[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1181-E1182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS CANNON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 18, 2004

  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, today the United States needs true friends 
like the Republic of Kazakhstan as never before and we should encourage 
and welcome their achievements for the simple reason that by 
strengthening themselves they strengthen us.
  I have followed the development of a young Kazakhstan with great 
interest and I should note that since gaining its independence from the 
former Soviet Union in 1991, this country has undergone tremendous 
political and economic transformation. Reforming a former totalitarian 
society is not an easy task. Of course, there were some mistakes and 
drawbacks. However, one should acknowledge the fact that Kazakhstan is 
dynamically moving forward and is moving in the right direction.
  We should keep in mind that we are talking about a country which 
achieved democracy and personal freedoms through tremendous suffering. 
A great deal of credit for Kazakhstan's coming of age should go to its 
leader, President Nursultan Nazarbayev. I fully share the position of 
the leadership of Kazakhstan that any reforms make sense only if they 
serve the people.
  Many have criticized Kazakhstan for initially choosing a course of 
economic liberalization while putting deep political reforms on the 
backburner. However, the time has proven this course right. I praise 
the political foresight of President Nazarbayev, an architect of 
Kazakhstan's success, who, in spite of criticism, has managed to bring 
his country into the fold of economically strong nations and has now 
embarked on an even bolder set of political reforms.
  Recently, Kazakhstan's leader has called for a massive transformation 
of the county's political life and the strengthening of Kazakhstan's 
leadership by building a democracy. The major step in this direction 
will be a significant strengthening of the role of the national 
Parliament. President Nazarbayev has proposed to increase the numbers 
of deputies in both houses of Parliament and to develop a new system of 
forming the Government through the mechanism of a Parliamentary 
majority.
  I believe decisions to decentralize state management and pursue 
aggressive fights against corruption are also crucial. Moreover, 
according to the President, the judiciary system will undergo serious 
reforms. Jury trials will be introduced, more power will be given to 
defense attorneys in criminal litigation.

  All this, to me, is a true sign of Kazakhstan's maturity. I agree 
with President Nazarbayev, that ``You can't just declare democracy. You 
can only build it through hard work.'' As a nation that has been 
building its democracy for more than 200 years, we should value the 
words of a leader of a young democracy.
  I would like to wish the people and government of Kazakhstan success 
in their efforts. Future successes of a democratic and free Republic of 
Kazakhstan directly benefit the United States, as it will help ensure 
stability and prosperity of Central Asia, a region extremely important 
in our fight against international terrorism.

[[Page E1182]]

  I have no doubt that the United States and Kazakhstan will continue 
to closely cooperate in ensuring stability and security in the world, 
and our cooperation, which has tremendous potential, will deepen and 
bring about fruitful interaction in an international situation that is 
increasingly complex. The U.S. Congress should play a key role in this 
endeavor.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe we are at an important juncture in the 
relationship between the United States and Kazakhstan. We have an 
opportunity to remain engaged in the region. I strongly believe that we 
should acknowledge Kazakhstan's achievements and support them in their 
efforts to continue with reforms.

                          ____________________