[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1967-E1968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUPPORT FOR KAZAKHSTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2001

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, following the terrorist attacks of 
September 11, the United States received a tremendous outpouring of 
sympathy from nations all over the world. One particular nation that 
has truly responded to the September 11 attack with an offer of real 
help for the United States is Kazakhstan.
  Kazakhstan declared that it would support measures taken by the 
United States to combat terrorism and has offered the United

[[Page E1968]]

States use of Kazakhstan airspace and the military infrastructure 
needed to wage the war against terrorism. With its strategic location, 
Kazakhstan's help is invaluable. I would like to add a statement made 
on September 15 by President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the 
record.
  After declaring independence in 1991, Kazakhstan successfully 
dismantled what was once the fourth largest nuclear arsenal in the 
world. Additionally, Kazakhstan continues to serve as a model to the 
global community in its leadership on disarmament and nonproliferation.
  I believe that it is in our nation's interest to continue to support 
Kazakhstan--a country whose actions have demonstrated a commitment to 
global stability, non-proliferation, and tolerance for ethnic and 
religious minorities.
  Kazakhstan plays an important role in maintaining and ensuring 
stability in the region of Central Asia, and is dedicated to playing a 
role in the fight against terrorism. For these reasons, the United 
States should do its part to support Kazakhstan.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe we have an important ally in Kazakhstan, and I 
call on my colleagues to show their support for this Nation.

 Statement By President Nursultan Nazarbayev Of Kazakhstan, September 
                                15, 2001

       In these tragic days for America, the people of Kazakhstan 
     are grieving together with the American people about the 
     death of thousands of innocent people.
       I am closely following the situation as it unfolds. We 
     stand on the position that the terrorists must be punished, 
     as well as those harboring the terrorists.
       The United Nations and its Security Council have condemned 
     the barbarian act of terrorism and called upon the world 
     community to take resolute actions.
       Therefore, Kazakhstan is ready to support the measures 
     undertaken by the United States to fight against terrorism, 
     with all the means available.
       Kazakhstan has always been standing against terrorism and 
     is ready to participate in creation of a real international 
     coalition of countries to fight against the international 
     terrorism.
       We proceed from the assumption that retaliation should not 
     only be effective, but also should be just. This requires 
     that the state should act with great deal of responsibility. 
     And we rely upon the wisdom of the American leadership. We 
     were pleased to learn that the United States wants to know 
     for sure who has perpetrated these barbaric acts and helped 
     the terrorists before taking actions.
       Today I sent a letter to U.S President George Bush. I 
     expressed Kazakhstan's support for the U.S actions aimed at 
     fighting against the international terrorism, the global evil 
     that has developed across the entire world.
       We hope that the American people will be able to quickly 
     cope with the heaviest psychological blow and remain 
     committed to their great historical values.

     

                          ____________________