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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia | ||
| Ukrainian crisis has consequences for Kazakhstan | ||
| 2014-03-20 | ||
| Ukrainian crisis has its consequences for Kazakhstan, according to the Kazakh oppositional politician, Amirzhan Kosanov. "On one hand, Kazakhstan has already supported the preservation of Ukraine's territorial integrity. And this is a fundamental thing. On the other hand, President Nazarbayev said 'he understands the position of Russia, which defends the rights of national minorities in Ukraine, as well as its security interests'," Kosanov told Trend in an interview. He said this is critically perceived not only domestically, but also by other partners and neighbours. At the same time, he reminded that Kazakhstan has 7,000 kilometres long common border with the Russian Federation and a great level of economic ties.
"The more country is dependant on Russia, the more it will be loyal to Russia's policy regarding Ukraine," Kosanov said. Secondly, he said Kazakhstan and Russia have been closely interrelated in the framework of the Customs Union and the Eurasian Union, which is being formed. Also Kazakhstan's energy resources are being exported through Russia and the economic legislation is being unified. "For this reason, the sanctions that the leading Western countries intend to implement against Russia, will, of course, have 'a boomerang' effect on our economy too. In the current post-crisis period, it can lead to serious consequences," Kosanov added. He believes that the military aspect also has much significance. As is known, Kazakhstan and Russia are Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) members. CSTO members are linked by alliance obligations during military conflicts. "But all these should not in any way harm the foundations of sovereignty and preservation of Kazakhstan's territorial integrity, and while protecting these inalienable values and principles any country should be consistent, including in publicly voicing its position!," the politician stressed. He also reminded about Kazakhstan's earlier stated foreign policy priority. This priority is reflected in the "Path to Europe" program signed earlier by Kazakh president. "Most of Kazakhstan supports such a development vector. And this can not be ignored in the current very difficult situation in the post-Soviet area," Amirzhan Kosanov said.
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| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 I expect Kazakhstan to lose Baikonur Cosmodrome and surrounding area to same logic as Crimea. |
| Posted by: 3dc 2014-03-20 02:02 |