12 April 2002
COLLECTIVE SECURITY TREATY GATHERING ENDS
The secretaries of the Security Councils of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan wrapped up the fourth gathering of Collective Security Treaty in the Ankara Hotel in Almaty today. Representatives of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine were present at the gathering as observers. It was reported at the press conference held at Ankara Hotel today that the main issues discussed at the gathering were illegal migration, drug trafficking, information exchange, and deeper cooperation between the Interior Affairs ministries and Security Councils of the member states. Humanitarian and other aid to Afghanistan and situation in that country were also discussed.
Russian Security Council Secretary Vladimir Rushailo said at the press conference that the involvement of states situated far from the region in the affairs of Central Asia as a result of antiterrorist operations should be based upon international laws and decisions made by international organizations, such as the UN and the UN Security Council, adding that this is Russia's official position. Kyrgyz Security Council Secretary Misir Ashirkulov told RFE/RL correspondents that NATO troops had deployed at Bishkek's Manas airport for one year.
The next session of the Collective Security Treaty member states is expected to be held in Bishkek later this fall.
PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON FIGHT AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME AND CORRUPTION HOLDS ITS FIRST SESSION
The Presidential Commission on the Fight against Organized Crime and Corruption held its first session in Astana yesterday. The commission was established earlier last week. Commission Chairman Sat Toqpaqbaev said at the session that all documents concerning all cases on alleged crimes committed by Kazakh officials would be reviewed by the commission. "There will now be closed cases," said Toqpaqbaev at the meeting. The documents will be requested by the commission from Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, Financial Police, and Interior Affairs Department. It was also reported at the session that lawsuits filed against former Kazakh Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Mukhtar Abliyazov and former Pavlodar Oblast Governor Ghalymzhan Zhaqiyanov should be fully investigated and proper conclusions should be made.
Abliyazov was arrested at the end of March. He is officially accused of mishandling finances and misuse of power. Zhaqiyanov is currently under house arrest at one of the barracks belonging to Pavlodarsol company of Pavlodar, north Kazakhstan. He is facing similar charges. Both Abliyazov and Zhaqiyanov say that the charges they face are politically motivated. Both of them are cofounders and leading members of the Democratic Choice for Kazakhstan movement, openly opposing Nazarbaev's regime.
OIL AND GAS EXHIBITION SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON 16-18 APRIL
At a press conference in Astana today, the international Ferex company told journalists that it will hold an Oil and Gas Exhibition in Astana on 16-18 April where oil and gas companies from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine will display their products. Such companies as LUKoil, RosNeft, TatNeft, KazTransOil and other will reportedly take part in the exhibition.