[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E479-E480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                DEEPENING OUR RELATIONS WITH KAZAKHSTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the current situation in our world prompts 
the United States to seek and deepen relations with countries who share 
our principles and values, one such country is the Republic of 
Kazakhstan.
  In the course of its development, Kazakhstan has achieved tremendous 
results despite some ups and downs. In fact, the people of Kazakhstan 
have gained long awaited freedom thirteen years ago and have chosen the 
right path consistently moving towards their ultimate goal of building 
a democratic and civil society with a strong market economy. The recent 
state of the nation address by President Nursultan Nazarbayev of 
Kazakhstan is strong proof of that.
  I have read this document and must note that it is indeed a milestone 
for the country. It provides an outstanding description of the state 
and perspectives of the development of Kazakhstan's society. It is a 
comprehensive address which I kindly ask, Mr. Speaker, to submit to the 
Congressional Record for those of my colleagues who follow the 
development of this young and promising country. Let me mention a few 
highlights.
  It is amazing how this country, which for many years existed under a 
totalitarian regime without any idea of market reforms has managed to 
achieve tremendous results in a very short period. Average income has 
grown almost fivefold during the last ten years, monthly salaries have 
increased by about 6 times, the minimum wage has gone up 25 times, 
average monthly pensions have increased by 4.6

[[Page E480]]

times, and personal and average per capita bank deposits by 35 and 37 
times. Compared to 2003, state expenditures on guaranteed free health 
care have risen 1.7 times. The most impressive part of the message is 
the massive social component of the Kazakh leader's program aimed at 
significant improvement of wellbeing of all levels of society, 
especially the poor, elderly, disabled and children.
  The President's annual address also reflects the desire of a young 
nation to become a bulwark of democracy in a vitally important region. 
Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan 
has become a leader in promoting political and democratic 
transformations in the post Soviet states. Most importantly, Kazakhstan 
is not going to stop half way to this goal, but is eager to deepen this 
process based on Western standards of democracy. I support President 
Nazarbayev's initiative to create a National Program of Political 
Reforms in which the key player will be the people. I strongly believe 
that the evolution of Kazakh society inevitably will lead to a triumph 
of democracy. It is dictated by the will and aspirations of the people. 
I also agree with President Nazarbayev when he said that today 
``Kazakhstan is regarded in the world as a regional power possessing a 
strong economy and a solid position in the international community''.

  I congratulate the people and the Government of Kazakhstan for their 
achievements and am sincerely happy for them.
  I am very glad that the United States has been instrumental in aiding 
the development of Kazakhstan. Our bilateral relations have gained the 
status of a strategic partnership. I am absolutely convinced successful 
cooperation between the U.S. and Kazakhstan is the cornerstone of 
stability in a crucial region and it is in the interest of both our 
countries and the world as a whole.
  Today, it is vital for America to demonstrate its gratitude to the 
people of Kazakhstan who stood side by side with us after 9/11 and is 
today living up to its commitment in helping to build a free Iraq. I 
urge my colleagues and the administration to render them assistance and 
support their endeavors to be among the truly democratic countries of 
the world.

                          ____________________