Are the U.S. lobbying for the interests of Kazakhstan in Europe?

The Kazakh media report about the pressure exerted by the United States on the European Commission and Parliament to accelerate the signing of the agreement on partnership and cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan. In return, Washington hopes  for thee unimpeded transit of goods and the withdrawal of a part of U.S. troops from Afghanistan through the territory of Kazakhstan.

In open letters addressed to the President and Senate of the United States., the community of Kazakhstan expressed their protest, claiming the inadmissibility of silencing the political processes in Aktau and exchange of human rights for the transport corridor through Kazakhstan. Politicians, journalists and ordinary citizens of Kazakhstan urged U.S. authorities not to cooperate with the authoritarian regime of President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Such concerns have arisen in connection with the statement of Nursultan Nazarbayev’s adviser for political affairs, Ermukhamet Yertysbayev. On the 24^th of June, 2012, during a visit to the U.S., Mr. Yertysbayev said: “Let’s take the problem of withdrawal of U.S. forces  from Afghanistan – equipment, soldiers, officers and people. This is a mammoth task, and incredibly difficult. The southern roads – I mean Pakistan – are practically closed to the withdrawal right now. Only a northern route through Kazakhstan is possible, and Kazakhstan will take an active part in this incredibly complex operation. We are allies of the United States”.

According to the ‘Respublika’ newspaper from sources in the administration of the President of Kazakhstan, the United States are lobbying the interests of Kazakhstan in the European Union. We mean, above all, acceleration of the signing of a new agreement on cooperation between the EU – Kazakhstan. In exchange, the United States rely on the help of Astana in the process of withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan via the so-called “northern corridor”, a part of which passes through the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Open Dialogue Foundation specialises in monitoring of the observance of democratic rights and freedoms in the post-Soviet space, especially in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The current dynamics of the socio-political situation in this country suggests that:

–   on the one hand, the oppression and elimination of democratic civil society: union leaders, opposition politicians, as well as the pressure on independent media exerted by the government is going on, an actual ban on peaceful demonstrations was introduced,

 –  on the other hand, there are no social ‘lifts’ for the increasing number of Kazakh-speaking ethnic group. It is happening against the background of a major expansion of followers of radical Islamic movement in the last 2 years. It is important to note that this social group does not intend to carry out any dialogue with the government or with Western structures, which causes significant concerns about the direction of development of Kazakhstan in the near future.

We hereby express our concern over the reports of a democratic civil society in Kazakhstan about a possible ‘deal’ between the U.S. and Kazakhstan. The lack of constructive dialogue between the government and the democratic opposition, a passive non-interference of the international community (the policy of ‘transit-for-democracy’ and ‘raw materials in exchange for democracy’) might lead to an appearance of a  new hot spot on the world map, resulting in a disturbed balance of power in Central Asia. As a result, civilians and many businesses will suffer.

The Open Dialogue Foundation addresses the U.S. authorities with the request to comment on the above mentioned reports, as well as to express an official position on the latest developments in Kazakhstan, including the tragedy in the town of Zhanaozen, judicial proceedings and convictions of participants of the Zhanaozen events as well as the arrests of leaders of the democratic opposition movement.

We are ready to meet with all interested parties to present the results of our monitoring of observance of civil and human rights in Kazakhstan, as well as to share our own prognosis of the development of the socio-political situation in the region.

Yours faithfully,
Lyudmyla Kozlovska,
Vice-President of the Open Dialogue Foundation

Original letters
To the President of the United States of America Barack Obama

Dear Mr. President,

The tragedy of the 16^th of December, 2011 in the town of Zhanaozen, Republic of Kazakhstan, when police officers and security services, (according only to official data) killed sixteen and wounded around a hundred civilians, has shocked the entire civilised world. 

The European public and press reacted particularly strongly to the events in our country. And on the 15^th of March, 2012, the European Parliament, passed a tough, principled and explicit resolution both on developments in Zhanaozen, and the oppression of oppositionists for political reasons, informing President Nursultan Nazarbayev’ of the inadmissibility of such actions on the part of the Kazakh authorities, as well as demanding strict compliance with legislation on civil rights and civil liberties.

Unfortunately, we did not see similar support from the United States of America.
Moreover, we became aware that the U.S. State Department insist on the early signing of a new agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan, which had been suspended due to the tragedy in Zhanaozen and subsequent arrests of activists of democratic forces in the country whom President Nursultan Nazarbayev thought it just to hold accountable for the events of  16^th of December, 2011.

Dear Mr. President!

We acknowledge that, as the President of the United States, you bear responsibility primarily to your fellow citizens. However, official statements, international agreements, and most importantly – the history of your country imposes obligations which you cannot ignore.
Moreover, with regard to Nursultan Nazarbayev you cannot repeat the phrase uttered by one of your predecessors when famously referring to a Latin American dictator, a terrorist, “He may be a son of a bitch, but he’s our son of a bitch!”. Times have changed.

Therefore, we consider it unacceptable and criminal to exchange the civil rights and liberties of the Kazakh people for the free transit of military and civilian cargo to the troops of the United States through the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the so-called ‘northern route’.

The actions of your diplomats are shortsighted and politically senseless. These decisions are taken to achieve short-term political and military objectives. They discredit the United States as a country in general and you as the President, in the eyes of millions of people around the world.

Yours Sincerely,
the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

S. Abdildin – ex-Сhairman of the Supreme Council of RK
G. Aldamzharov – politician
V. Shamin – politician
K. Takeeva – a public figure
Sh. Kurakbay – Editor in Chief of the newspaper “Pravda Kazakhstan”
M. Sizov – chief editor of the newspaper “Alga”
V. Kosyachenko – a public figure
A. Kadyrbaeva – NGO “Kuretamyr”
Zh. Kuanyshalin – social activist, writer
B. Toregozhina – NGO “ArRuhHak”
B .Tumenova – NGO “Aman Saulyk”
G. Arkhangelskiy – NGO “Union of human rights organizations SPOR”
M. Gurina – NGO “Ulagatty Jean”
E. Kaliev – a coalition of democratic forces of Kazakhstan “Halyk Maidany”
A. Mambetaliev – Kyzylorda regional branch of the KPK
M. Dauletbaev – NGO “Baikonur – a civil right”
A. Saramaganbetova – NGO “Detar”
B. Fayzulin – NGO “ARCHAMPS”
A. Malinowski – NGO “Society for the Protection of Consumer Rights”
R. Doskuzhanova – NGO “Mushelik”
N. Duashev – NGO “ORDA”
N. Nurlanova – Newspaper “Seven Business Taldykorgan”
R. Ahmarov – NGO “Demeu”
V. Alexeev – NGO “Mushelik”
B. Sharpened – NGO “ORDA”
J. Sarsenbayev – KSK “Karlygash”
M. Nistoly – Head of the organizing committee of the RMS Partnership “Alga!”
S. Izmailov – Director of Private Foundation “Youth Petropavlovsk for the democratic development”
B. Tazhimbetov – NGO “Foundation for Disabled War in Afghanistan (IWA), Shymkent”
Zh. Doszhanov – NGO “Southern Democrats of Kazakhstan”
B. Ashirbaev – South-Kazakhstan Public Association “Chernobyl Union”
R. Zhumageldieva – NGO “Asyl Mura”
K. Mahan – NGO “Aral-economic”
A. Zhumabekov – NGO “Saryagash District Union Veterans of Afghanistan and local wars”
K. Madzhanov – NGO “Ykylas”
A. Elibaeva – Youth NGO “Lady”
A. Shonzhan – Director of LLP “A.Stika”
P. Kasimova – NGO “Center for the Protection of Human Rights”
E. Semenova – NGO “Give flats to people – Pavlodar region”
R. Kasimov – Newspaper “Alga” Pavlodar region
V. Zavizenov – NGO “Movement of Social and Legal Protection of” Generation”
A. Dokuchaeva – NGO “Shanyrak” Pavlodar region
G. Tulemisova – People’s party “Alga!”
A. Abenova – People’s party “Alga!”
A. Shaygumarov – NGO «Union of orphans»     
A. Zhusupov – union “Shakhtar”
A. Ahmetbekov – journalist
P. Trotsenko – journalist
M. Aysautov – civic activist
D. Schelokov – civic activist           
V. Novikov – NGO “Aksakals”
T. Kasenov – NGO “Ult Tagdyry – Akmola”
D. Buzaubasov – NGO “Our village”
S. Mukash-oriented “Ecol Kokshetau – Burabay”
M. Zhanuzakov – former deputy Kokshetau maslikhat, social activist
S. Ryzhkov – a public figure
A. Akchulakov – a public figure
S. Leonov – NGO “Association for the Protection of Human Rights and Civil Liberties”
A. Zhusupov – NGO “Union miner”
O. Berezutskaya – NGO “Talmas”
N. Chumakov – Newspaper “Alga”
S. Reformat – Newspaper “Azat”
A. Mloznyak – NGO “Union of Entrepreneurs of services”
N. Shteynbek – NGO “Union of Consumer Protection Kostanai region”
E. Datchikov – NGO “life”
I. Kakimova – NGO “Ariadne”
E. Polyantseva – a citizen of the RK
R. Reimer – a citizen of the RK
J. Suvorova – a citizen of the RK
R. Akhmedzyanov – a citizen of the RK
A. Afanasiev – a citizen of the RK
M. Popova – a citizen of the RK
O. Konygina – a citizen of the RK
T. Nikolaeva – a citizen of the RK
R. Chutaev – a citizen of the RK
G. Grebenyuk – a citizen of the RK
K. Ilyasov – a citizen of the RK
V. Gribenyuk – a citizen of the RK
K. Kushner – a citizen of the RK
N. Timakova – a citizen of the RK
K. Tazabekova – a citizen of the RK
A. Beysenov – a citizen of the RK
A. Ospanov – a citizen of the RK
K. Abuova – a citizen of the RK
N. Toyshibekova – a citizen of the RK
O. Isaeva – a citizen of the RK
S. Myrzageldiev – a citizen of the RK
H. Pardabekov – a citizen of the RK
D. Adyrbekuly – a citizen of the RK
S. Baekeev – a citizen of the RK
M. Darimbetova – a citizen of the RK
E. Perneev – a citizen of the RK
R.Koshkarbaev – a citizen of the RK
B. Utepov – a citizen of the RK
K. Arykbaev – a citizen of the RK
N. Amirova – a citizen of the RK
Z. Gubasheva – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Abishev – a citizen of the RK
M. Omarov – a citizen of the RK
S. Duysembaeva – a citizen of the RK
G. Kozhamkulova – a citizen of the RK
A. Zaytenov – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Utenov – a citizen of the RK
M. Bulochnikova – a citizen of the RK
Ya. Kasimova – a citizen of the RK
L. Tankova – Citizen RK
M. Kaliev – a citizen of the RK
I. Kaloshina – a citizen of the RK
G. Polomoshnov – a citizen of the RK
M. Maltsev – a citizen of the RK
D. Shotamanov – a citizen of the RK
M. Ivashkina – Citizen RK
A. Kharitonov – a citizen of the RK
E. Zagainova – a citizen of the RK
M. Makarevich – a citizen of the RK
E. Agapitova – a citizen of the RK
V. Sotter – a citizen of the RK
N. Havalko – a citizen of the RK
A. Volnyuk – a citizen of the RK
M. Grobova – a citizen of the RK
I. Grobov – a citizen of the RK
K. Aktaev – a citizen of the RK
A. Borovitin – a citizen of the RK
A. Adilbekova – a citizen of the RK
M. Kaliev – a citizen of the RK
V. Ivaschenko – a citizen of the RK
R. Kozhebaeva – a citizen of the RK
H. Rahmatullina – a citizen of the RK
I. Mirsakieva – a citizen of the RK
V. Pechenyh – a citizen of the RK
K. Adenov – a citizen of the RK
S. Taufikov – a citizen of the RK
A. Tegisbaeva – a citizen of the RK
V. Mahotina – a citizen of the RK
A. Demchenko – a citizen of the RK
K. Ermaganbetova – a citizen of the RK
N. Kuleymenov – a citizen of the RK
S. Chernobay – a citizen of the RK
E. Golovacheva – a citizen of the RK
L. Chen – a citizen of the RK
A. Tsukanov – a citizen of the RK
A. Radu – a citizen of the RK
G. Akulbekov – a citizen of the RK
S. Mauletbay – a citizen of the RK
R. Baytasov – a citizen of the RK
D. Mendybaeva – a citizen of the RK
D. Barmenova – a citizen of the RK
R. Kamalov – a citizen of the RK
S. Frolov – a citizen of the RK
Yu. Teplov – a citizen of the RK
E. Andriopolskaya – a citizen of the RK
E. Ivashkin – a citizen of the RK
H. Serikbaeva – a citizen of the RK
T. Sorokina – a citizen of the RK
E. Golubitskaya – a citizen of the RK
N. Rekalo – a citizen of the RK
G. Stolyarova – a citizen of the RK
N. Stolyarova – a citizen of the RK
V. Moskvitin – a citizen of the RK
I. Moskvitina – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Bopina – a citizen of the RK
S. Nurgalieva – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Perekeeva – a citizen of the RK
V. Klimakov – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Anbasov – a citizen of the RK
S. Orumbaev – a citizen of the RK
L. Filimonov – a citizen of the RK
D. Cherenev – a citizen of the RK
I. Chereneva – a citizen of the RK
E. Semenkova – a citizen of the RK
K. Kornilova – a citizen of the RK
Baymukasheva – a citizen of the RK
A. Ibraimova – a citizen of the RK
T. Nesterova – a citizen of the RK
A. Shohom – a citizen of the RK
N. Ermahanov – a citizen of the RK
O. Orazalin – a citizen of the RK

To the Senators of the United States of America  
To the Congressmen of the United States of America

Dear Sirs,

We became aware that the U.S. State Department insists on the early signing of a new contract between the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Its review was previously suspended due to the tragedy in Zhanaozen and the subsequent arrests of activists of democratic forces in the country whom President Nursultan Nazarbayev thought it just to hold accountable for what happened on the 16th of December, 2011.

We should bear in mind that on the 16th of December, 2011 in Zhanaozen police officers and security services, according solely to official data, killed sixteen and wounded approximately one hundred civilians.

This tragedy has shocked the entire civilised world. The European public as well as  the press reacted particularly strongly to the events in our country. And on the 15th of March, 2012, the European Parliament, passed a tough, principled and explicit resolution both on the developments in Zhanaozen, and the oppression of oppositionists for political reasons, informing President Nursultan Nazarbayev of the inadmissibility of such actions on the part of the Kazakh authorities, as well as demanding strict compliance with civil rights and civil liberties.

Unfortunately, we did not see similar support from the United States of America.

Moreover, we learned that in the interests of achieving a short-term, military and political objective – the smooth transition of military and civilian cargo for  the U.S. troops through the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the so-called ‘northern route’, American diplomats appear prepared to turn a blind eye to lawlessness and blatant disregard for civil rights as well as civil liberties in our country.

This is unacceptable as well as criminal.

We kindly request that you intervene, by means of conducting a hearing on the latest developments in the Republic of Kazakhstan, including the tragedy in Zhanaozen, the unjust and politically motivated court sentences passed down to the participants of  industrial action, the arrests of the leaders of the democratic forces, and secondly, that you also take steps to enact  a law of Zhanazoen which would be analogous to the Magnitsky law.

Yours sincerely, the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

S. Abdildin – ex-Сhairman of the Supreme Council of RK
G. Aldamzharov – politician
V. Shamin – politician
K. Takeeva – a public figure
Sh. Kurakbay – Editor in Chief of the newspaper “Pravda Kazakhstan”
M. Sizov – chief editor of the newspaper “Alga”
V. Kosyachenko – a public figure
A. Kadyrbaeva – NGO “Kuretamyr”
Zh. Kuanyshalin – social activist, writer
B. Toregozhina – NGO “ArRuhHak”
B .Tumenova – NGO “Aman Saulyk”
G. Arkhangelskiy – NGO “Union of human rights organizations SPOR”
M. Gurina – NGO “Ulagatty Jean”
E. Kaliev – a coalition of democratic forces of Kazakhstan “Halyk Maidany”
A. Mambetaliev – Kyzylorda regional branch of the KPK
M. Dauletbaev – NGO “Baikonur – a civil right”
A. Saramaganbetova – NGO “Detar”
B. Fayzulin – NGO “ARCHAMPS”
A. Malinowski – NGO “Society for the Protection of Consumer Rights”
R. Doskuzhanova – NGO “Mushelik”
N. Duashev – NGO “ORDA”
N. Nurlanova – Newspaper “Seven Business Taldykorgan”
R. Ahmarov – NGO “Demeu”
V. Alexeev – NGO “Mushelik”
B. Sharpened – NGO “ORDA”
J. Sarsenbayev – KSK “Karlygash”
M. Nistoly – Head of the organizing committee of the RMS Partnership “Alga!”
S. Izmailov – Director of Private Foundation “Youth Petropavlovsk for the democratic development”
B. Tazhimbetov – NGO “Foundation for Disabled War in Afghanistan (IWA), Shymkent”
Zh. Doszhanov – NGO “Southern Democrats of Kazakhstan”
B. Ashirbaev – South-Kazakhstan Public Association “Chernobyl Union”
R. Zhumageldieva – NGO “Asyl Mura”
K. Mahan – NGO “Aral-economic”
A. Zhumabekov – NGO “Saryagash District Union Veterans of Afghanistan and local wars”
K. Madzhanov – NGO “Ykylas”
A. Elibaeva – Youth NGO “Lady”
A. Shonzhan – Director of LLP “A.Stika”
P. Kasimova – NGO “Center for the Protection of Human Rights”
E. Semenova – NGO “Give flats to people – Pavlodar region”
R. Kasimov – Newspaper “Alga” Pavlodar region
V. Zavizenov – NGO “Movement of Social and Legal Protection of” Generation”
A. Dokuchaeva – NGO “Shanyrak” Pavlodar region
G. Tulemisova – People’s party “Alga!”
A. Abenova – People’s party “Alga!”
A. Shaygumarov – NGO «Union of orphans»     
A. Zhusupov – union “Shakhtar”
A. Ahmetbekov – journalist
P. Trotsenko – journalist
M. Aysautov – civic activist
D. Schelokov – civic activist           
V. Novikov – NGO “Aksakals”
T. Kasenov – NGO “Ult Tagdyry – Akmola”
D. Buzaubasov – NGO “Our village”
S. Mukash-oriented “Ecol Kokshetau – Burabay”
M. Zhanuzakov – former deputy Kokshetau maslikhat, social activist
S. Ryzhkov – a public figure
A. Akchulakov – a public figure
S. Leonov – NGO “Association for the Protection of Human Rights and Civil Liberties”
A. Zhusupov – NGO “Union miner”
O. Berezutskaya – NGO “Talmas”
N. Chumakov – Newspaper “Alga”
S. Reformat – Newspaper “Azat”
A. Mloznyak – NGO “Union of Entrepreneurs of services”
N. Shteynbek – NGO “Union of Consumer Protection Kostanai region”
E. Datchikov – NGO “life”
I. Kakimova – NGO “Ariadne”
E. Polyantseva – a citizen of the RK
R. Reimer – a citizen of the RK
J. Suvorova – a citizen of the RK
R. Akhmedzyanov – a citizen of the RK
A. Afanasiev – a citizen of the RK
M. Popova – a citizen of the RK
O. Konygina – a citizen of the RK
T. Nikolaeva – a citizen of the RK
R. Chutaev – a citizen of the RK
G. Grebenyuk – a citizen of the RK
K. Ilyasov – a citizen of the RK
V. Gribenyuk – a citizen of the RK
K. Kushner – a citizen of the RK
N. Timakova – a citizen of the RK
K. Tazabekova – a citizen of the RK
A. Beysenov – a citizen of the RK
A. Ospanov – a citizen of the RK
K. Abuova – a citizen of the RK
N. Toyshibekova – a citizen of the RK
O. Isaeva – a citizen of the RK
S. Myrzageldiev – a citizen of the RK
H. Pardabekov – a citizen of the RK
D. Adyrbekuly – a citizen of the RK
S. Baekeev – a citizen of the RK
M. Darimbetova – a citizen of the RK
E. Perneev – a citizen of the RK
R.Koshkarbaev – a citizen of the RK
B. Utepov – a citizen of the RK
K. Arykbaev – a citizen of the RK
N. Amirova – a citizen of the RK
Z. Gubasheva – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Abishev – a citizen of the RK
M. Omarov – a citizen of the RK
S. Duysembaeva – a citizen of the RK
G. Kozhamkulova – a citizen of the RK
A. Zaytenov – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Utenov – a citizen of the RK
M. Bulochnikova – a citizen of the RK
Ya. Kasimova – a citizen of the RK
L. Tankova – Citizen RK
M. Kaliev – a citizen of the RK
I. Kaloshina – a citizen of the RK
G. Polomoshnov – a citizen of the RK
M. Maltsev – a citizen of the RK
D. Shotamanov – a citizen of the RK
M. Ivashkina – Citizen RK
A. Kharitonov – a citizen of the RK
E. Zagainova – a citizen of the RK
M. Makarevich – a citizen of the RK
E. Agapitova – a citizen of the RK
V. Sotter – a citizen of the RK
N. Havalko – a citizen of the RK
A. Volnyuk – a citizen of the RK
M. Grobova – a citizen of the RK
I. Grobov – a citizen of the RK
K. Aktaev – a citizen of the RK
A. Borovitin – a citizen of the RK
A. Adilbekova – a citizen of the RK
M. Kaliev – a citizen of the RK
V. Ivaschenko – a citizen of the RK
R. Kozhebaeva – a citizen of the RK
H. Rahmatullina – a citizen of the RK
I. Mirsakieva – a citizen of the RK
V. Pechenyh – a citizen of the RK
K. Adenov – a citizen of the RK
S. Taufikov – a citizen of the RK
A. Tegisbaeva – a citizen of the RK
V. Mahotina – a citizen of the RK
A. Demchenko – a citizen of the RK
K. Ermaganbetova – a citizen of the RK
N. Kuleymenov – a citizen of the RK
S. Chernobay – a citizen of the RK
E. Golovacheva – a citizen of the RK
L. Chen – a citizen of the RK
A. Tsukanov – a citizen of the RK
A. Radu – a citizen of the RK
G. Akulbekov – a citizen of the RK
S. Mauletbay – a citizen of the RK
R. Baytasov – a citizen of the RK
D. Mendybaeva – a citizen of the RK
D. Barmenova – a citizen of the RK
R. Kamalov – a citizen of the RK
S. Frolov – a citizen of the RK
Yu. Teplov – a citizen of the RK
E. Andriopolskaya – a citizen of the RK
E. Ivashkin – a citizen of the RK
H. Serikbaeva – a citizen of the RK
T. Sorokina – a citizen of the RK
E. Golubitskaya – a citizen of the RK
N. Rekalo – a citizen of the RK
G. Stolyarova – a citizen of the RK
N. Stolyarova – a citizen of the RK
V. Moskvitin – a citizen of the RK
I. Moskvitina – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Bopina – a citizen of the RK
S. Nurgalieva – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Perekeeva – a citizen of the RK
V. Klimakov – a citizen of the RK
Zh. Anbasov – a citizen of the RK
S. Orumbaev – a citizen of the RK
L. Filimonov – a citizen of the RK
D. Cherenev – a citizen of the RK
I. Chereneva – a citizen of the RK
E. Semenkova – a citizen of the RK
K. Kornilova – a citizen of the RK
Baymukasheva – a citizen of the RK
A. Ibraimova – a citizen of the RK
T. Nesterova – a citizen of the RK
A. Shohom – a citizen of the RK
N. Ermahanov – a citizen of the RK
O. Orazalin – a citizen of the RK