The US expressed concerns with the recent disorders in Kazakhstan's Janaozen, spokeswoman of the US State Department Victoria Nuland said. The US expressed condolences over the death of people and urged Kazakh authorities to resolve the conflict.
Alexey Vlasov, Editor-in-Chief of Vestnik Kavkaza, said that the situation in Janaozen was caused by the unsettled labour conflict and influence of outer forces interested in bloodshed to discredit the government. Problems of oil workers are only a background.
The expert sees no prospects for the conflict expanding. As long as President Nazarbayev is at power opposition will not be able to augment the Kyrgyz scenario. The state is at a stage of power transit, this makes it more vulnerable to risks.
Alexey Vlasov believes that the events in Kazakhstan are a signal for all post-Soviet states, especially the ones rich with hydrocarbons. They need to monitor social problems. Otherwise some other people will replace the current elites. It is obvious that Russia, South Caucasus and Middle Asia will not be left alone. There will be attempts to weaken them. The main targets are clear - Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, the political analyst says.
Vestnik Kavkaza reported that Janaozen (Manginau District) had mass disorders on December 16. Fired oil staff was among the most active protesters. 14 people were killed and dozens were injured. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev imposed a state of emergency in the area. Curfews will remain in force until January 5, as well as limited traffic, limited photographing and camera recording.
