There should be no surprises or ultimatums around Baikonur: Moscow

Russian government has called the words of the head of Kazkosmos Talgat Mussabayev about Kazakhstan's willingness to gradually edge away from lease-based relations over the Baikonur cosmodrome “a personal interpretation of the negotiations”, Kommersant writes. “This is a personal interpretation of Mr. Mussabayev of the essence of the negotiations held by the leaders of the two countries over the past months,” the magazine writes citing a source close to the Russian-Kazakhstan inter-government commission. According to him, the statement of the head of Kazkosmos “does not reflect the essence or the tone of those pretty constructive consultations”. According to the source, Moscow’s position on this issue is that there should be no surprises or ultimatums. “Mussabayev was talking to the Parliament (of Kazakhstan), he had to show his significance and prove that there was none of his fault in Kazkosmos’ existing problems,” he said. “Such issues are first discussed at the level of the countries' first persons, and Mussabayev is not one of them.” Answering questions of Majilis deputies on December 10 Talgat Mussabayev said that Kazakhstan was in talks with Russia on gradual edging away from lease-based relations over Baikonur cosmodrome. “The Head of State has set a task to work out a new agreement on Baikonur cosmodrome. The agreement may envisage edging away from lease-based relations between Russia and Kazakhstan over the Baikonur cosmodrome. “We are not saying it may happen overnight (…) steps will be taken to gradually achieve the goal (…) Besides, Baikonur town may be transferred under the Kazakhstan’s jurisdiction. Never before has the issue been raised (…)”, Mussabayev said.