BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

03/07/2008

Kazakh Ambassador to Belarus held press conference on Astana's jubilee

MINSK. July 3. KAZINFORM On the threshold of Astana’s jubilee Kazakh Ambassador to the Republic of Belarus Bolat Iskakov has held a press conference with participation of Russian and Belarusian journalists, Kazinform refers to the Embassy’s press service.

The Ambassador told about 10 years history of the new capital Astana which has become a symbol of independence and prosperity and noted its importance for the whole state. B. Iskakov emphasized that the President’s idea on moving capital was adopted in quite uneasy period. But this step was done and became a result of providence of the Head of the State.

The diplomat highlighted that moving of the capital and its formation gave fresh impulse to the country’s economic development. Thus, according to the statistics, volume of investments to the capital economy has increased more than 20 times and exceeds KZT 400 bln per year. 10% of the country’s GDP falls to Astana.

The journalists were informed of architecture, sights, objects being constructed in Astana and the festive events devoted to celebration of the capital’s jubilee. Besides, presentation of the city of Astana was held within the press-conference.

Mr. Iskakov also told about the 17th session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly that took place in Astana. The attendees got familiarized with the text of Kazakh President’s address at the this forum.

Answering the questions regarding Kazakhstan’s oncoming chairmanship in the OSCE, Kazakh diplomat noted that our country stands for transformation of the work of this authoritative organization in accordance with the interests of all member-states and adheres to the further political reforms on democratization, transparency and openness.

The Ambassador shared our country’s plans on inserting amendments to the republic’s social and political life. The point at issue is that Kazakhstan intends to elaborate a legal mechanism allowing create at least a two-party Parliament and provide favorable conditions for state registration of the political parties, improve electoral process procedures as well as remove administrative barriers in mass media’s work.

B. Iskakov also touched upon Kazakh-Belarusian relationships in political, economic and cultural spheres.

Source:

http://www.inform.kz/showarticle3.php?lang=eng&id=166630

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