Welcome

Dear Friends,

A very warm welcome to my blog which I have launched with great pleasure as a means of dialoguing with the American public.

Like the United States, Kazakhstan is also a country blessed with a grand landscape along the Steppes and a diverse and dynamic population that is coming into its own in the early 21st Century.  Our independence as a country is not unlike what America experienced over 200 years ago and I trust we are on the same path to democracy and civil society that will most certainly strengthen relations between our two countries.

My country can lay claim to about 3-4% of the world’s proven oil resources in addition to a remarkable treasure trove of minerals. But despite its warm and ever evolving strategic relations with the US, not so many Americans know much about its origins as a country with a great nomadic heritage. Or about its extraordinary late 20th century transition from impoverished Soviet backwater to a tolerant and prosperous modern democracy building state.

My aim is tell you something of Kazakhstan’s present-day aspirations as well as a little of its culture and history.   But I also want to learn from you. An ambassador can most effectively serve his country if he possesses a deep and sympathetic understanding of the people, culture and institutions of the country in which he is based. I do of course have official and diplomatic duties that I must perform in Washington, D. C. But importantly, I also see my mission as reaching into America’s heartland to better understand its history and culture, to appreciate its ethnic diversity and political legacy, and most of all to capture the spirit and character of the American people.

For the people of both our countries, it is about shared values and mutual support that can be achieved by reaching out to one another.  I want to share my thoughts and experiences with you and exchange views on topics of mutual interest and concern.   Your comments, opinions and questions are not just welcome, I believe that they can come to form part of a dialogue that has the potential to enrich the political, economic and cultural links between our countries.

Parliamentary Election Outcome to Advance Democracy

Dear Friends,

I met the media once again on Wednesday January 18 at the National Press Club. This time the main topic was the Parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan of three days earlier.

As you probably know by now, the elections were a success. Seventy-five percent of those eligible to vote did so and we now have a multi-party legislature – a great, an important step for our country.

I told the reporters that the elections and their outcome are proof that Kazakhstan has become a mature government. Many of the outside observers who watched the polling saw free and fair elections. That, in fact, is what they were.

The OSCE observers, as always, found some things to complain about. I responded to questions about those complaints and even complained myself, a bit, about a Washington Post article that cited only the negative comments of that one organization.

I pointed out that several other groups that witnessed the elections came to a different conclusion. I particularly liked the line of encouragement taken by Elsa Papademetriou, the Head of the Delegation of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, who said that “These elections proved to be a move in the right direction.” I also explained that an accusation of ballot stuffing turned out to be untrue after being carefully investigated. Even the citizens of western Kazakhstan, where the riots occurred last month, voted and in large numbers.

Kazakhstan, I explained, is a developing democracy. It gets better at elections all the time. Its political skills still have a way to go. But we are better than we used to be and the elections this time around are proof of our constant improvement.

Over the years of independence we have made a lot of progress to be proud of, especially our economic growth and gradual steps toward democracy. One day we can only hope the media will catch up to our achievements.

Erlan Idrissov

Parliamentary Elections and Zhanaozen

Dear Friends,

As you may be aware, last December Kazakhstan marked the 20^th anniversary of its Independence. We have come a long way in a short time. We have emerged as a strong, modern and forward-looking nation, which has earned a respected place in the community of nations.

Kazakhstan is a united nation that protects the sacred peace of the country and honors the traditions of harmony, creativity and friendship. We are confident that Kazakhstan will continue to becoming stronger and more prosperous through the unity of our people and selfless, creative work.

Kazakhstan aspires to further advance its fledgling democracy through the enhancement of the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

All nations face challenges. For Kazakhstan, the recent disturbances in Zhanaozen were such a challenge. Those, thankfully, are now in the past. The situation there is now stable and full restoration and investigation are underway. The state of emergency, which will be lifted on January 31, could have caused the banning of elections. But the President once again demonstrated his determination to uphold the democratic process and constitutional right of citizens to elect and to be elected to the public office. By honoring this freedom, Kazakhstan has again shown its maturity. The decision-making process was thoughtful and within the framework of Kazakh laws. Please click here for the update and summary we have prepared on Zhanaozen situation.

The Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan is preparing at full speed for the Parliamentary elections on January 15 and is determined to do everything it can to ensure that the elections are free and fair, and held in full accordance with international standards.In the interests of transparency, Kazakhstan has invited international observer to monitor the elections. OSCE ODIHR election observation mission has already issued its interim report. One also can access pre-election statement of the Independent International Observer mission here. We expect that the elections will produce a multiparty Parliament and a more robust political culture. Kazakhstan is about to make an important new step in its steady political growth.

The Embassy will also vote and serve as a polling station for Kazakh citizens here in the U.S. on the day. This will contribute to democracy in our homeland.

Erlan Idrissov

Kazakhstan’s Satellite TV Channel “Caspionet” available in the US

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to you all and my warmest wishes for success and prosperity in 2012 and beyond!

I am very happy to bring you the first good news from me this year that Caspionet, Kazakhstan’s Satellite TV, can now be watched in the US by satellite TV. In September, Caspionet entered into a partnership with Globcast, which allowed for satellite transmission of the Caspionet to the US.

Caspionet is the first national satellite television channel of the Republic of Kazakhstan and part of the Khabar Agency JSC.  It is watched in 93 countries — throughout Europe, Central Asia, the Transcaucasia region, the Middle East and North Africa. Its popularity has increased significantly since it has been launched in 2002. Its dynamic website, http://www.caspionet.kz , is a major source of news and information on Kazakhstan and also offers online broadcast.

Caspionet broadcasts 24 hours a day in Kazakh, Russian and English.  Its mission is to “educate and inform viewers about Kazakhstan and its culture through informative and educational programming”.

The weekday programming line-up consists of news, business opportunities, sports, weather and theme-based shows.  According to GlobeCast World TV, “weekends on Caspionet features classical and contemporary feature films, documentaries, and concerts.”

Caspionet TV is a free-to-air channel and can be watched without any restrictions for subscribers of Globecast World TV. For more information please click here or go to the website of GlobeCast World TV (http://www.globecastwtv.com ). WorldTV delivers more than 200 channels from around the world through Direct-to-Home (DTH) Satellite service.

I am hopeful that broadcast of Caspionet TV in the US will help further promote people-to-people ties between the two countries and open new avenues for business-to-business partnerships.

Erlan Idrissov

Happy New Year!

Dear Friends,

As we near the end of the year, I would like to wish you all Happy New Year!

The beginning of a new year is always a good time to reflect on the past, review achievements and remember experiences.

This year has been full of important bilateral events, which were held under the banner of 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence and its diplomatic relations with the United States. These celebrations further strengthened Kazakh-US strategic partnership.

In 2011, Kazakhstan has embarked on its chairmanship in the OIC, held the SCO summit in Astana and recently took over the CSTO chairmanship. President Nursultan Nazarbayev visited New York in September for the UN General Assembly where he also had a brief meeting with President Obama.

In his recent congratulatory message on Kazakhstan’s Independence Day, President Obama praised President Nazarbayev’s leadership in nation building and, particularly, in nuclear non-proliferation. He said: “Twenty years ago, you made a historic and visionary decision to relinquish all nuclear weapons in Kazakhstan setting an example for the international community to follow. It is impossible to underestimate the impact this course of action has made in helping to make the region and the world a safer place.”

Kazakhstan continued its rapid economic growth and significant increase in the living standards in the country. So, Kazakh citizens can meet the New Year with a great satisfaction and sense of accomplishments.

At the same time, we do not pretend that we have resolved all the problems, as Zhanaozen events showed. Violence there has become a challenge for us on the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence Day. Massive disturbances provoked by a group of provocateurs there have been a test for Kazakhstan’s maturity, which it has so far passed successfully. We remained open and transparent, providing full information from the ground and our findings to the media. We stayed away from Soviet-style behavior, opening our investigations for international experts to ensure neutrality of the outcome.  Currently, the damaged infrastructure is being restored and life there returned to normalcy.

This year was productive for our Embassy on a personal level. We welcomed eight newly born babies who added to the larger “Embassy family.” They brought joy and happiness to the busy diplomatic life of our mission. Thus, we continue supporting Kazakhstan not only diplomatically but also demographically while far away from home.

2012 promises to start as a very hectic year for the Embassy. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for January 15. I am sure they will help nourish plurality, rule of law and democracy. This is very important for Kazakhstan as a country, which has embraced universal values and fundamental freedoms.

The President’s advisor Yermukhambet Yertisbayev plans to visit the US early next month to hold discussion with his counterparts and meet think tank representatives.

We also look forward to the forthcoming visit by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kazykhanov, who will meet the Secretary of State and other US leaders.

Looking into future, most of us make wishes and chart plans for the next year. Whatever our wish lists are, they could be affected by the circumstances beyond our control. Therefore humanity always tried to classify years in an effort to find out what to expect of the coming year. One of such classifications which is gaining popularity is the eastern zodiac, under which 2011 is the year of rabbit and 2012 of the dragon.

The year of rabbit promised to be very peaceful and prolific. We remember when we were greeting the new — the year of 2011 — everyone was talking about the very peaceful, very prolific, very family type year, which unfortunately started with events in Tunisia then Egypt, lots of violence has happened during this year. So, sometimes there might be some deviations under the oriental zodiac.

Nevertheless, if we follow the forecasts, 2012 is a very good year for diplomacy and grand designs.  Unlike the wicked, fire-breathing dragons of Western mythology, the East’s celestial dragon symbolizes benevolent power. Dragons are ancient, majestic, wise, and intelligent. Dragon years are considered particularly auspicious for new businesses, marriage and children. Dragon years also tend to boost individual fortunes and the world economy. It is believed that a person born under this Zodiac sign tends to be a “doer” – they get things done.

Water Dragon (corresponding to 1952, 1992 and 2012) is believed to be calm, visionary and intelligent, balancing creativity with logic. Like all Dragons, the Water Dragon is an innovative, fearless leader. The difference is that the Water Dragon is also far more sensitive to others’ needs and is more likely to be socially and environmentally conscious. Because Water bestows a more peaceful disposition, this Dragon will act wisely, and unlike his fellow Dragons, is willing to set aside his ego for the good of all.

While this Dragon is a successful negotiator, he also knows how to apply force skillfully when necessary. We hope this is a good sign for many of our diplomatic goals, particularly, if talks are successful, Kazakhstan may enter the WTO next year.

Coming back to demography at the Embassy, I take great pride in the fact that in my term here in DC since July 2007, we have had 18 babies born to the Embassy – 9 boys and 9 girls! As you can see, my colleagues set the gender policy right ! In the year of the Dragon, we look forward to welcoming more babies, who will become progressive, calm, effective global citizens and excellent decision makers for the good of us all.

Happy New Year!

Erlan Idrissov

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