragic death of Altynbek Sarsenbayev, Bauyrzhan Baibolsynov and
Vasily Zhuravlev, Kazinform refers to President's press service.
Cruel murder of these people is a grievous loss for their families
and relatives. I would like to condole with them, Nursultan
Nazarbayev noted.
I think it is a challenge to the whole society and authorities. The
criminals want to spread fear and distrust among the people. Someone
dislikes order and stability of Kazakhstan, he stressed.
I charged law-enforcement agencies to solve this crime and carefully
monitor the course of justice myself, the Head of the State said.
The guilty will face the trial no matter who stands behind the
murder and has organized it. As the President of Kazakhstan I
declare that Kazakhstan is ready to cooperate with other interested
countries to solve this dreadful crime, he concluded.

==========

47. Great Britain Ambassador met with "Otan" Party representative

ASTANA. February 21, 2006. KAZINFORM 0 Acting Chairman of "Otan"
(Motherland) Party Bakytzhan Zhumagulov has met Great Britain's
Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Paul Brummel and adviser of
analytic department of the British Foreign Ministry Alan Parfitt in
Astana today, Kazinform has learnt from party's press service. The
sides touched upon wide range of issues including further
development of political situation in Kazakhstan, work of National
Commission for Democratization program of "Otan" Party – "Way of
Kazakhtsan-2009".
In the context of President's speech at the joint session of
Parliament's Chambers on January 18 our program will be amended, B.
Zhumagulov stated. The party is responsible for legislative
provision of all necessary reforms as far as the Head of the State
is its leader.
Paul Brummel positively estimated cooperation with Kazakhstan,
especially in the sphere of educational programs. More than 500
youngster will have an opportunity to study in the United Kingdom
due to Chevening Scholarship the year. All this points to the long-
term character of relations between two countries, Mr Brummel noted.
He offered his help in the problems of experience exchange between
British political parties and "Otan" Party.

==========

48. President signs laws

ASTANA-AK ORDA. February 20, 2006. KAZINFORM. President of
Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has signed the Securitization Law
which makes the ground for functioning and development of the
securitization institute – a modern form of the real sector of
economy funding. Besides, the President has signed the Law on
amendments to several legislative acts of Kazakhstan related to the
securitization questions.
Nursultan Nazarbayev has also signed the Law on amendments to the
insurance-related legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan
which purposed to improvement of the insurance legislation.

==========

49. Information Analysis Center for Central Asian problems be set up
in Moscow.

MOSCOW. February 20, 2006. KAZINFORM. /Arnur Rakhymbekov/ An
international scientific conference "Russian and Afghanistan" was
held in Moscow with the participation of the scientists and experts
of Russia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, India,
the US, etc.
A wide range of political, historical, economic, cultural and social
issues was considered then. The conferees adopted Final Document
with an Appeal to the Governments of Russia and Afghanistan. The
gathered put forward to hold the Russian-Afghanistan conference next
autumn in Kabul.
Information Analysis Center involving the Afghanistan and Central
Asian experts will be founded on the ground of the Russian Fund "
Azia Analitika."
Kyrgyz-Russian Slavonic University Profesor Alexander Knyazev told
about problem of drugs production in Afghanistan. It cannot be
settled by force for opium poppy cultivation is the only income
source for some districts. Fluent retargeting without penal measures
will take greater effect, Knyazev said. Many people understand
traffic in drugs is not perspective and wish transfer their money to
the legal sector. Readiness to legalize capitals made out of drugs
is observed.
Russia officially abandoned sponsoring Afghanistan, the professor of
the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations Sergey Druzhilovsky
noted. Russia quite often provides Afghanistan with gratuitous help
and presents with objects built on Russia's money and now
even "forgives a debt."
The character of spending foreign aid lent to Afghanistan forces the
country to claim gratuitous or privileged delivery of goods for its
economic needs, he added. And Russia quite often effects such
deliveries.

==========

50. 26 public service centers to be opened in Kazakhstan

ASTANA. February 20, 2006. KAZINFORM / Dina Yermaganbetova. – 26
centers of public service (CPS) will be opened in all regions of
Kazakhstan, Almaty and Astana cities during the current year,
Ramazan Sarpekov, Vice-Chairman of the Registration Services
Committee of Kazakhstan Justice Ministry, said at the press
conference on Saturday.
The firs four CPS, based on the principle of "one window", were
opened in Almaty and Astana cities in November 2005. The centers
were organized in the framework of the project on contribution to
the development of standards of state service rendering under the
auspices of European Commission.
EC representative Ken Charman noted at the press conference the work
of the centers conformed to the world standards.

==========

51. Kazakh ministries work out service rendering standards

ASTANA. February 18, 2006. KAZINFORM. /Dina Yermaganbetov/ The
Ministries of Justice, Finance, Healthcare, Labor and Social
Protection have proceeded to drafting service rendering standards,
the spokesman of the European Commission for elaboration of public
service provision standards Ken Charman told a press conference
today in Astana.
We help these departments elaborate public service quality
standards, he clarified. Later we will carry out the same work with
the Almaty, and South Kazakhstan oblast akimats.
The project for contributing to the development of service provision
standards has been realizing in Kazakhstan since last September in
cooperation with the Kazakhstan Civil Service Agency and the
European Commission. Their task is to consult the whole process. The
EC allotted Euro 1 mln 500 thousand for project fulfillment.
All ministries providing any services to the population will work in
conformity with the developed standard since next January 1,
director of the state service staffing support department of the
Kazakhstan Civil Service Agency noted.

http://www.inform.kz

***************
FERGHANA.RU
***************

52. Servicemen of a special forces unit of he Kazakh National
Security Committee suspected of Sarsenbayev\'s assassination,
sources say

Ferghana.Ru news agency, Staff correspondent, 21.02.2006
Kazakhstan Today news agency reports that five men detained as
suspected assassins of Altynbek Sarsenbayev, one of the leaders of
the Kazakh opposition, are servicemen of Arystan, a special forces
unit. The news agency refers to a source in the national security
structures. Officially, the information is not confirmed.
At his briefing in Alma-Ata on February 20 Interior Minister
Baurzhan Mukhamedzhanov announced the arrest of the organizer of
Sarsenbayev's murder and his accomplices. Mukhamedzhanov said that
the organizer and five accomplices had been established and
detained. Their names are not revealed in the interests of the
investigation but the detainees have already confessed.
Judging by what is posted on the web site of the National Security
Committee of Kazakhstan, Arystan [Lion in Kazakh] was formed over a
decade ago. The web site appraises Arystan servicemen as fearless,
decisive, strong, and brilliant professionals ever ready to tackle
armed criminals and neutralize them in a matter of seconds without
loss of lives of noncombatants, risk to their own life and limb
notwithstanding.

==========

53. Organizer of Altynbek Sarsenbayevs abduction and his accomplices
are reported collared

Kommersant, Alexander Sidorenko, 21.02.2006
Interior Minister of Kazakhstan Baurzhan Mukhamedzhanov announced in
Alma-Ata yesterday that law enforcement agencies had detained
organizer of the abduction of opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbayev
and his accomplices. Sarsenbayev was eventually found dead. As far
as the minister is concerned, the opposition leader aka entrepreneur
was killed in precisely in his businessman's capacity. Opposition in
the meantime calls it a political assassination, implies that the
upper echelons of state power may be involved, and urges the
investigation to hurry or witnesses will start disappearing.
The bodies of Sarsenbayev, 43, his driver, and bodyguard were found
not far from Alma-Ata on February 13. At first, local observers and
activists of Movement For Fair Kazakhstan Sarsenbayev had been
involved with did not insist on political motives of assassination
and were content to wait for the first results of the investigation.
Sarsenbayev's funeral, however, resulted in an anti-government
demonstration, its participants blaming the authorities for
assassination of the opposition leader who had dared accuse
president's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva herself. In 2004,
Sarsenbayev went public claiming that Nazarbayeva's media holding
was absorbing electronic media outlets, putting an end to freedom of
expression in the country, and embezzling state funds to boot. Aware
of the ramifications, President Nursultan Nazarbayev took
investigation of Sarsenbayev's death under personal control.
The president returned from a vacation abroad, yesterday, and
Mukhamedzhanov immediately called a briefing to proclaim the crime
as good as solved. He said that there were six criminals in all (one
organizer and five accomplices) and that all six were in a detention
cell now. Their names are not revealed in the interests of the
investigation.
"The investigation established that the organizer told his
accomplices to kidnap a certain businessmen and bring him to a
specified location. The organizer offered his accomplices $25,000,"
Mukhamedzhanov said. "The accomplices agreed. They flagged down the
victims' Toyota Camry at about 9 p.m. on February 11, kidnapped the
men inside, and brought them to Malaya Stanitsa."
Once the kidnapped were brought there, the minister explained, "they
were pushed into another car, as yet unidentified, and driven to the
Koktyube Gorge" where the bodies were later found.
This hypothesis implies that the Kazakh police promptly solved the
crime. Unofficial reports indicate that the abductors were betrayed
by reckless use of one of their victims' cell phones. Observers
point out, however, that the arrest of the abductors alone was
reported, not that of the murderers. Mukhamedzhanov did not even
mention the latter.
The report on the triumph of law enforcement agencies was made
simultaneously with appearance of an officer of the American FBI in
Alma-Ata. The Kazakh authorities had appealed to the Americans for
help. The opposition had no objections believing that the presence
of an American expert would guarantee objectivity of the
investigation. It is the American who is expected now to confirm or
denounce claims of the Kazakh opposition that the corridors of power
are involved in the assassination.
Opposition activists assigned to the Public Investigation Panel
maintain that some men close to the upper echelons of republican law
enforcement agencies are involved. They fear that these men may
arrange for witnesses to disappear without a trace and therefore
urge the authorities to hurry.
Kommersant, February 21, 2006, p. 10

http://www.ferghana.ru

***************************************
THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE
***************************************

54. 5 Kazakh agents held in death of politician

Agence France-Presse, Reuters
ASTANA, Kazakhstan The National Security Committee, the KNB, the
successor to the Soviet-era KGB, said Tuesday that five rogue
members of its elite combat unit were arrested in connection with
the murder of an opposition leader.
The opposition has accused senior government officials of ordering
the assassination of Altynbek Sarsenbayev, a critic of President
Nursultan Nazarbayev. Sarsenbayev's body was found last week with
bullet wounds in his back and his head.
"Five servicemen from KNB's Arystan forces have been arrested," the
KNB security service said in a statement.
The agency sought to distance itself from the case, saying in a
statement that the men were "werewolves in epaulettes," a term
coined in neighboring Russia to describe corrupt security officials.
The KNB "is working to establish all real participants of the murder
and to trace all 'werewolves in epaulettes' in its ranks," it said.
Sarsenbayev's body was found last week on a road near Kazakhstan's
biggest city, Almaty, alongside those of his bodyguard and driver.
The National Security Committee said the five agents had been
tracked down because they had been using the cellphones of
Sarsenbayev's driver and bodyguard.
Sarsenbayev, 43, a former minister and ambassador, was Nazarbayev's
confidant until 2003, when he joined the opposition.
A government minister dismissed opposition claims that senior
officials ordered the killing, saying the accusation was an attempt
to grab newspaper headlines.
Sarsenbayev's killing followed the mysterious death in November of
another prominent member of the opposition, Zamanbek Nurkadilov, who
was found dead at his home with three gunshot wounds. The police
said then, and still maintain, that Nurkadilov's death was a suicide.
Kazakhstan has agreed to investigate the Sarsenbayev case jointly
with the United States, saying that would avoid criticism about the
investigation's transparency. The U.S. Embassy declined to comment
on the KNB's statement.
Nazarbayev has run the former Soviet state since 1989. He has been
praised for opening up the economy, but his rule has been marked by
corruption scandals and little tolerance of dissent.

http://www.iht.com

*************
RIA NOVOSTI
*************

55. Kazakhstan's top security officials must resign -- MP

ASTANA, February 22 (RIA Novosti) - A Kazakh lawmaker called
Wednesday for the dismissal of top officials from the country's
National Security Committee (KNB) over their subordinates' alleged
involvement in the killing of a prominent opposition leader.
"I think KNB leaders must be dismissed," Dariga Nazarbayeva, a
daughter of President Nursultan Nazarbayev and the leader of the
Asar (Together) party, told a news conference.
The KNB said in a press release Tuesday that five officers from its
special antiterrorist unit Aristan had been detained in connection
with the killing of Altynbek Sarsenbayev, a leader of the Just
Kazakhstan opposition movement.
Kazakhstan's Interior Minister, Bauyrzhan Mukhamedzhanov, said
Wednesday that the five suspected killers had already pleaded guilty
to murder charges and one other person had been detained as a
suspected mastermind of the killing. However, he refused to disclose
names of the suspects.
"Five persons who had executed the assassination were tracked down
and detained along with a suspected mastermind of the crime," the
minister said.
Mukhamedzhanov said the U.S.' Federal Bureau of Investigation was
helping with the probe.
The body of Sarsenbayev, 44, as well as those of his bodyguard and
driver were found with bullet wounds on the outskirts of Almaty, the
country's former capital, in the early hours of February 13.
Kazakhstan's prosecutors said last week they did not rule out the
killing was politically motivated.
A former information minister and ambassador to Russia, Sarsenbayev
co-chaired the Naghyz Ak Zhol (Bright Way) party within the Just
Kazakhstan bloc.

http://en.rian.ru/

************************
THE WASHINGTON POST
************************

56. Kazakh Opposition Demands Resignation

By BAGILA BUKHARBAYEVA
The Associated Press
Thursday, February 23, 2006; 10:04 AM
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Kazakh opposition leaders Thursday demanded
that the speaker of parliament's upper house resign after a senior
Senate official was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the
slaying of an opposition leader.
The opposition has said the Feb. 11 killing of Altynbek Sarsenbayev,
a leader of the Nagyz Ak Zhol party, was a politically motivated
hit. Sarsenbayev, 43, was kidnapped along with his bodyguard and
driver, and all three were shot dead in the mountains near the
commercial capital, Almaty.
The head of the Senate administration, Erzhan Utembayev, who is a
former deputy prime minister, was arrested Wednesday, the Interior
Ministry said in a statement Thursday.
Zharmakhan Tuyakbai, leader of the For a Fair Kazakhstan opposition
alliance, said Utembayev's arrest "confirmed that the traces of this
political order go to the highest offices."
The opposition alleged in a statement that Utembayev was too weak a
figure to have masterminded Sarsenbayev's murder and demanded the
immediate resignation of Senate speaker Nurtai Abykayev.
"We believe Abykayev must immediately step down because he has
enough formal and informal resources to influence the
investigation," another opposition leader, Oraz Zhandosov, said.
Abykayev previously headed the National Security Committee and
President Nursultan Nazarbayev's administration.
Police have arrested five security service officers, and two more
men, one said to be a driver and another unidentified, as suspects
in the murder.
On Wednesday, the opposition demanded that the president's daughter,
Dariga Nazarbayeva, and her husband, Rakhat Aliyev _ who is also the
deputy foreign minister _ be questioned in connection with the
killing.
The opposition Aina weekly Thursday published an interview with a
retired security officer who, citing sources close to the
investigation, alleged that the murder had been instigated by
Aliyev, who is also a former senior security official.
The Svoboda Slova newspaper carried an open letter to Aliyev and
Dariga Nazarbayeva, a lawmaker and media mogul, that charged the
couple had "personal motives to dislike" Sarsenbayev.
Aliyev could not be reached for comment on the allegations.
Dariga Nazarbayeva on Thursday accused unnamed "very influential
forces" of being behind the murder, calling it "a carefully planned
action aimed to discredit" the president.
"These forces want to throw the country into chaos ... and show the
president's and his government's inability to ensure public
security," she said in a statement.
In 2001, some liberal government officials, backed by Sarsenbayev,
presented President Nazarbayev with a dossier on Aliyev's alleged
plans to unseat him and demanded political reforms. Nazarbayev sent
Aliyev to Vienna as Kazakhstan's ambassador to Austria and the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and sacked the
officials, who now make up the core of the country's opposition.
Sarsenbayev was demoted.
Nazarbayeva controls the country's most powerful media company,
which last year sued Sarsenbayev for slander. In the trial,
Sarsenbayev testified about alleged violations by Nazarbayeva in
building the media empire. He was found guilty and fined.

==========

57. Kazakh Intelligence Chief Quits in Murder Scandal

By Peter Finn
Washington Post Foreign Service
Thursday, February 23, 2006; Page A11
MOSCOW, Feb. 22 -- The murder of a prominent opposition leader in
Kazakhstan this month continued to reverberate Wednesday as the head
of the country's intelligence service quit following the arrest of
five of his subordinates for alleged involvement in the killing.
The Kazakhstan Today news agency also reported that police had
arrested the administration chief of the country's senate on
suspicion of involvement in the killing of Altynbek Sarsenbayev. The
crime is generating increasing political pressure on the government
of President Nursultan Nazarbayev .
Kazakh officials said Tuesday that they had arrested five members of
an elite unit within the country's National Security Committee, the
successor of the Soviet-era KGB, for carrying out the killing.
A sixth man, who allegedly ordered the murder, was arrested Monday
but has not been identified. Opposition leaders said they had
information that he is a retired law-enforcement official.
From the moment Sarsenbayev was found shot in the back and head on
an isolated road outside the city of Almaty on Feb. 13, opposition
leaders charged that the killing was politically motivated and the
country's security services were involved. Sarsenbayev's bodyguard
and driver were also found with him, shot and killed and their hands
tied behind their backs. The three had disappeared two days earlier.
The opposition's accusations were denied by the government, which
said the killing was probably related to a family or financial
dispute.
The president said Tuesday that the killers would get "the severest
punishment." The FBI is assisting in the investigation to ensure
that it is conducted in a fair and open way, according to government
officials.
Sarsenbayev, 43, a former government minister and ambassador, broke
with Nazarbayev in 2003 and went on to found the Nagyz Ak Zhol
party. The group backed a united opposition candidate in a
presidential election in December, which was won by Nazarbayev with
an official tally of 91 percent of the vote.
Nartai Dutbayev, head of the National Security Committee, submitted
a letter of resignation and met Wednesday with Nazarbayev, who
accepted his decision to step down, according to the president's
office.
"I believe that I have no moral right to head the National Security
Committee, in the given situation," Dutbayev said after the meeting,
according to the president's office. He said the arrested security
agents, members of the special operations Tiger unit, "betrayed
their duty and the interests of the people."


==========

58. Kazakhstan Intelligence Chief Quits

By BAGILA BUKHARBAYEVA
The Associated Press
Wednesday, February 22, 2006; 9:55 AM
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Kazakhstan's intelligence chief resigned
Wednesday after several of his subordinates were arrested on
suspicion of involvement in the slaying of an opposition leader.
The opposition has said the Feb. 11 killing of Altynbek Sarsenbayev
was politically motivated and was carried out by the special
services.
Nartai Dutbayev submitted his resignation Tuesday, hours after the
National Security Committee said that five of its employees were
among the six arrested suspects.
President Nursultan Nazarbayev met with him on Wednesday
and "accepted his offer of resignation," the president's office said.
"I believe that I have no moral right to head the National Security
Committee in the given situation," Dutbayev said after the meeting,
according to the president's office.
He also said that the arrested security service officers "betrayed
their duty and the interests of the people" and must be punished.
The Kazakhstan Today news agency said later Wednesday that police
arrested the administration chief of parliament's upper house,
Senate, Erzhan Utembayev, on suspicion of involvement in the murder.
Sarsenbayev, a leader of the Nagyz Ak Zhol party, was the second
prominent government critic to be killed in the oil-rich Central
Asian nation in the past three months.
He was kidnapped along with his bodyguard and driver, and all three
were shot dead in mountains near the commercial capital, Almaty.
Nazarbayev, who has ruled the ex-Soviet republic for 16 years, has
been criticized in recent years for growing authoritarianism. He was
re-elected to a new seven-year term in a December vote that was
criticized by Western observers as flawed.
The president has vowed that whoever is responsible for
Sarsenbayev's death will get "the toughest punishment."
Sarsenbayev, a 43-year-old former government minister and ambassador
to Russia, joined the opposition in 2003.
Three months ago Zamanbek Nurkadilov, an outspoken critic of the
president and a former regional governor and emergencies minister,
died from multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities ruled the death a
suicide.
The opposition said Wednesday it was planning to hold a
demonstration in Almaty on Sunday to commemorate Sarsenbayev.

==========

59. Six Held In Kazakh Figure's Slaying

Opposition Leader Had Served as Envoy to Russia
By Peter Finn
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, February 21, 2006; Page A12
MOSCOW, Feb. 20 -- Six people have been arrested on suspicion of
murdering Kazakh opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbayev, who was
found bound and shot in the back and head outside the city of Almaty
on Feb. 13 along with his slain driver and bodyguard, according to
local news reports.
Police have detained the man who allegedly ordered the killings as
well as five people who they said carried out the slayings, and all
have confessed, according to Interior Minister Baurzhan
Mukhamedjanov, speaking to reporters in Almaty on Monday.
The man who ordered the killing paid $25,000 for it, the minister
said. However, he offered no sense of the motive beyond a vague
suggestion that Sarsenbayev was kidnapped Feb. 11 because he was
believed to be a rich businessman.
"The investigation has found that the organizer suggested that those
who executed the crime kidnap some businessman and bring him to a
certain location, promising to pay for that $25,000," said
Mukhamedjanov, according to news reports in Kazakhstan.
Leading opposition figures have alleged that the killing was
orchestrated by senior government officials who feared that
Sarsenbayev, a former government minister and ambassador, could
exploit his inside knowledge of President Nursultan Nazarbayev's
rule. The government rejects the accusation.
Opposition leaders said Sarsenbayev, 43, had no business interests
or ties to criminals, leaving only politics as a motive. And local
reporters apparently asked how Sarsenbayev, a well-known figure,
could have been mistaken for a businessman. The interior minister
declined to answer most questions, according to local reporters.
The killing has roiled the energy-rich Central Asian country and
deepened questions about the political climate developing under
Nazarbayev, 65, who has ruled since 1989 and was reelected to a
seven-year term in December with 91 percent of the vote. Election
monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe said the election was flawed.
Mukhamedjanov said the names of those arrested would not be released
until the investigation is complete. Attempts to get someone at the
Interior Ministry to speak about the case by telephone were
unsuccessful.
Sarsenbayev resigned as ambassador to Russia in 2003 to form the
opposition party Ak Zhol, or Bright Path, saying the president
needed to choose between corrupt authoritarianism and democratic
reform. The party later split and Sarsenbayev went on to found the
True Bright Path, which was part of a united opposition movement
that challenged Nazarbayev last year.
Sarsenbayev, regarded as one of the country's most astute political
figures, was a potentially serious challenger to Nazarbayev's rule.
He also had clashed with the president's daughter when he questioned
her control of media outlets in the country.
The killing was the second of an opposition figure in Kazakhstan in
recent months. On Nov. 12, Zamanbek Nurkadilov, a former mayor of
Almaty, was found dead at his home with three gunshot wounds. Police
said they believed his death was a suicide, a finding that drew
scorn from the opposition.
Kazakh authorities said they believed the killing of Sarsenbayev was
designed to destabilize the country, or could have been motivated by
family or financial disputes. "We think that assertions about
political motives behind the murder that have been made by
Sarsenbayev's associates are premature," said the deputy interior
minister, Kalmukhanbet Kasymov.
The government has requested the FBI's assistance in the
investigation, which officials said would ensure transparency. They
said Monday that an FBI agent had arrived in the country.

==========

60. Kazakhstan Agents Suspected in Murder

By BAGILA BUKHARBAYEVA
The Associated Press
Tuesday, February 21, 2006; 9:41 AM
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Kazakhstan's intelligence agency said Tuesday
that five of its employees were among the six arrested suspects in
the murder of an opposition leader.
The National Security Committee statement comes amid opposition
allegations of government involvement in the Feb. 11 murder of
Altynbek Sarsenbayev, a leader of the Nagyz Ak Zhol party.
He was the second prominent government critic to be killed in the
oil-rich Central Asian nation in the past three months.
Sarsenbayev was kidnapped along with his bodyguard and driver, and
all three were shot dead in mountains near the commercial capital
Almaty.
Interior Minister Baurzhan Mukhamedjanov said Monday that police had
arrested a man suspected of ordering the murder along with five
suspected killers. He said the detainees had confessed to the murder.
"Five servicemen of the National Security Committee's Arystan group
have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in this crime," the
security service said in a statement Tuesday.
Arystan, or Tiger, is the security agency's elite division used for
anti-terror and other special operations.
The security committee also said in the statement that it was
working "to find all real participants in the murder and reveal
werewolves among its ranks and punish those who allowed this to
happen."
Interior Minister Mukhamedjanov has said that the alleged organizer
ordered the killers to kidnap "some businessman" for $25,000.
Sarsenbayev was not known to be involved in business activity.
The opposition has said the murder was political and was carried out
by the special services.
The investigation is being assisted by an FBI agent invited by the
authorities.
Zharmakhan Tuyakbai, leader of the For a Fair Kazakhstan opposition
alliance and former chief prosecutor, said Tuesday that he had
information that the sixth arrested suspect was a former law-
enforcement officer.
"The question today is whether the law-enforcement agencies have the
will to solve this crime and find all those behind it," Tuyakbai
told The Associated Press.
"It all comes from the impunity with which law-enforcement agencies
were allowed to act ahead of the elections, harassing and
intimidating the opposition," he said, referring to the December
presidential vote in which President Nursultan Nazarbayev earned a
new term.
The vote was criticized by Western observers as flawed.
Nazarbayev, who has ruled the ex-Soviet republic for 16 years, has
been criticized in recent years for growing authoritarianism.
Sarsenbayev, a 43-year-old former government minister and ambassador
to Russia, joined the opposition in 2003.
Three months ago Zamanabek Nurkadilov, an outspoken critic of the
president and a former regional governor and emergencies minister,
died from multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities ruled the death a
suicide.

==========

61. Kazakh Security Agents Held In Killing of Opposition Figure

By Peter Finn
Washington Post Foreign Service
Wednesday, February 22, 2006; Page A12
MOSCOW, Feb. 21 -- Five members of an elite unit within Kazakhstan's
national security service, the KNB, have been arrested in connection
with the killing of a leading opposition figure last week.
Altynbek Sarsenbayev, who had accused President Nursultan Nazarbayev
of quashing dissent and moving the country toward authoritarianism,
was found dead along with his bodyguard and driver outside the
Kazakh city of Almaty. All three had been bound and shot in the back.
"Five servicemen from KNB's Arystan forces have been arrested in
connection to . . . the murder," according to a statement issued by
the National Security Committee, the successor to Kazakhstan's
Soviet-era KGB. The KNB "is working to establish all real
participants of the murder and to trace all 'werewolves in
epaulettes' in its ranks."
The reference to werewolves comes from a Russian expression
describing corrupt police and security officials. The five suspects
were members of a group known as the Arystan, or Tiger, that
conducted counterterrorism operations. The opposition in Kazakhstan
had said the killing was politically motivated and ordered by senior
government officials, an allegation denied by the government.
Another opposition leader, Zamanbek Nurkadilov, a former mayor of
Almaty, was found dead in his home Nov. 12 with three gunshot
wounds. Police said he committed suicide.
Sarsenbayev, a former cabinet minister and ambassador to Russia
under Nazarbayev, broke with the president in 2003 and supported an
opposition candidate in December's presidential elections.
Nazarbayev, who has ruled the country since 1989, was returned to
power with 91 percent of the vote after balloting that was condemned
as flawed by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
The security service said Tuesday that it had intercepted calls made
from cell phones that belonged to Sarsenbayev's driver and bodyguard
and then tracked down the callers. That would suggest that the
agents took the cell phones and used them after the killing.
All five are being held in Almaty, and officials said Monday that
they had also arrested a sixth man who ordered the killings. That
person has not been identified, and officials said only that he had
ordered the kidnapping of a businessman.
Opposition leaders said Sarsenbayev, 43, had no business interests
and could not have been mistaken for someone else because he was a
well-known figure.
Zharmakhan Tuyakbai, a former chief prosecutor and leader of For a
Fair Kazakhstan, an opposition alliance, told the Associated Press
on Tuesday that he had information that the sixth arrested suspect
is a former law enforcement officer.
"The question today is whether the law enforcement agencies have the
will to solve this crime and find all those behind it," Tuyakbai
told the AP. "It all comes from the impunity with which law
enforcement agencies were allowed to act ahead of the elections,
harassing and intimidating the opposition."
The FBI is assisting Kazakh authorities in the investigation.

http://www.washingtonpost.com

*************************
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
*************************

62. Kazakh official offers to quit

By Christopher Pala
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- The head of Kazakhstan's security agency
yesterday offered to resign after five members of an elite anti-
terrorist unit were arrested in the killing of a leading opposition
figure.
The body of Altynbek Sarsenbayev, a vocal critic of President
Nursultan Nazarbayev, was found Feb. 13 with bullet wounds in the
back and the head.
The opposition has accused senior government officials of ordering
the assassination.
Mr. Nazarbayev, who was outside the country last week, made his
first public comments on the killings in a two-minute televised
speech last night.
The killings presented "a challenge to our society and our
government," he said.
"Whoever ordered, organized and carried them will receive the most
severe punishment," he added, without mentioning

(Message over 64k, truncated.)