Translation of Adam’s post (RUS).

Minister of Foreign Affairs Kanat Saudabaev (who started his career managing a community theater and a circus) took part in a roundtable discussion regarding Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the OSCE, organized by the American Helsinki Commission in Washington, DC. The Commission supported Kazakhstan’s leadership, but called on the country to improve its human rights situation.

Benjamin Cardin, Senator and Commission Chairman:

“…let me congratulate the Government of Kazakhstan for the outstanding organization of your chairmanship… [However] I would be remiss not to note that Kazakhstan is the first country assessed as “not free” by Freedom House to assume the OSCE chairmanship.”

Kazakhstan’s effort to set a clear agenda was praised, although a recent law restricting mass media, a poor record in free elections and the imprisonment of human rights activist Evgeni Zhovtis continue to pose serious questions for the new chairman.

Alcee Hastings, Congressman and Commission Co-Chair:

“As a previous President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I hope that Kazakhstan will strengthen the role of parliamentarians in the organization. I also look forward to a continuing dialogue on European security issues. Nevertheless, I do hope that Kazakhstan is able to resolve some domestic human rights issues during its chairmanship.”

Christopher Smith, Ranking Minority Commissioner Congressman:

“The core of the OSCE mission includes promoting human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, all areas where several OSCE countries including the now Chair-in-Office are tragically deficient. To receive support for the chairmanship, Kazakhstan promised at the 2007 Madrid ministerial to enact a series of reforms by 2008. Sadly, I am still waiting for them to live up to that promise.”