Kazakhstan: the international community calls for calm
Riot police in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Wednesday January 5, 2022. Security forces drove protesters from the main public square in the country's economic capital on Thursday.
AP - Vladimir Tretyakov
Text by: RFI Follow
5 mins
In Kazakhstan, security forces chased protesters from the main public square in Almaty, the economic capital of the country rocked by riots that killed dozens of people and led to thousands of arrests on Thursday evening.
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France, which has just taken the rotating presidency of the European Union, calls on all parties in Kazakhstan for moderation and dialogue.
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian's message is also addressed to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (OTSC), of which Russia is a part and which has decided to send "
peacekeeping forces
" to support the Kazakh regime.
The European Union is "
very concerned
" by the evolution of the
situation in Kazakhstan
, and the sending of an external military aid recalls "
situations to be avoided
", affirmed the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell on his account Twitter. "
The rights and safety of civilians must be guaranteed
," he warned after an interview with his French counterpart. Adding: “
The EU is ready to provide support to face this crisis.
"
Great concern about developments in #Kazakhstan.
Rights and security of civilians must be guaranteed.
External military assistance brings back memories of situations to be avoided.
EU is ready to support in addressing this crisis.
- Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) January 6, 2022
The United Kingdom, for its part, warns against a "
new escalation of violence
" and calls for a "
peaceful settlement
".
"
The United States monitors any possible human rights violations
"
Same tone in Washington where, as of Wednesday, the spokesperson for the White House called on the Kazakstanese authorities to restraint.
Jen Psaki also criticized Russia's claims - "
crazy claims
" - of alleged US responsibility in the riots.
"
This is absolutely false and it is part of the Russian disinformation strategy
," she asserted.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called for a "
peaceful resolution
" in an appeal to his Kazakh counterpart.
On Thursday, the United States warned Russian troops deployed in Kazakhstan against any human rights violation or attempt to “
take control
” of the country's institutions.
“
The United States, and frankly the entire world, is monitoring any possible human rights violations.
And we are also monitoring any act that can lay the groundwork for a takeover of the institutions of Kazakhstan
, ”US diplomacy spokesman Ned Price told reporters.
The UN calls for "to refrain from all violence"
Finally, the UN says it is monitoring the situation with concern and calls on the parties to “
refrain from all violence
”.
“
People have the right to demonstrate peacefully and to express themselves freely.
Moreover, the demonstrators, whatever their anger or their dissatisfaction, must not resort to violence
", declared the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, asking that the people be released"
detained solely for exercising their rights to peaceful protest
".
Michelle Bachelet asserted that all allegations of human rights violations should be subject to a "
prompt, independent and thorough investigation
" and insisted that foreign security forces who may be called upon to intervene should also respect international law.
The UN High Commissioner also called on the authorities to restore the internet, stressing that the internet was essential for emergency health services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Kazakh authorities have severely restricted access to the internet and the telephone network since Wednesday.
A state of emergency and a nationwide nighttime curfew have been introduced, but "
certain rights, such as the right to life, the prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment, and the right not to not be arbitrarily detained, continue to apply in all circumstances
, ”noted the senior UN official.
Heavy human toll, foreign troops on the spot
Kazakhstan's security forces on Thursday chased protesters from Republic Square, one of the main places of contestation in Almaty, the economic capital of the country shaken by chaotic riots, several Russian news agencies reported.
Since Sunday, January 2, the population has expressed its anger after the increase in the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and more generally against an authoritarian regime.
The scenes were the most violent in the streets of Almaty.
Protesters attacked and set fire to official buildings, including the town hall and the presidential residence.
The security forces responded by firing live ammunition.
A state of emergency was declared nationwide on Wednesday by President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev, hours after the announcement of the
government's resignation
while Internet access was suspended across the country.
►
To read also: Kazakhstan: "It may seem trivial in other countries, but it is historic" [€ nterview]
The toll of these disturbances is heavy: the authorities have reported "
dozens
" of demonstrators killed and more than a thousand people injured, including 62 seriously. Eighteen members of the security forces were killed and 748 injured, news agencies reported, citing authorities. In addition, around 2,300 people have been arrested in connection with these protests, the interior ministry said.
Called for help by the Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Russia and its allies of the Collective Security Treaty Organization announced Thursday morning the dispatch of the first contingent of a "
collective peacekeeping force.
In Kazakhstan to "
protect
" official buildings and "
stabilize
" the situation.
►
Also to listen: Riots in Kazakhstan: can Russia restore calm?
[Decryption]
(
With
AFP)
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Kazakhstan
Russia
Nursultan Nazarbayev
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev