[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 13 (Friday, January 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  KAZAKHSTAN'S LEADERSHIP OF THE OSCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 29, 2010

  Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, the Republic of Kazakhstan this month 
undertakes its new role and responsibilities as the Chairman-in-Office 
of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the 
world's largest regional security organization.
  I would like to congratulate Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev 
and his fellow citizens on this signal achievement. Kazakhstan is 
making history with this new assignment and its broader engagement in 
global affairs. For the very first time, the OSCE will be headed by a 
new post-Soviet country east of Vienna. It is also the first Asian and 
Muslim nation to head the OSCE. It is a recognition that the OSCE draws 
its strength not only from Europe and the United States, but also from 
Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Balkans.
  Kazakhstan has been a leader in international nuclear security since 
its earliest days of independence. After the Cold War, Kazakhstan 
renounced its nuclear weapons, closed the Semipalatinsk nuclear test 
site and transferred over half a ton of uranium to secure sites outside 
their country. Our government continues to work with Kazakhstan to 
advance our common non-proliferation goals: In April, President Obama 
will host the Global Nuclear Security Summit, with President Nazarbayev 
and other world leaders participating.
  Since its independence, Kazakhstan has also made economic reforms 
that have attracted investment and created jobs. It has developed 
multiple energy export routes and diversified its economy to ensure 
that its oil wealth can be enjoyed by all sectors of society.
  As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and a co-chair of the 
Friends of Kazakhstan Caucus, I look forward to the progress that 
Kazakhstan can make during its tenure at the helm of the OSCE. We will 
work with Kazakhstan this year to modernize and strengthen the OSCE, 
for the benefit of all member States. And I wish President Nazarbayev--
and his able Chairperson-in-Office, Secretary of State-Foreign Minister 
Kanat Saudabayev--great success as Kazakhstan embarks on this new path 
toward increased democracy, improved security, enhanced cooperation, 
and stronger economic growth and prosperity.

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