Voice of Democracy
Published by Kazakhstan 21st Century Foundation · Washington, D.C. · ·Oct. 1, 2004

'CLEAN UP YOUR ACT,' U.S. DEMANDS -- The Bush Administration called on the Kazakhstan government to "ensure that the October 3 runoff elections are free, fair, and transparent," unlike the first round in September. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the United States agrees with the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe Observation Mission that the September 19 voting "fell short of international standards." Boucher noted, " There were serious shortcomings in voter lists, candidates' access to media and the tabulation of results. In addition, a number of aspects of the improved election law were not implemented effectively and impartially." Washington urged the Kazakh government to "promptly and fairly address concerns" raised by the OSCE and other international observers. It also called for immediate publication of " the full election results on a precinct-by-precinct basis." http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/

KAZAK-CHINESE MILITARY TIES TO EXPAND -- Policy planners in Washington cannot be very pleased with the news of China's attempts to "push friendly military relations" with Kazakhstan "to a new high." That's the goal of Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, as quoted in the People's Daily Online. China wants to improve strategic consultations, Cao told top Kazakh defense officials, adding that bilateral military cooperation has continually expanded and deepened, reported the official People's Daily. Almaz Abdulymanov, a top Kazakh defense official, said his country wants to cooperate with China to fight the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism. http://english.people.com.cn/200409/08/print20040908_156354.html

ANYTHING FOR DADDY -- Darigha Nazarbaeva was "proud" of her party's good showing in last month's parliamentary elections because it "strengthened" position of her father, President Nazarbayev. "We accomplished our big strategic task," the dictator's daughter said in a press conference reported on Khabar TV, which she controls. Preliminary election results put her Asar party in third place after the first round of voting for the 77-member majilis. He ascent to parliament is seen as a first step toward succeeding her father when he chooses to step down. http://www.rferl.org/bd/ka/

CORRUPTION CALLED OBSTACLE TO DEMOCRACY -- Kazakhstan's oil wealth could wind up in the pockets of President Nazarbayev and his cronies, and never filter down to the Kazakhstan people, the rightful owners of the country's great natural resources. That is the fear of the European Commission, which is investigating Kazakhstan's oil potential with a view that "political stability [and] the right economic policy" are critical to the country's democratic development. "Our main worry is that the windfall of oil will disappear into the hands of the ruling elite and the population will never see the benefits." http://www.european-voice.com/

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