ASTANA, Kazakhstan –

On 10-13 March 2012, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), Miroslav Jenča, visited Astana, Aktau and Zhanaozen in Kazakhstan. In Astana he held meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Kazykhanov; Vice Speaker of Majilis of the Parliament Sergey Dyachenko; Prosecutor General Askhat Daulbayev and President's Aide, Secretary of the Security Council Marat Tazhin.

Talks in Astana touched on cooperation between UNRCCA and Kazakhstan, current developments in Central Asia, efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, illegal migration, drug trafficking and transnational crime, ways to find durable solutions to problems related to the management of water and energy resources in Central Asia. Special attention was paid to possible risks for Central Asia emanating from developments in Afghanistan and potential support of Kazakhstan and other neighbor states to stabilization of the situation in this country. The situation in Zhanaozen, in particular, the results of the investigation into the events of 16-17 December, the upcoming trials and complex measures aimed at prevention of such events in the future were also on the agenda. Kazakh officials confirmed that Zhanaozen related trials would be fully transparent and fair.

In Aktau, the administrative center of the Mangistau region, the SRSG met with akim (governor) of Mangistau region Baurzhan Mukhamedzhanov. In Zhanaozen, he held meetings with akim of Zhanaozen (head of the city administration) Serikbai Trumov and with Zhanaozen residents. Discussions in Aktau and Zhanaozen focused on root causes of the events of 16-17 December, findings of the investigation, government's plans to address socio-economic challenges in Western Kazakhstan, as well as potential UN support to government's measures aimed at prevention of similar situations in the future.