[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1793-E1794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRESSMAN CHARLIE MELANCON WELCOMES TO THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENT 
           NURSULTAN NAZARBAYEV OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLIE MELANCON

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2006

  Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, Today I welcome President Nursultan 
Nazarbayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States.
  When the Soviet Union collapsed, there was great concern about the 
political and economic future of the former Soviet republics. The world 
wondered whether these nations would join democratically developed 
nations, and whether they would be able to overcome the communist 
ideology that had been imposed on them for so long. Furthermore, as a 
result of the disintegration of the Soviet Empire, nuclear weapons were 
scattered, uncontrolled and therefore even more dangerous. The colossal 
number of nuclear weapons was a real threat to peace and the 
possibility loomed of bloody territorial and international conflict.
  Unfortunately, in some cases our concerns were valid. For many of 
these emerging states, the burden of building a stable, flourishing and 
democratic society appeared to be a difficult task. Not everyone could 
handle this historic mission. The world witnessed several conflicts, 
sometimes bloody, in the former Soviet bloc, which not only 
destabilized the region, but also caused economic stagnation.
  All indicators showed that Kazakhstan, with its enormous territory, 
vast natural resources and multinational and multiethnic population, 
should have been the epicenter of instability. But instead, Kazkahstan 
was one of only a few former Soviet states that avoided bloodshed. 
Kazakhstan withstood the pressure of reform and today has made 
staggering economic and political progress, largely due to President 
Nazarbayev's vision and leadership.
  President Nazarbayev's stewardship of Kazakhstan's vast natural and 
strategic resources has given the world confidence in his government. 
His commitment to harmonize Kazakhstan's political and business climate 
with Western standards has allowed Kazakhstan to assume a leadership 
role among the former Soviet states of Central Asia. And Kazakhstan has 
risen up as a model in disarmament and nonproliferation and should be 
applauded by all nations of the world.
  In November of last year I visited Kazakhstan. The warm and 
hospitable Kazakh people reminded me of the people from my own home 
state of Louisiana. During that trip, I was proud to be one of the 
first leaders to congratulate President Nazarbayev on his reelection. I 
also met with the elected leaders of the legislative and executive 
branches of government and of several opposition parties. I am glad to 
report that democracy in Kazakhstan is growing.
  If you have never seen Kazakhstan's capitol city, Astana, you must. 
The brand new city rises up out of the Steppes, with cranes and 
skyscrapers studding the horizon. Astana is a truly awesome testament 
to the will of the Kazakh people to move into the future. It is a 
symbol of the progress Kazakhstan has made from Soviet dominance to 
independence.

[[Page E1794]]

  I would also like to commend President Bush's Administration for 
seeing what I have seen for some time. Kazakhstan wants to be a partner 
with the United States. They are an ally in the Global War on Terror 
and Kazakh troops have shed their blood alongside Americans in Iraq. As 
we work to secure our nation from terrorism, we should thank the 
Kazakhs for their sacrifice. Kazakhstan's military and economic 
security is linked to America's. I hope to see our nations walk 
together down a path of prosperity and stability.
  It is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to Kazakhstan's 
continued success in the years ahead and wholeheartedly support the 
future strengthening of the U.S-Kazakhstan strategic partnership. I am 
confident that with President Nazarbayev's leadership we will bring our 
two nations closer together.
  Welcome to the United States, Mr. President.

                          ____________________