Kazakh President Pledges Further Democratic Change

    ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 17 /EMWNews/ -- Kazakhstan intends to

fulfill all its commitment to democratic reforms ahead of taking up the

chairmanship of the OSCE 2010.



    The country which will be the first former Soviet state to chair the

organization has promised to reform its election laws and take steps to

increase media freedom by the end of 2008.



    According to President Nazarbayev, "Our understanding of democratic

processes rests on two major points: on a number of fundamental/universal

principles - and on national and cultural features that should be taken

into account when adhering to the universal principles. Kazakhstan's

Constitution - which is based on a modern democratic model - enables to

take serious steps to democratize our society. First of all, the creation

of a legal mechanism to form a parliament comprising at least two political

parties. Secondly, the creation of more favorable conditions for state

registration of political parties. Thirdly, the enhancement of election

procedures.



    We also need to remove the excessive bureaucratic barriers in

regulation of the country's media."



    In his address to delegates attending an OSCE Conference in Astana, the

President denounced non-proliferation-based system of global security,

spoke of increased cooperation between Europe and Central Asia, and

Kazakhstan's ability to guarantee global food and energy security (in

return for technology and investments). The President also spoke of driving

interfaith and interethnic dialogue, solving issues posed by Afghanistan

and financial stability across Central Asia.



    Background



    After the Soviet Union collapsed, the newly formed Republic of

Kazakhstan faced economic turmoil and a legacy of environmental disasters

and inefficiency left by the Kremlin. With a stockpile of nuclear weapons

in its possession, the leaders of Kazakhstan had a choice - empowerment

through force and dictatorship, or prosperity through disarmament and

democracy. Kazakhstan chose the latter and today the country has emerged as

a major player in the global economy and a substantial element of regional

and world stability. The Kazakh economy is open to foreign investors, who

come to the country for its energy, manufacturing, retail and services

potential, buttressed by a progressive investment environment and liberal

tax regime.



    The people of Kazakhstan live in ethnic harmony guaranteed by a

constitution that delineates strict separation between religion and state.

President Nazarbayev has successfully balanced the interests of

Kazakhstan's 120 ethnic groups, wiping out the types of ethnic tension that

have ripped other countries apart.