Photos: Video footage
Former President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev for the first time he broke the silence since the events of early January and commented on what had happened. A video from the national leader, who was already considered dead by many, appeared on the Web on Tuesday, January 18.
“The events in January shocked all of Kazakhstan,” Nazarbayev said in a video. “The goal … was to destroy the integrity of the country and the basic state.”
The politician called the incident a “tragedy” that “became a lesson for all of us.” He urged them to “protect independence as the apple of the eye” and find out “who organized all the pogroms and murders.” Nazarbayev also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
Nazarbayev also responded to “numerous challenges” concerning him. According to the statement, he did not consider it necessary to intervene in the situation and even act in public, as he has been a pensioner since 2019 after the transfer of powers from the President to Kassym-Jomart Tokajev. He made sure he stayed at home despite the rumors.
“I am on a well-deserved rest in the capital of Kazakhstan and I have not gone anywhere,” Nazarbayev assured. He said that Tokaev “has full power”, he would soon be elected chairman of the Nur Otan party, so he said “there is no conflict or confrontation in the elite.”
“I've been working tirelessly for our country for 30 years.” He listed successes: “strengthened borders”, “carried out progressive reforms”, “built an independent Kazakhstan”, achieved good results in the socio-economic sphere, “Kazakhstan has become a recognized and authoritarian state”. According to Nazarbayev, his goal has always been stability and peace for the country, and all people “need to protect these enduring values.” He called for unity around the president and support for his reform program.
“I wish you, dear compatriots, health and prosperity!” – concluded the politician.