Voice of Democracy
Published by Kazakhstan 21st Century Foundation · Washington, D.C. ·April, 29, 2004

IT TAKES MORE THAN OIL TO SUCCEED, U.S. WARNS -- Amid the usual platitudes commonly heard when diplomats address a conference of business leaders, there were some strong warnings this week for Kazakhstan from the number two man at the State Department. Deputy Secretary Richard L. Armitage said Kazakhs have "come a very long way in the first 12 years since independence," particularly in the economic sphere, but "long-term success depends on improving their domestic situation." He clearly had in mind the frequent State Department rebukes of the Nazarbayev regime for its widespread and continuing government corruption, human rights abuses, media repression and voter fraud. Addressing the U.S.-Kazakhstan Business Association Conference in Washington, he said, "Oil alone will not integrate Kazakhstan into the global economy…[or] attract foreign investment." He stressed that the "success of economic reforms depends on tandem political reforms." He singled out the upcoming parliamentary elections, and said their conduct will have an important bearing on the future of US-Kazakh relations.

Among the American concerns Armitage emphasized are:

• Essential to the country's progress, he noted, are a commitment to market-based economic reform, consistency and transparency in the investment environment, economic diversity

• "Prosperity and political enfranchisement are simply not separable. A strong, open economy will only thrive when it is supported by a healthy civil society, including non governmental organizations and some form of participatory politics."

• "This is going to mean political pluralism, and an independent media, and respect for human rights. It's going to mean building a representative government and open economy. You can t cherry pick some institutions and leave out the others when you do that. It s a package deal."

• President Nazarbayev's positive moves " have been set back by the selective prosecution of opposition figures and harassment of journalists."

• This fall's elections will be " an important indicator" of whether Kazakhstan will be able to "integrate into the international community, and become for the United States a truly reliable and truly respected strategic partner." Elections must be free, fair and transparent "with a genuine opportunity for opposition candidates to compete."

• Armitage stressed that "the road to a viable, independent state with long-term prosperity and political stability does not run through "managed democracy."

• "Peace and long-term prosperity depend on democratic and economic reforms, respect for human rights, freedom of religion, rule of law, and a willingness to cooperate within the region."

http://www.state.gov/p/nea/ci/c3212.htm
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