President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev said that the government of the country would take a number of specific decisions due to the mass riots. Preparing measures The head of state announced in the course of appeal to the nation, his speech was published on the presidential site.
In his statement, Tokaev stressed that the counter-terrorist operation, which was previously launched in Kazakhstan, continues, since the militants did not form a weapon and are preparing for new crimes. The head of state expressed determination to bring the fight against terrorists to the end. “Who will not surrender, will be destroyed,” he added. Also Tokayev noted the importance of extracting lessons from the occurrence, including socio-economic aspects.
“the government will have to take specific decisions about which I will say on January 11 in Majilis,” he said. Against the background of the riot of Tokayev also promised to offer a plan of reforms and concrete measures to implement them. According to him, transformations will allow Kazakhstan to become a strong state, to dynamically develop the economy and improve the social status of citizens.
Previously, Tokayev said he ordered to open fire on terrorists to defeat without warning. He also excluded negotiations with participants in unrest, calling them criminals and gangsters. Also, the head of state accused the free press in the awareness and inciting riots in the republic. Tokayev said that their actions led to the tragedy in the republic, and promised to strictly stop acts of “legal vandalism”.
Protests in Kazakhstan began on Sunday, January 2, due to the increase in gas prices for cars from 60 to 120 tenge (from 10 to 20 rubles) per liter. Soon economic requirements were replaced by political. To Wednesday, January 5, rallies have grown into bulk riots. The most significant collisions occurred in the former capital of Alma-Ata.