Karakhstan Press Holdings | KPH

[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан 1
Official news 24/7 on the air and online since 1998​

21 қаңтар (Jan.)

Алматы (Almatii): City Council Presents Underground Metro Plan to Central Government
The mayor of the capital, Almatii, and the City Council presented an elaborate and fully worked-out plan for an underground metro at Transport Karakhstan today despite strict budgetary constraints. President Miirko Natanbayev was in attendance and addressed the council clearly impressed with the largesse of the project. 'Our capital city has grown rapidly in the past ten years and is set to continue to do so as more and more Karakhstanis migrate from the steppe to the city...this metro would ensure a comfortable and efficient city would arise from our hard work.' Despite the President's approval the central government has made it clear over the past few months that there is little money for the city project, perhaps just enough to cover 15 per cent of the construction costs. The mayor of Almatii said that his office will continue to stay in touch with Transport Karakhstan to discuss possible financial routes to take, however the City Council is likely to seek other means for funding having mentioned foreign city bonds as one idea.


Алматы (Almatii): Foreign Ministry Prepares New Policy
The Foreign Ministry is preparing to unveil a new foreign policy in the coming days after months of careful studies ordered by President Miirko Natanbayev. Foreign Minister Saken Asimov met privately today with the President at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Almatii to provide a brief summary of the new policy before unveiling it publicly later in the week. Anonymous sources involved in the planning have told Karakhstan 1 that the new policy will definitely include increased communications with nearby states in Sarmatia. Another top priority issue will be acquiring a secure overland route to the sea via one of the states that borders the Republic. This will be key for the Foreign Ministry since Karakhstan, as a landlocked state, currently exports and imports products and goods via a complicated web of overland routes involving expensive customs fees. Most truckers even have to bribe border officials to get across despite having the proper paperwork. Lastly Foreign Minister Asimov mentioned preparations for hosting a wide variety of foreign governments and businesses in the capital in order to discuss investment opportunities especially in the mining sector. Karakhstan sits atop a diverse array of minerals required for heavy and technical industries across the globe.


Ступетна (Stupetna): Nomadic Tribe Raids Truck Convoy on East-West Highway
A nomadic tribe attacked a convoy of three trucks travelling west on the newly completed East-West Highway, causing one truck to tip over spilling its cargo of eggs and poultry products across all four lanes of traffic. Due to the remote location on the steppe there were no other vehicles on the road and Republican Mounted Police (RMP) were able to clear the road before any delays arose. RMP officials detained 6 nomad tribesmen and brought them to the nearest village for processing. They claimed that the trucks were polluting their air and startling their herds of horses and camels. Attacks such as these have become increasingly common in the last few months ever since the East-West Highway was completed last August. Transport Karakhstan said that the highway was not damaged although motorists may see frozen eggs on the pavement for some time until the next snow comes. The RMP fined the tribesmen 1 horse since they did not have any money on them at the time. With a horse valued at around 30.000 tenge (3.000 Frankish Thaler) the RMP was criticised by local nomadic tribes for the harsh punishment. An RMP spokeswoman said that if she tribesmen responsible for the attack come back within 1 month carrying 5.000 tenge the horse will be returned.



Жаңалықтар | News

» Avalanche risk warning lowered from 'severe' to 'high' for the Altai Talas Mountains just south of Almatii; ski resorts remain closed

» A residential neighbourhood in eastern Almatii votes 'no' on referendum to approve building of a church. Christian group set to appeal

» Interior Ministry is to host a series of village and town meetings across the steppe to provide a civil forum for nomadic tribes and farming communities to discuss qualms over land use

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[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан 1
Official news 24/7 on the air and online since 1998​

22 қаңтар (Jan.)

Алматы (Almatii): Ministry of Mines Admits Technology Gap; Seeks Foreign Help
The Ministry of Mines released a press statement this morning saying that in order to capitalise on the country's vast mineral variety foreign technologies and engineering manpower would be required. Certain minerals, especially the rare earth elements vital for technology products, cannot be properly or profitably mined under current conditions. Together with the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Mines intends to open the Karakhstani mining sector up to foreign companies. 'Everyone will benefit from such a move. The central government will hugely profit as will the foreign mining companies. And, certainly important, the number of jobs for our people will be a greatly appreciated,' commented a Ministry of Mines official. Foreign mining companies have been invited to the capital, Almatii, to discuss prospects with the relevant ministries. President Miirko Natanbayev intends to make it easier for foreign companies to operate in the Republic by reducing bureaucratic red tape and lowering corporate tax rates.


Алматы (Almatii): People's Action Party Holds Congress Next Week
The governing People's Action Party (PAP) will hold it's annual Party Congress next week in Almatii at the Convention Centre of the Republic. In attendance will be most ministers and Members of Parliament. On the agenda will be infrastructure projects, foreign direct investment opportunity expansion and the nomad vs. farmer conflicts across much of the steppe. This year, however, some opposition parties intend to hold a rally outside the convention centre to protest alleged corruption and anti-democratic measures in last year's general election. Led by For a Just Karakhstan, opposition party officials have applied for a protest permit but insiders at the Ministry of the Interior say that is unlikely to be approved. For a Just Kazakhstan officials say they plan to protest with or without needed authorisation.


Ступетна (Stupetna): Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Karakhstan Wants New Policy
Speaking in Stupetna today before a crowd of small business owners Immigration and Checkpoints Authority Karakhstan officials said they hope the Parliament will approve requests to make immigration to the Republic faster and easier. Economists have been warning for years that with a low birth rate and a small population (there are only about 15 million Karakhstanis across the vast steppe) business owners and industry will need foreign workers to not only drive the growth of the economy but also ensure that pensioners will have a buoyant economy to retire on. The ministry proposed last month that foreigners seeking to work and immigrate to Karakhstan should be granted a 12-month Exploratory Pass to seek work. The Exploratory Pass would grant them legal residency, a right to housing and Qarakh language lessons and put immigrants on an easy and fast path towards receiving a Permanent Work Pass. Once in possession of a Permanent Work Pass immigrants would be able to apply for citizenship after 12 months of residence and working in the Republic. After 3 years they would be able to naturalise.



Жаңалықтар | News

» National airline avianova seeks new international routes and fleet expansion

» Christian man throws molotov cocktail into atheist-owned store-front in Almatii, injuring one; police say related to church referendum

» A large snow system in the northwest steppe will shut down hundreds of kilometres of the East-West Highway for at least 3 days; trucks begin queuing in nearby villages

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[Taley]

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Mining Division
De Vesci Industries wish to open up mining operations inside Karakhstan and expand our interests in the nation.

Calviano Ghedina
Vice President of Mining Operations​

 

[Tulus and Biminis]

Ministry of Mines

We would be honoured to welcome DVI to send a group to visit Karakhstan and learn more about mining opportunities in the Republic. We can offer the visiting group a 1 week tour to different mining areas as well as a 3 day stay in Almatii to discuss prospects with the relevant ministries. Lodging, domestic travel and other trip-related expenses will be covered by the Ministry of Mines. Our counterparts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does request that all DVI officials ensure that their passports are valid and up to date to ensure rapid visa processing at Almatii Transcontinental Airport. The standard fees for the Social Passes shall be waived courtesy of our office. We look forward to the visit.

 

[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан 1
Official news 24/7 on the air and online since 1998​

25 қаңтар (Jan.)

Алматы (Almatii): Vangalan Foreign Minister to Visit Republic
Foreign Minister Qamaruzzaman of the People's Republic of Vangala will visit Almatii at the weekend to discuss bilateral and regional affairs with Karakhstani Foreign Minister, Katan B. Kazkhanov and President Miirko Natanbayev. While the visit will be short, no more than two days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes to discuss many issues. The recent military build up in Toyou will be the top priority on the list, however also to be discussed are trade related items. Business leaders, especially in the mining sector, will be keen to highlight Karakhstan's vast and growing mineral wealth which a large economy such as Vangala's would certainly like access to. Qamaruzzaman will be staying at the Transcontinental Hotel in central Almatii courtesy of the Government of Karakhstan. Officials at Karavia, the state airport operator, will be forwarding special instructions to the flight crew of the Vangalan Foreign Minister since the approach into Almatii Transcontinental Airport is a particularly dangerous one owing to the very high altitude, icy conditions and the proximity to high mountains.


Алматы (Almatii): Karakhstan Sky Force Considers Renewing Campaign Against Rebels

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President Natanbayev

Leaders in the Karakhstan Sky Force will be meeting with President Miirko Natanbayev tomorrow to discuss renewing an aerial bombing campaign in the northwestern Bashalka Mountains against nomadic rebels. There is little known about the group due to it being isolated in the Bashalka Mountains, which are not connected to any continental range and are surrounded by steppe. They have been waging violent raids against government forces and villages in the region for years claiming to be an independent mountain kingdom. The nomads of the Bashalka speak a language unrelated to Turkic-based Qarakh and there is no known written form. They herd goats and sheep in the various mountain valleys, unlike the Qarakh-speaking nomads of the steppe who herd camels and horses. The Sky Force aerial campaign was halted last October pending investigations of a funeral procession being hit. Government investigators concluded in January that stress-induced human error led to the MiG pilot firing his payload despite the risk involved. Advocacy groups in Almatii have criticised the Sky Force for its lack of consideration when attacking the rebel groups yet the President is likely to authorise a resumption of the campaign. Land Forces are unlikely to be sent in since the Bashalka Disaster of 2010, in which troops were ambushed in a mountain pass by the rebels and were massacred leaving no survivors.




Жаңалықтар | News

» Diesel supplies at filling stations low due to blizzard closure of the East-West Highway resulting in delay of tanker imports

» Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans programme to send officers abroad for language immersion prior to service

» Tensions in southern Toyou rise as Yujiner and Vangalan governments appear set for arms race

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[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан 1
Official news 24/7 on the air and online since 1998​

3 ақпан (Feb.)


Алматы (Almatii): President Orders Renewed Bombing Campaign Against Rebels

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Sky Force jets returning from a sortie last year in the Balkash Mountains

President Miirko Natanbayev ordered the Karakhstani Sky Force to renew an aerial bombing campaign against the rebels of the Balkash Mountains in the northwest. The rebel group, the Balkash Tribe, has been waging an insurgency effort against the central government for years claiming independence for the Balkash Mountains as a separate state. The tribal group lives in the valleys of the mountains, which are isolated on the steppe and not connected to any other range. Sky Force operations against the rebel military camps were suspended last year after a bombing run reportedly killed civilian tribe members mistaken for a caravan carrying arms. Land Forces will not be involved in operations due to the risks involved as the Balkash Mountains are dangerous to navigate without proper guides. The main opposition party, For a Just Karakhstan, denounced the renewed campaign citing that the President should be engaging in diplomatic dialogues instead of further conflict. President Natanbayev maintains his policy of refusing to negotiate with separatists. The Sky Force will be operating bombing runs primarily from its new base on the steppe.



Алматы (Almatii): Ministry of Mines Prepares Sites for Company Tours

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Many mines will be sold to attract foreign operators

The Ministry of Mines is informing many government-owned and operated mines across the country that foreign mining companies will be given tours of the areas and operations in the coming weeks as the government hopes to sell some mines to increase efficiency of mining operations. Rare earth elements are particularly abundant in Karakhstan and the Ministry of Mines hopes that with foreign investment from mining companies more modern practises can be imported and implemented. At the same time the ministry will be preparing proposals for new export routes south through Yujin, which will require the cooperation of Transport Karakhstan to ensure that all roadways and rail routes will be capable of handling the extra traffic. De Vesci Industries of Talemantros is the first major mining company to express an interest in operations with the government. Some officials have also told Karakhstan 1 that the government is looking for a coastal location abroad for a rare earth element refinery as well as a foreign investment partner. The refinery would process the raw minerals mined in Karakhstan and prepare them for secondary export to importing countries. Yujin presents the most likely candidate country for a location of the refinery, however officials say that the refinery could be located almost anywhere with a coastline as the raw minerals could simply be shipped to the refinery from the Yujiner coast for processing.




Жаңалықтар | News

» University of Almatii Viceroy announces new masters programme of Implarian Studies; faculty procurement to follow

» Christian group plans demonstration against an Almatii neighbourhoods refusal to allow the building of new church

» Foreign Minister Katan B. Kazkhanov plans global tour to kindle new relations

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[Northern Cooperative Unions]

A Népi Keze Külügyi (The People's Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The Boliaturian government has formally declared that "the Karakh peoples are our friends", citing that neighbours should hold mutual relations if they are to progress in the world stage, regardless of religion, government, or social differences. Seeing as both countries are steppe-like and hold similiar religious beliefs, the government of Boliatur has sent letter to the government seat in Karakhstan. The statement details that the Boliaturian government will attempt to maintain friendly relations, and has asked if they may construct an embassy on Karakhstan soil.

 

[Tulus and Biminis]

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We are most pleased to receive this message and wish to reciprocate in full. Our people will enjoy a bright and prosperous future together. We invite your foreign ministry to dispatch a group to find a suitable location for an embassy in our capital, Almatii. Certain city neighbourhoods are most ideal for an embassy due to a quiet location yet close to public transport to reach government centres in the centre. We also wish to open an embassy in Boliatur at the earliest convenience. President Miirko Natanbayev will appoint a new ambassador in the coming weeks and until he does so, Foreign Minister Kanat B. Kazkhanov will appoint a chargé d'affaires to represent the Karakhstani diplomatic mission in Boliatur. We look forward to our newly-founded relations.

With the highest regards,

Канат Б. Казканов
Kanat B. Kazkhanov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Karakhstan

 

[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан 1
Official news 24/7 on the air and online since 1998​

5 ақпан (Feb.)


Алматы (Almatii): Yujiner Arrested for Drug Smuggling

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The accused was detained near the border on the only major road to Yujin, above

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers detained a man from Yujin not far from the main border crossing close to Almatii today for drug smuggling. The man was driving a small truck with Karakhstani number plates and was entering the country with a multiple-entry Social Pass. ICA officers noted the expiration date of the pass and contacted the Ministry of Manpower for more details. It appeared that the pass was two weeks past its expiration date. Normally this would result in a fine and no entry, however officers noticed a pungent smell originating from the truck's cargo bay. Upon inspection they found hundreds of kilos of cannabis and immediately arrested the Yujiner and impounded his vehicle. He denied knowledge of what was in the truck. The man has been transported to a holding facility outside of Almatii pending his court date. Government prosecutors expect a harsh sentence of at least five years in a correctional facility plus community service work. The accused was permitted a meeting with a representative from the Yujiner embassy in Almatii, however because there exists no extradition treaty between the Republic of Karakhstan and Yujin, it is unlikely that the man will be deported for trial in his homeland. Meanwhile the truck's cargo of cannabis has been sent to a facility for destruction. The A1 highway (above) is the busiest land crossing between Yujin and Karakhstan. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officials say that this is not the first time drug smugglers have attempted runs across this particular border checkpoint.



Алматы (Almatii): Republic of Karakhstan Defence Forces on Spending Spree

Despite no official announcement it appears as though all branches of the Republic of Karakhstan Defence Forces have launched a modernisation effort and subsequent spending spree. ROK Land Forces recently published a public request for tender for new main battle tanks and armoured personnel carriers and the ROK Sky Force has reportedly been in contact with a major Wieser aerospace firm for new aeroplanes, including aerial refuelling tankers. One anonymous source informed Karakhstan 1 that the Sky Force is preparing an order for JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, produced in Götarike (Suionia), however that remains uncertain given the current economic and industrial situation in said country. Two obvious questions arise from this sudden burst in spending: why is the government doing this and how will they pay for it? Most analysts believe that with the campaign against the Balkash rebels intensifying the military would like to use this as an opportunity to modernise and upgrade equipment across the board. Despite having neutral or even friendly relations with nearby neighbours it would be foolish to not be prepared for the unexpected, they say. An analyst at the Council for Strategic Studies said 'Karakhstan's military lags far behind its neighbours and needs to step up its operations simply to remain on a level playing field.' As for financing the sudden surge in spending mining operations are likely to take up the bulk of the bill with foreign companies purchasing and operating mines. Some also believe that the central government may sell special bonds to make up the difference.




Жаңалықтар | News

» Yujiner and Karakh officials will meet this week in Almatii to discuss trade and infrastructure proposals

» Tourism flows into Karakhstan will remain low until Avianova increases flights west; foreign airlines also have yet to take interest in Almatii Transcontinental as a regular destination

» Republican Guard troops successfully completed a one-week-long counter-terrorism operation in a mock-village in a valley east of Almatii

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[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан 1
Official news 24/7 on the air and online since 1998​

12 ақпан (Feb.)


Алматы (Almatii): LTA Introduced Road Pricing Scheme

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Major routes into Almatii will have ERP gantries

The Land Transport Authority (LTA), a division of Transport Karakhstan in charge of all urban projects, has announced a new road pricing scheme designed to combat vehicular congestion in the quickly-growing capital, Almatii. With business booming in the country, due mostly to the high demand for raw materials such as minerals, a flood of immigrants as well as people from the countryside are heading to Almatii and many lorries and drivers of smaller vehicles are passing through Almatii every day. Cross-border trips to Yujin, which lies just 15-20 minutes down the road from Almatii, have also increased at an exponential rate. While many lorry drivers and people heading toward the mining sites in the interior of the country many people pass through Almatii to meet business partners, visit family or stock up on food and fuel since there is little on the roads to service so many motorists beyond the capital. Enter the ERP, or Electronic Road Pricing, brought to you by the LTA. Being tested now at the main entry-point to the city on the North-South Causeway from the Yujiner border, an ERP gantry lies above the roadway and electronic censors detect vehicles driving through. An ERP Pass Unit in the vehicle collects data from the gantry, such as the time of day, location of gantry and the price, which is determined by location and time of day (peak-hours cost more, off-peak less etc.). A monthly bill is then sent to the vehicle owner. All funds will go towards road and public transport funding.

Since this remains a pilot programme and no cars have the ERP Pass Unit installed the system will for now operate by taking a photograph of the vehicle passing through the gantry and, via the number plate and image of the driver, a monthly bill will be sent via post. These cameras will later be used to fine non ERP Pass Unit holders once such units are disseminated. What about foreign-registered vehicles such as the many Yujiner lorries heading to and from the mines? The LTA and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will cooperate by requiring all foreign-registered vehicles to procure an ERP Pass Unit if they are to drive in Karakhstan for more than 3 days. Foreign drivers will pay ERP fees upon exit of the country. The People's Action Party even received approval from its main opposition rival For a Just Karakhstan in Parliament last month for this plan, though the opposition parties want to ensure fair pricing especially for those who live just outside the city and who often need to commute in and out.



Алматы (Almatii): President Sees No Need for Increased Military Deployments on Border

With rising military tensions between Vangala and Yujin causing concern in government circles in Almatii President Miirko Natanbayev told Military High Command that he sees no need for increased deployments along the border with neighbouring countries. Yujin today had live firing tests and will commence war games this week. President Natanbayev instead informed military officials that they should be concentrating on the aerial campaign against the Balkash Rebels in the Balkash Mountain region in the northwest of the country. So far daily sorties and the occasional precision bombing have resulted in the destruction of one suspected arms depot in a small valley. ROK Land Forces still maintains its reservations of going in with ground troops despite calls from the ROK Sky Force that it cannot alone wipe out armed groups in the mountains. A Sky Force JAS-39 Gripen jet (purchased from Suionia prior to the western wars) encountered an emergency incident yesterday upon return from a reconnaissance sortie over the Balkash Mountains. Poor weather conditions caused by a winter storm prevented it from reaching its home base resulting in low fuel. A 707 refuelling tanker was dispatched to the distressed jet for tanking and both aircraft made it to alternative bases safely. This incident has prompted discussions within military circles for an expanded operation against the rebels with one side strongly urging reconsidering the ban on land forces.




Жаңалықтар | News

» ROK Sky Force orders new refuelling tankers to replace ageing 707s from Wieser aerospace corporation; Avianova orders new commercial jets for expanded fleet

» Ministry of Manpower drafts new proposal for a Work Pass designed specifically for Yujiner construction workers, opposition parties against plan citing need to use domestic labour pools first

» University of Almatii reneges on idea to introduce tuition for foreigners after committee deems such a plan unfair and un-Karakhstani

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[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан 1
Official news 24/7 on the air and online since 1998​

15 ақпан (Feb.)​

Алматы (Almatii): LTA Opens Loop Expressway

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The Loop Expressway serves Almatii

The Land Transport Authority (LTA), a division of Transport Karakhstan in charge of all urban projects, today opened the newest road in the country, the Loop Expressway. The road is 8 lanes across and circles around the capital, Almatii. Construction began two years ago after the city's master plan called for increased vehicular infrastructure support due to the growing number of cars and lorries on the road as the economy grows and the average Karakhstani can now afford a car. While public transport remains the backbone of the city's future for transport the LTA recognises the vital importance of roadways. The Loop Expressway is the widest road in the republic and dwarfs the major road entering Yujin just a twenty minute drive south of the capital. The LTA will soon begin widening and modernising the southern stretch of the North-South Expressway that enters Yujin after the Ministry of Commerce announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Yujin and Karakhstan calling for increased economic and infrastructure co-operation. Meanwhile drivers took to the Loop Expressway with smiles on their faces noting the convenience of getting from one side of the city to the other in record time.

The LTA's new ERP scheme (Electronic Road Pricing) is fully operational across all of the Loop Expressway. In car transponder units in cars (required for this particular road) track distance travelled on the road and cars entering and exiting the expressway are detected by the overhead gantries, which inform motorists of the price they are paying to use the road. Lorry drivers have found the road especially useful as it allows them to bypass the city centre when making cross-city deliveries and they can avoid the ERP congestion charges, which are much higher than the ERP prices for the Loop Expressway. The LTA will be monitoring the success of the new road closely over the coming months as they prepare to widen the North-South Expressway to Yujin.



Алматы (Almatii): Government Signs Arms Deal with Beretta in Potenza

After an impressive three-day tour of facilities in Potenza government officials have signed a contract with Beretta, the maker of the famous 9 milimetre handgun, to become the standard issue handgun of Karakhstan's intelligence unit, the Ministry of State Security (MSS). The deal includes a two year renewable contract for ammunition supplies. The Republican Guard paramilitary forces will also have the 9mm Beretta as their standard issue handgun and certain units of Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will also use the model as their weapon of choice. The National and Local police forces do not normally carry firearms save for extreme security threats due to the near impossibility for civilians to obtain guns in the country. The deal is one of many being pursued by the government as it launches a multi-pronged effort to modernise the Republic of Karakhstan Defence Forces, government agencies as well as infrastructure projects. Funding is coming from robust mineral exports and national bond sales domestically and abroad.




Жаңалықтар | News

» Yujiner corporations to begin search for oil in north and west of country

» Immigration and Checkpoints Authority announces new naturalisation law: any person who arrives at a Karakhstani embassy or consulate or border checkpoint speaking fluent Qarakh will automatically be granted full citizenship; dual citizenship remains legal

» Foreign Minister Katan speaks out against sabre rattling in the Great Sea seeing aggressive stances being taken by various navies as counter-productive and childish


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[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан Газета
Karakhstan Gazeta ​

200 теңге​

Junior Minister Wants Military Attachés in Yujin, Vangala

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JM Leo T. Lavinovitch is the Republic's second in command

Speaking before the Senate today, Junior Minister Leo T. Lavinovitch (People's Action Party) called for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request that military attachés be sent to the capitals of Vangala and Yujin as quickly as possible. Citing the growing tensions between the two neighbouring states the Junior Minister explained in his statement before the gathered senators that having military attachés in both countries would settle fears in Almatii that the military activities of Karakhstan's neighbours were aimed north and would also provide both Vangala and Yujin assurances that Karakhstan remains a neutral and peaceful neighbour. The 'spread of information', as JM Lavinovitch termed it, would be in keeping with Karakhstan's desire to remain neutral whenever possible. 'This would be a healthy step towards greater co-operation with our southerly neighbours' he said.

The proposal was discussed in private meetings earlier in the week with Senior Minister Miirko Natanbayev and Foreign Minister Katan Kazkhanov. In order for attachés to be sent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would need to formally submit requests to the governments of Vangala and Yujin and the Senate would need to pass the bill into action. The main opposition party, For a Just Karakhstan did not appear to be against the idea and is likely to vote with the PAP.



Nomadic Tribes in Central & Western Cantons Call For Congress

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Goat & camel herding nomads traverse the vast steppe year-round

Various nomadic tribes of the central and western cantons, which are composed of steppe and, further north, grasslands, have called for a pan-tribal congress. Such an event usually takes place only once every five years owing to the difficulty in gathering tribal leaders and elders in one place at the same time. The nomadic tribes, dominated by horse, goat and camel herders, are dispersed across the vast steppe and grasslands and are usually far from any population centres or paved roads. The Pan-tribal Congress will take place next week in Stupetna, the second largest city of the Republic located in the flat northern grasslands. There the leaders will discuss immediate concerns of land usage and relations with the central government in Almatii. The last few months have been more violent than usual on the steppe. Last month a bandit group attacked a lorry convoy on the East-West Expressway. The cargo was chicken eggs, a products of farmers further south. Relations between farmers and nomads have always been strenuous due to the fights over land use. Many nomadic tribes believe that the central government has been favouring farming collectives when ruling on land ownership and usage laws.

If the congress reaches a general consensus representatives may be sent to Almatii, in the extreme south of the country on the border with Yujin. Republican law requires that Pan-tribal Congress representatives be granted entrance to the Senate to deliver discussed issues and present them for debate along with a list of desired outcomes. Particularly high on the agenda will be land usage, the increase in road and rail traffic/construction due to the increase in mining operations, growing tourism in the steppe and grasslands and central government fund redistributions to the central and western cantonal governments.



News in Brief

» Yujiner oil exploratory team in northwestern steppe discovers tar-like sandy substance at shallow depth; they are calling it 'tar sand' and claim it may be possible to refine it into crude oil

» Wen Yew, Yujiner man accused of drug smuggling, heard prosecutor's formal request for death penalty in court today

» Karavia, the national aviation authority, wants to make Almatii Transcontinental a diversion airport for the greater Toyou region as well as a hub for Gallian and Germanian commercial flights

» The Land Transport Authority is considering lowering the Auto Import Tax level for the first time in 6 years. Currently all cars imported into Karakhstan are subject to a customs duty of 31 per cent ad valorem, which would be lowered to 26 per cent






Karakhstan Gazeta is a Karakhstan Press Holdings publication published daily in the Qarakh, German and English languages. Printed worldwide, available in most news stands.

gazeta.kr


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[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

The People's Republic of Vangala has no malicious designs on either Karakhstan or Yujin, and has only been forced to react by constant Yujiner provocation. We welcome the stationing of Karakhstani military attachés in Kilkila and suggest an exchange programme to encourage greater co-operation between our militaries.

 

[Khemia]

余金民國外交部
Yújīn Mínguó Wàijiāobù
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Yujin

We have two issues to comment on in regards to Karakhstan developments; the implication that requests to assigned military attaches may be made, and the pursuit of capital punishment against a Yujiner national. In respect to the latter issue, the Republic of Yujin wishes to express both apprehension and willingness to cooperate. Given the economic integration between our two states, especially in respect to the recently announced Memorandum of Understanding signed by the President and ratified by the Republican Congress, we find it difficult to imagine that plans or strategies to bring about the demise of a neutral party in the Yujin-Vangala border question would be possible. We also have no guarantees that sensitive information acquired by Karakhstan officials will not be relayed to Vangalan authorities. Despite these concerns, we are willing to work with Karakhstan officials around these issues to provide reassurances that no plans are being made to violate Karakhstan neutrality. With respect to the issue of Wen Yu, domestic law enforcement officials will cooperate with Karakhstan authorities to root out respective drug cartels in Yujin, and no request for extradition will be made as the Republic of Yujin would likewise pursue similar charges, but lacks sufficient evidence to do so. We trust that our nationals will receive a fair trial and comparable representation to that available in Yujiner courts, and will observe these events closely.

 

[Tulus and Biminis]

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We do understand the sensitivity in regards to the issue of military information co-operation. We hope the military attachés will be a force of positive reinforcement in our bilateral relations. Of course, the amount and class of information made available to a Karakhstani attaché would be entirely up to the Yujiner government.

Regarding the case of one Mr Wen Yu, he was due to meet with Yujiner consular officials today to begin preparation for his court date. Drug smuggling, ownership and usage is a strict offence in Karakhstan and is not taken lightly. We greatly appreciate the co-operation of the domestic law enforcement across the border. It may be wise to consider drafting a treaty of extradition between our two countries for the future, since, currently, none such document exists making such a transfer legally impossible.

 

[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан Газета
Karakhstan Gazeta ​

200 теңге​

Balkash Rebel Base Bombed; Paratroopers Discover Surprise

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SM Natanbayev warned of the need for land forces to be re-sent into the mountains in the future

The ROK Sky Force, using Suionian-made Gripen fighters, bombed a Balkash rebel stronghold near the border with the Jurchen-Republic earlier today. An elite paratrooper group was sent into the valley near the border to clean out any surviving rebels and attempt to recover information such as maps and other plans. This marked the first time that any land forces have been used in the campaign against the rebels since last autumn when a patrol force mysteriously disappeared in the mountains. The paratroopers met little resistance as any survivors had long since fled into the heavily-wooded mountains. Upon entering a storage shack that had survived the bombing run paratroopers discovered literature of the post-delegationist persuasion written in the language of Touzen. The books appeared to be heavily worn and well-read with notes written in the margins in the Qarakh language and the Balkash dialect. The books have been sent to Almatii for further analysis.

Senior Minister Natanbayev, speaking at a press conference on the matter, made two remarks. He said that the paratroopers would be air-lifted via helicopter out of the valley and returned to base as it would be too dangerous for them to navigate the dangerous Balkash Mountain area without any knowledge of the terrain. He also said that the discovery of post-delegationist literature was 'extremely worrying' as it could mean the Balkash rebels, or some of them at least, are ideologically driven in their quest for independence and self-rule. The border with the Jurchen-Republic is heavily wooded and mountainous in most parts and also porous with only one paved road connecting the countries. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officials said that, based on studies conducted, that road is used for only 30 per cent of border crossings, making the vast majority of such crossings both illegal and unsupervised.



Economic Development Plan Calls for Ice Breakers and Pipeline Co-operation with Boliatur

As part of the central government's grand plan for economic development the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a joint statement today calling for, among other things, the procurement of 'at least' two-three icebreakers of the highest class to ensure unhindered access to the port city of Aralsk in the Gulf of Aral. Although Aralsk lacks a deep water port and railway connections to the industrial south of the country near Almatii or the mines, the hope is to make it a secondary export/import facility over the coming years. Meanwhile the Yujiner port of Liangang provides the majority of these services for the Republic via expanding rail and road links. Also called for in the plan was increased co-operation with neighbouring Boliatur. The oil-rich country to the north has been expanding its own pipelines to export its petroleum products and Karakhstan lies right between it and the resource-hungry Yujin. The government hopes that by allowing pipelines carrying Boliatur oil to Yujin will generate modest transit fees, encourage construction of refineries in Karakhstan prior to final delivery to Yujin and also provide the opportunity for the development of what appear to be 'tar sands' in the northwest of the country near the border with Boliatur.

The government made no mention of where they will seek to order new or buy used icebreakers, but did say they would like to complete such deals before the end of the month.



News in Brief

» A heard of gazelles migrating from the central steppe to the northern grasslands caused hours of delay on the North-South Expressway north of Stupetna, but provided wonderful photographic opportunities for the idling drivers

» Wen Yew, Yujiner man accused of drug smuggling, met with his legal team today however his prospects look meek as the prosecutor's office seeks the death penalty

» The southern section of the North-South Causeway near Almatii and the Yujiner border will be widened to 4 lanes across and converted into an expressway format with exit and entry ramps; construction begins this week

» The Land Transport Authority is preparing a bond sale to fund construction of the planned Almatii Underground Metro system and wishes to use a foreign currency for the sale rather than the more fluctuating tenge






Karakhstan Gazeta is a Karakhstan Press Holdings publication published daily in the Qarakh, German and English languages. Printed worldwide, available in most news stands.

gazeta.kr


​

 

[Tulus and Biminis]

Каракстан Газета
Karakhstan Gazeta ​

200 теңге​

MoM Grants Scores of Work Passes for Infrastructure Boom

The Ministry of Manpower has granted many thousands of Work Passes to help accommodate the infrastructure boom in Karakhstan. Many native Karakhstani men and women have also taken to new construction jobs at the project managerial and office levels, yet there is an acute shortage of labour for the actual dirty work. Most of the Work Passes, which are temporary in nature and range from 18-36 months in duration, are being granted to Yujiners. The main Almatii-Jurong checkpoint has experienced severe traffic congestion over the past weeks enhanced by construction to widen the road and convert it into an expressway. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officials have allocated an extra 300 checkpoint workers to the area to help handle the passport, visa and document work as well as vehicle inspection and import duties. Many Yujiners work in at Karakhstan construction jobs in the Almatii Metro Area by day but drive south to Yujin in the evening, avoiding the hefty auto import tax of 26 per cent. Many more are actually moving to Karakhstan to live and work as their Work Passes grant them this right.

Almatii has seen a flood of Yujiner immigrants since the new MoM order and there is a flat shortage. The City Council has drawn up plans for the construction of new mid and high-rise flat blocks in the city, mostly in the more spacious North End of the city. The flood of migrant workers to help with the infrastructure boom is not only present in the Almatii Metro Area. Further north in the steppe city of Stupetna the change has also been noted, although on a smaller scale. Because of the expansion of mining operations and the new-found tar sand oil fields in the northwest Stupetna has become the de facto operations centre for many domestic and foreign resource companies. The road and railways connecting Stupetna and Almatii as well as the resource centres spread out across the country are the main source of construction jobs nationally. While most people seem hospitable and glad for the foreign help in developing the country critics of the government's new policy have voiced concerns. Some claim that at the current rate of migration Almatii simply will not be able to provide enough housing or other essential services. Senior Minister Natanbayev came back with a retort that more migrants are needed to construct these necessary services any way.
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Convenience Stores Popping Up Everywhere

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A FamilyMart in Almatii's North End immigrant community

Convenience stores in Karakhstan provide 24 hour service for their surrounding communities acting as a quasi community centre. Workers grab a pre-made lunch and a drink, teenagers read their favourite comic books from Oikawa and the elderly wander in sometimes just looking for a friendly chat. You can use a cash machine, pay almost all of your utility bills at the counter, buy socks, underwear, office supplies, toys...almost anything that cannot wait until the morning. FamilyMart the largest chain nationally, has been expanding its reach beyond its traditional stronghold of Almatii. In the capital city it is becoming increasingly difficult to walk a block without seeing a convenience store. They are everywhere whether you are in the Central Business District or the posh South End residential and diplomatic district.

FamilyMart has plans to open stores in Stupetna and, surprisingly enough, in rural areas such as villages that are traditional nomad way-points in the steppe or northern grasslands. The convenience stores are franchised making them an attractive option for the growing middle class as a way to more or less own your own store without the stresses of organising a distribution network. The shop workers are typically secondary school students and in Almatii you will often see Vangalan immigrants behind the counter. Customer service is paramount. Clerks and shop workers greet every customer they can with a smile and slight bow and are there to not only stock the shelves and check you out but provide assistance in decision making and even lend an ear for your troubles. The business is doing so well that FamilyMart plans to expand outside of the country as early as this summer. 'We are looking at Yujin for starters' said an anonymous source with the company. Sales have also noticed a huge increase since the Ministry of Manpower's announcement last month to allow a flood of immigrant workers into the country.



News in Brief

» Karavia, the national air transport company and owner of Almatii Transcontinental Airport will launch a bond sale next month denominated in Franken Thalers to help finance an extra runway and brand new terminal as the company seeks to make the airport a major hub and diversion airport for Toyou

» The North-South Expressway connecting Almatii with Stupetna will also be converted into a 4-lane across road with entrance and exit ramps sometime this year; the railway linking the two cities currently has funding priority and is being electrified and given a second track

» The Balkash Rebels in the east have hinted at desires to enter peace negotiations; military officials believe it might be a ploy to buy time to rearm

» Unusually warm weather in the south has lead to temperatures reaching 20 degrees centigrade a month earlier than normal and springtime rains have also graced the capital and surrounding farmlands with a much needed watering






Karakhstan Gazeta is a Karakhstan Press Holdings publication published daily in the Qarakh, German and English languages. Printed worldwide, available in most news stands.

gazeta.kr


​

 

[Northern Cooperative Unions]

BOLIATURIAN MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
The Citizen's Council
​

May the people of Karakhstan prosper,

The Council has suggested a high-way link between Boliatur and the Karakhstan nation to improve relations, infrastructure, and to facilitate border routes and trade flow. With recent threats from Yujin, Boliatur has looked for local friends to stand by in front of the treachery of Yujin. Boliatur has extended a hand of friendship, freedom, and assistance in an attempt to see both Karakh and Boliaturians work together towards a better future for both countries.

Regards,
The Citizen's Council​

 

[Tulus and Biminis]

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Heartfelt greetings to our neighbours on the steppe,

We view this proposition with optimism and delight. For too long our people have been geographic neighbours separate by a limitless steppe and grassland, connected only by a handful of dirt roads. It is high time that a proper expressway link our two great countries. Stupetna, our second city located on the northern steppe, could be a gateway to Mrysini and beyond. Stupetna's transport connections to Almatii in our industrious south are being modernised as part of ongoing infrastructure projects. This new land connection will certainly allow for and foment new commerce. Transport Karakhstan officials offer Almatii as a meeting venue to discuss the details and to work out an agreement.

With sincere greetings,

Katan Kazkhanov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Karakhstan

 

[Northern Cooperative Unions]

The Citizen's Council will send representatives.