Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that constitutional order has been largely restored in all regions of the country and that local authorities are in control of the situation. The head of state's press service reported this on Friday after a meeting of the counterterrorism headquarters.
"An anti-terrorist operation has begun. The law enforcement forces are working hard. Constitutional order has largely been restored in all regions of the country. Local authorities are controlling the situation. But terrorists are still using weapons and damaging the property of citizens. Therefore, counter-terrorist operations must continue until the militants are completely eliminated," Tokayev said.
The acting interior and defense ministers and the chairman of the National Security Committee also made reports at the meeting. "As reported by the heads of security agencies, units of a joint CSTO peacekeeping contingent have begun arriving in Kazakhstan to assist in restoring order. This contingent arrived for a limited period of time to carry out mainly the functions of covering and protecting strategic facilities," the press service explained.
The president of Kazakhstan has also given some orders for the further stabilization of the situation in the country.
About the Christmas celebration
The difficult situation in Kazakhstan and the state of emergency do not allow believers to celebrate Christmas according to tradition, Tokayev said.
"Unfortunately, due to the difficult situation in the country and the imposed state of emergency, believers will not be able to celebrate it [Christmas] according to all traditions," the press service quoted the head of state as saying.
According to him, Orthodoxy has always contributed greatly to the preservation of peace and harmony and the strengthening of an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust in Kazakhstani society. "The diversity of religions, traditions, and cultures is a solid foundation of our statehood," Tokayev noted.
The President said that today as never before, it is important for Kazakhstanis to show unity and solidarity in order to ensure peace and stability in the country. "I am confident that together we will overcome all difficulties and trials, preserving our main asset - the unity of our people," stressed the head of the republic.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS