Letter to President Nazarbayev

from the Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee

March 13, 2007

His Excellency Nursultan Nazarbayev

President, Republic of Kazakhstan

c/o Embassy of Kazakhstan

1401 16th Street, NW

Washington, DC, 20036

Dear President Nazarbayev:

As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I believe strongly that U.S. - Kazakhstan relations are important to both our nations and I hope one day we will be able to work on issues of mutual interest from the position of strategic allies.

I am disappointed, however, that Kazakhstan is not moving more quickly towards becoming a transparent democracy that enjoys full freedom of the press, recognized political parties and the other vital institutions that 15 million Kazakh citizens deserve.

Moreover, I am troubled by recent reports indicating that officials within your government have been interfering with the efforts of political parties to organize, such as in the case of the Atameken party.

Given the tensions and turmoil in the broader Middle East, an open and progressive minded Kazakhstan has the potential to be a bridge between east and west and to play an influential role in diminishing current and potential hostilities. But it can only do so if those who value freedom, democracy and tolerance perceive Kazakhstan as part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Unless visible progress is attained quickly, I will not be able to support Kazakhstan in its quest to assume the chairmanship of the OSCE, which I believe should be reserved for those who fully support the goals and principles enshrined in that organization, including those concerning democratization and human rights.

Mr. President, the fork in the road offers two very different paths. I encourage you to lead Kazakhstan toward a future that creates greater opportunities for your people, and a chance for our two great nations to work more closely to achieve peace and prosperity in your troubled part of the world.

Sincerely,

Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

United States Senator

Source:                        www.kub.kz, 14.03.2007