Obama, Nazarbaev Discuss Ukraine Crisis

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev (right) and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on March 5.

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke on March 10 with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev about the Ukraine crisis.

The White House said Obama encouraged Nazarbaev to play an active role in finding a peaceful outcome, amid the occupation of Crimea by Russian forces.

It said the two leaders agreed on the importance of upholding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier on March 10, Nazarbaev spoke about Ukraine by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the Kazakh presidential website, Nazarbaev reiterated to Merkel the importance of finding a diplomatic solution while ensuring Ukraine's territorial integrity.

In his call with Putin, Nazarbaev's website said he expressed support for Russia's position in defending the rights of national minorities in Ukraine.

An expected visit by Nazarbaev to Moscow on March 11 never materialized.

Written based on reporting by akorda.kz and a White House statement