Foreign Ministry finds it inadmissible for representatives of the European Parliament to intervene in the internal affairs of sovereign Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry considers it inadmissible for representatives of the European Parliament to intervene in the internal affairs of Kazakhstan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ilyas Omarov told a briefing August 1. “(…) Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry believes it inadmissible for representatives of the European Parliament to intervene in the internal affairs of sovereign Kazakhstan, nor do we find admissible any actions provoking political instability and public unrest (…) all this contradicts the basic principles set by the Constitution”, Mr. Omarov said, According to him, MEP Paul Murphy on his trip to Mangistau oblast urged Kazakhstan’s citizens to participate in the mass actions of protest. When doing so, the MEP said inappropriate things about the executive and judicial power bodies, Omarov said. “MEP Murphy tried to intervene in the justice bodies’ work, attempting to exert pressure on the court, which is inadmissible (…) Such actions entail liability in accordance with article 77 of the Constitution”, Omarov said. Besides, certain remarks made by the MEP stirred up social discord, according to Omarov. “Actions and remarks of Mr. Murphy are a rude violation of the international law principles and contradict the fundamental principles of the UN Charter”. “Foreign Ministry’s stance has been voiced to the European Parliament. We hope the actions of the mentioned above official will face due response of the European Parliament”, Omarov said. July 18 MEP Paul Murphy visited Zhanaozen town in Mangistau oblast. During his visit he met with the top management of the KazMunaiGas EP to discuss major issues related to the Company, including the recent industrial action at Ozenmunaigas (KazMunaiGas EP production unit) which started May 25 over the remuneration. The Company has already sacked about 400 workers.