Armstrong maneuvering to take over Astana May 8, 2009
Lance Armstrong says he has "high interest" from sponsors if he takes over control of the Astana cycling team ... VENICE, Italy - Lance Armstrong has received "high interest" from sponsors willing to back his cycling team if he takes over control of financially strapped Astana ... Astana receives most of its financial support from Kazakh state holding company Samruk-Kazyna, but the Central Asian nation's economy has been badly hit by the global financial crisis. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Armstrong may take over cash-strapped team May 8, 2009
Lance Armstrong maneuvering to take over Astana - More Sports - SI.com ... Armstrong maneuvering to take over Astana ... Lance Armstrong says he's received interest from sponsors to take over Astana. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Kazakhstan holds Chinese proficiency competition May 8, 2009
ALMATY, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The final Kazakh round of the Eighth "Chinese Bridge" competition, a Chinese-language proficiency contest for foreign college students, concluded on Thursday in the capital city of Astana. A senior student from the Kazakh Abai National Normal University won the first prize and got a chance to take part in the semi-final competition in China in the final with 10 contestants. (Xinhuanet, China)
Lance Armstrong's Astana team in financial crisis May 7, 2009
VERONA, Italy (AP) - Lance Armstrong's Astana team is fighting through a financial crisis on the eve of the American's first Giro d'Italia. Astana spokesman Philippe Maertens confirmed reports out of Kazakhstan that the team has not been paying its riders recently ... Pro Tour teams such as Astana must meet certain financial parameters to stay active, or risk losing their International Cycling Union (UCI) license. (FindLaw News)
Astana cycling team faces financial woes May 7, 2009
Astana spokesman Philippe Maertens confirmed reports out of Kazakhstan that the team has not been paying its riders lately ... Pro Tour teams such as Astana must meet financial parameters to stay active, or risk losing their International Cycling Union (UCI) license ... The seven-time Tour de France winner is planning to support Astana teammate Levi Leipheimer in his bid to win the Giro. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
* Botched pest extermination has envoy up in arms jo May 4, 2009
A foreign ministry inspector was heading to the Kazakh capital Astana to look into the affair, the Ynet news Web site reported. The story began when ambassador Yisrael Mei-Ami complained that his apartment was infested with cockroaches. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
China deal helps out Kazakhs Apr 30, 2009
Still, the official opinion in the capital, Astana, is that the crisis is ameliorating, with the decline in GDP registering only 0. 2% for March. (Asia Times Online)
Kazakh budget in shrinking act Apr 17, 2009
Gulnur Rahmatullina, head of economic research at the Institute of Strategic Studies, which is linked to the Kazakh president's office, questioned a decision to transfer of a number of events at the 2011 Asian Winter Olympics from Kazakhstan's biggest city, Almaty, to the capital, Astana. The games already account for a substantial proportion of this year's spending plans, and shifting events at a time like this is "baffling", she said, especially since money has already been spent on some of... (Asia Times Online)
Central Asians Unite To Protect Globally Important Natural Sites Apr 13, 2009
With the implementation of the IBA project in Kazakhstan, Brombacher says the country s project partner, the nongovernmental Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Kazakhstan (ACBK), has grown into a "very professional" conservation organization with almost 30 staff and offices in Astana and Almaty. In Turkmenistan, however, the project partner remains the Ministry of Nature Protection. (EurasiaNet.org)
Obama may cede Iran's nuclear rights Apr 10, 2009
That is why the visit by the Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad to Astana, Kazakhstan, on Monday assumes exceptional importance ... In this scenario, it is significant that following talks with Ahmadinejad, Kazakhstan President Nurusultan Nazarbayev chose the venue of their joint press conference on Monday in Astana to make the public offer that his country is willing to host a global nuclear fuel bank as part of a US-backed plan to put all uranium enrichment under international control ...... (Asia Times Online)
Tehran waiting for US policy change Apr 7, 2009
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Astana, Kazakhstan ... ASTANA, Kazakhstan - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran yesterday welcomed overtures by President Obama, but said Tehran is waiting for concrete steps to back up his words. (Boston Globe)
Kazakhstan rail link on hold Apr 3, 2009
Last year, Kazakhstan's government in Astana promised Beijing to set flexible prices for the transit of Chinese cargo bound for Europe. Astana sees itself as an important transport link between Europe and China and a vital economic partner of the West - one of the factors it used in bargaining for the country's chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2010 ... Despite the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, Kazakhstan has managed to strike a... (Asia Times Online)
Liquid war: Welcome to Pipelineistan Mar 26, 2009
In Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan (before it was moved to Astana, in the middle of the middle of nowhere) the locals were puzzled when I expressed an overwhelming urge to drive to that country's oil boomtown Aktau. ("Why? There's nothing there.") Entering the Space Odyssey-style map room at the Russian energy giant Gazprom's headquarters in Moscow - which digitally details every single pipeline in Eurasia - or the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC)'s corporate HQ in Tehran, with its... (Asia Times Online)
Former Saunier Duval team not in 2009 Tour Mar 18, 2009
Armstrong is riding with Astana in a comeback bid after 3 years of retirement ... Astana, which includes both Armstrong and 2007 Tour champion Alberto Contador, was kept from the 2008 Paris-Nice race and the subsequent Tour, even though it was under entirely new management. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Contador's collapse, and future Mar 16, 2009
Katusha rider Antonio Colom of Spain, left, sprints to win the eighth and final stage of the Paris-Nice ahead of second-placed Astana rider Alberto Contador of Spain and third-placed Saxo Bank rider Franck Schleck of Luxemburg on Sunday in Nice ... Heading toward what looked like an easy triumph Saturday in the weeklong Paris-Nice race, Contador, a Spanish rider for the Astana team, fell apart in the last few kilometers and struggled without power to the finish line ... His Astana team was... (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Nobel-prize winner backs one world currency... Mar 13, 2009
March 11, 2009 08:30pm AEDT. Nobel-prize winner backs world currency. (The Drudge Report)
Kazakh President Calls for Single Global Currency Mar 10, 2009
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (AFP)--Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev Tuesday called for the creation of a single world currency called the "acmetal" as a means of combatting the worsening global financial crisis ... The annual Astana Economic forum, held in Kazakhstan's new capital Astana, brings together economists and representatives to discuss the economy. (SmartMoney)
Russia's 'virtual cold war' in Central Asia Feb 21, 2009
Astana will attach an airborne assault brigade to the CSTO collective rapid reaction force, drawn from its airmobile forces headquartered in Kapchagai ... Moscow, in alliance with Astana through the CSTO, holds sway since Kazakhstan has legal obligations to prefer CSTO commitments, in contrast to its "partner" status with NATO's Partnership for Peace program ... "The Kazakh airborne assault brigade attached to the CRRF is ready for combat. It is equipped with advanced armaments and military... (Asia Times Online)
Country to cut executive pay as crisis bites Feb 11, 2009
Reuters Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Karim Masimov speaks during an interview with Reuters in Astana November. ASTANA (Reuters) Kazakhstan's prime minister said Tuesday executives at state-run firms and banks should not be paid more than him, capping their salaries to try to prevent social unrest in his Central Asian state. (Yahoo News)
Tour of California headed to Valley Feb 8, 2009
Astana: Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer headline a star-studded team named for the capital of cycling-mad Kazakhstan. Columbia Highroad: San Luis Obispo-based squad featuring George Hincapie and Mark Cavendish is sponsored by a sports apparel company. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Kazakhstan: Coup Trial May Have Dented Governments Image Apr 1, 2008
Aliyev and co-defendant Alnur Musayev -- a former head of the National Security Committee (KNB), where Aliyev was once deputy chairman -- were found guilty by a secret military court in Astana on March 26 of attempting to forcibly seize power, illegally receiving and divulging state secrets, running an organized crime group, theft and illegal possession of firearms, theft of state property and abuse of power ... During the trial, prosecutors argued that Aliyev and Musayev had set up an organized... (EurasiaNet.org)
Kazakh son-in-law 'gets 20 years' Mar 27, 2008
The BBC's Natalia Antelava in Astana says that, among ordinary people, Aliyev is a hugely unpopular figure. But while few will be sorry to see him fall from grace, his conviction is unlikely to be seen as a symbol of justice, our correspondent adds. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Uzbekistan: Tashkent Strives to Diversify Its Trade Partners Mar 20, 2008
Astana has for years pursued a "multi-vector" foreign policy, in which Kazakhstani officials play outside powers against each other to extract maximum economic advantage. The strategy has been spectacularly successful in enabling Kazakhstan to hike the price of its energy exports. (EurasiaNet.org)
Russia Makes Financial Gamble to Retain Control of Central Asian Energy Exports Mar 15, 2008
During the Ukrainian-Russian wrangling over the price of gas, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko headed to Astana for talks with Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The discussions proved bitterly disappointing for the Ukrainian leader, however. (EurasiaNet.org)
Gazprom and Ukraine work out details of deal to keep Russian natural gas flowing Mar 15, 2008
Kazakhstan wants Gazprom to pay more for the transit of Turkmen and Uzbek natural gas in 2009 when those states start charging more for their gas, the head of the Kazakh state energy company said Thursday, Reuters reported from Astana, Kazakhstan. Gazprom said last week it had agreed to buy gas from the former Soviet states of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan at prices close to what it charged European customers, minus transport and other costs. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Media Situation Remains Appalling In Most CIS Countries, Experts Say Mar 6, 2008
More recently in Kazakhstan, an Astana court ordered February 14 the closure of the Zakon i Pravosudiye (Law and Justice) weekly, alleging that mistakes had been made during its registration. Staffers insist the court ruling is merely a pretext for muzzling an independent media outlet known for its investigative reports on corruption. (EurasiaNet.org)
• Astana: A skyline transformed Feb 24, 2008
Astana: A skyline transformed -- chicagotribune ... Astana: A skyline transformed ... ASTANA, Kazakhstan--At the top of the "Tree of Life" Tower in the heart of this remote capital, visitors can put their hand in the large, gold handprint of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, a gesture locals say brings luck. (FOX59, IN)
Kazakhstan to Foreign Investors: Its Our Way, or The Highway Feb 23, 2008
And there are signs that Astana s assertiveness is intimidating even major international energy conglomerates ... Astana s success in forcing the changes in Kashagan development terms seems to have emboldened officials. (EurasiaNet.org)
Astana is victim of power struggle Feb 20, 2008
Astana's exclusion from the Tour de France by race organisers was illogical and driven by a power struggle in professional cycling, said team manager Johan Bruyneel ... "There's definitely a lot of politics involved. There's a big battle for power between the UCI and the ASO," Bruyneel said in Astana late today ... "I feel like the Astana cycling team is a little bit the victim of this battle," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Kazakhstan: One Of Few Remaining Independent Newspapers Faces Closure Feb 18, 2008
An Astana court has ordered the independent newspaper "Law and Justice" to be closed, alleging that errors were made when the newspaper was registered ... Abiev also says the Astana interregional economic court made its decision based on a mix-up between two different companies under the same name ... One of those named in the "Law and Justice" stories was Saylaubek Dzhakishev, the chairman of the Astana City Court. (EurasiaNet.org)
Leipheimer Among Riders On 2008 Amgen Tour Feb 16, 2008
The field will include riders from well-known teams such as Astana, High Road, Quick Step, Saunier Duval-Scott and Team CSC, which returns to defend the title as the overall classification winner of the 2006 and 2007 Amgen Tour of California races ... Astana: Levi Leipheimer, Santa Rosa ... Levi Leipheimer, Astana, 2007 Amgen Tour of California. (KCRA 3, CA)
Kazakhstan unveilsnew energy directions Feb 13, 2008
When these negotiations were concluded in mid-January, Astana had held firm on all its demands and successfully compelled their acceptance by the foreign partners: but not before Nazarbaev had, in early November, signed the amendments earlier passed by the Majilis ... At the same time, the government in Astana plans to enhance its verification of foreign partners' compliance with environmental regulations both defined by contract and defined by national law. (Asia Times Online)
Kazakhstan: Mine Safety Back in Spotlight after Fatal Accident Feb 8, 2008
The presidential remarks, coming in the aftermath of a renegotiation in Kazakhstan s favor of an agreement with foreign investors developing the Kashagan oil field, are indicative of the rising expectation inside the halls of power in Astana concerning the responsibilities and obligations of foreign corporate investors. . (EurasiaNet.org)
Kazakh state could seize oil fields from investors: PM Feb 7, 2008
ASTANA (AFP) - The Kazakh state could seize oil fields and mineral deposits from private investors, Prime Minister Karim Masimov said Thursday, following a series of high-profile business disputes involving top foreign energy majors. "If contractual obligations for the development mineral resource deposits are not respected, the contracts will be cancelled and (the deposits) will be returned to the state," Masimov told a government meeting in the capital Astana. (Yahoo! Asia News)
UPDATE 3-Kazakhstan warns foreign companies over contracts Feb 7, 2008
ASTANA, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Kazakhstan fired a warning shot at foreign companies on Thursday, saying the government would repeat tactics used during a row over the huge Kashagan oilfield if they violated their contracts ... Astana reinforced the view last month when it doubled its stake in Kashagan and stripped Italy's Eni (ENI.MI: , , ) of its leading role in the world's biggest oil find in three decades after months of tense negotiations. (Reuters UK)
Kazakhstan leader goes green in annual address Feb 6, 2008
ASTANA, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Kazakh leader Nursultan Nazarbayev ordered his people to go green on Wednesday, pointing to developed nations as a model to emulate energy-saving methods ... Luxury cars and ritzy shopping malls have become the norm of daily live in Almaty and Astana, its key cities. (AlertNet)
How Far Will Kazkakhstan Go As It Tries to Forge a New Energy-Export Order? Jan 31, 2008
Astana is now mulling the possibility of imposing an energy export duty, which, if implemented, could take a significant chunk out of foreign corporate profits ... The Kashagan dispute, which ended with Kazakhstan greatly expanding its role in the venture, enabled Astana to shed its junior partner status when it comes to interacting with foreign conglomerates ... But Roberts differed with Lyutyagin, saying that the vagueness of the term "national security" left plenty of room for arbitrary... (EurasiaNet.org)
JOEL BRINKLEY: In Kazakhstan, there's no rush to democratize Jan 26, 2008
Two months later, it happened, I visited his palace, traveling in Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's press corp. Coming from the airport, we drove through Astana, the new Kazakh capital - a shimmering collection of brand-new monumental buildings - pyramids, towers and a terraced pavilion modeled on nothing less than the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. A Kazakh press aide, riding with us in the car, swept her hand toward the city and in an admiring voice explained. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
No Borat On This Junket Jan 26, 2008
That proud nation, eager to dispel the mockumentary's portrayal of Kazahkstan as a poor, backward place, is hosting a junket for British and American writers, who'll be flown, first class, to hit the hot spots included in the book, "A Hedonist's Guide to Almaty and Astana." According to a pitch letter, the journos will "take a walking tour of Almaty to highlight the city's Russian colonial and post-Soviet architectural history with some top local socialites . . . go ice skating in the largest... (New York Post -- Gossip)
Kazakhstan: Officials Jubilant Over Oil-Field Renegotiation Deal Jan 24, 2008
Other observers believe that Astana will continue to exercise restraint, if for no other reason than because the country is unable to develop its natural resources independently. "They still need the foreign investment; they still need the expertise," said Markus. (EurasiaNet.org)
Eni Group Cedes Greater Stake to Kazakhstan in Kashagan Oil Field Dispute Jan 14, 2008
Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov, Eni Chief Executive Officer Paolo Scaroni and Exxon Mobil Corp. Chief Executive Rex Tillerson were among those who met for more than nine hours in a restaurant in Astana, the Kazakh capital, yesterday to reach the deal ... To contact the reporters on this story: Nariman Gizitdinov in Astana through the Moscow newsroom at +7 ; Lucian Kim in Astana through the Moscow newsroom at 7748 or. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Kazakh government seeks to double its stake in Eni-led oil project Dec 26, 2007
8 percent, said Dinara Shaimardanova, an aide to the energy minister, Sauat Mynbayev, by telephone from the Kazakh capital, Astana ... Snejana Popova, a spokeswoman based in Astana for Exxon Mobil, was not available for comment. (International Herald Tribune)
Kazakhstan says seeks 16.8 pct stake in Kashagan Dec 25, 2007
ASTANA, Dec 25 (Reuters) - Kazakh Energy Minister Sauat Mynbayev said on Tuesday his country was seeking a 16. 8 percent stake in the giant Kashagan oilfield, confirming earlier plans to get a stake equal to those of the projects' largest participants. (Reuters UK)
Kazakhstan says Exxon stalling Kashagan talks Dec 24, 2007
ASTANA (Reuters) - Kazakhstan and an Eni-led consortium of oil majors have set January 15 as the new deadline for talks over the fate of the giant Kashagan oilfield, Kazakh energy minister Sauat Mynbayev said on Monday. Kazakhstan is seeking a cash payment and a stake increase as compensation for cost overruns and delay in the start of production at the world's largest oil find in the last 30 years. (ABC News -- Wire)
Exciting year ahead for corporate Malaysia Dec 15, 2007
On the international front, we have made significant headway into international ventures involving Hyderabad and Delhi Airports in India, Astana Airport in Kazakhstan and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Turkey. Our vision and mission has been reviewed and we are now on a continuous improvement programme to improve operations and further invest in human capital to maintain a high performance culture. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Kazakhstan: Experts Cautious On OSCE Announcement Dec 13, 2007
Alain D;l;troz, a vice president of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG), believes that the responsibility of the OSCE chairmanship will force Kazakhstan to have "better compliance [with] the OSCE charter," but he questioned whether Astana s selection will have much of an impact on regional developments. "The Russian crackdown on the ODIHR is damaging the OSCE image more than the Kazakh presidency," D;l;troz said. (EurasiaNet.org)
Kazakhstan: Officials Pledge to Act as OSCE Bridge Connecting North Atlantic, Eurasian States Dec 11, 2007
President Nursultan Nazarbayev s administration is casting the OSCE s decision to designate Kazakhstan as the 2010 chair of the 56-state organization as an endorsement of Astana s economic and political policies ... Astana had been lobbying for the OSCE chair since 2003, and in recent years the matter had become a top policy priority for Nazarbayev ... Originally, Astana sought the OSCE chair in 2009. (EurasiaNet.org)
Kazakhstan seeks settlement on oil field delay Dec 8, 2007
KazMunaiGaz, in the Kazakh capital, Astana, is the state-run oil company that under one plan would get a bigger Kashagan stake ... Nazarbayev, speaking after a regular meeting with foreign investors in the capital, Astana, said he was not seeking to replace Eni of Italy as project operator. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
It's cash or a bigger stake, Kazakhstan tells oil firms Dec 7, 2007
ASTANA Kazakhstan wants either cash compensation or a bigger stake in the Kashagan oilfield, the Kazakh president said on Friday, in a first explicit statement on Kazakhstan's demands in its dispute with Western oil firms. The disagreement between Kazakhstan and the Eni-led consortium has been escalating for months due to cost overruns and delays in the start of production at the world's biggest oil discovery in 30 years. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Masters will televise Par 3 Contest for 1st time Dec 7, 2007
Vinokourov and his Astana teammates were forced out of this year's Tour de France when he tested positive for a banned blood transfusion after winning the 13th stage. From news and wire reports. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Vinokourov given one-year drug ban Dec 7, 2007
ASTANA, Kazakhstan -- Disgraced cyclist Alexander Vinokourov may be able to compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympics after being given only a one-year ban by the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation on Thursday ... " Pre-race favorite Vinokourov was thrown out of July's Tour de France following his positive test for blood doping after the 13th stage, having won two stages despite suffering severe knee injuries in the first week. was subsequently sacked by his Kazakh-based, Swiss-registered team Astana,... (CNN -- International)
Confucius Institute opens in Kazakhstan's Eurasia University Dec 6, 2007
ALMATY, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Officials from China and Kazakhstan on Wednesday hailed their cultural cooperation at an inauguration ceremony for the Confucius Institute at the Eurasia University in Kazakhstan, according to news reaching here from Astana. In his speech at the ceremony, Zhanseit Tuymebayev, Kazakh Education Minister, said that close cooperation between the two countries in the fields of politics, economy and culture has led to a growing demand for people proficient in the Chinese... (Xinhuanet, China)
The Future of Nabucco Pipeline Up in the Air Dec 6, 2007
While both Astana and Ashgabat have expressed interest in TCP, there are no indications that a pipeline pact is imminent. Andre Mernier -- secretary general of the Energy Charter, a 56-nation organization dedicated to promoting global energy cooperation -- has gone on record as saying Nabucco may be impractical. (EurasiaNet.org)
Kazakhstan To Assume OSCE Chairmanship In 2010 Dec 4, 2007
The United States reportedly gave its backing after securing a Kazakh "pledge" that Astana would "protect" the OSCE s election-monitoring body, whose role Russia had proposed to alter ... Astana had considered it symbolically important that Kazakhstan be the first of the former Soviet republics to lead the 56-country organization. (EurasiaNet.org)
Kazakhstan To Adopt Biofuel Law, Plans More Plants Dec 3, 2007
ASTANA - Kazakhstan will next year adopt laws to regulate its fledgling biofuel industry and plans to construct at least two more plants in the next 18 months to produce environmentally friendly fuel from crops, industry officials said ... Biohim can produce 57,000 tonnes a year of bioethanol at its plant in the town of Taiynsha, 400 km north of the Kazakh capital Astana. (Planet Ark, United States)
Kazakhstan, Eni Group Agree to Extend Kashagan Oil Field Talks to Dec. 20 Dec 2, 2007
Kazakh State Secretary Kanat Saudabayev told reporters in the capital, Astana, today that the results of the negotiations will be announced Dec. 3. Eni and its partners said they signed a new agreement with Kazakhstan on the topics they discussed without giving details. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Key OSCE Gathering Set For U.S.-Russia Clash Over Democracy Nov 29, 2007
Russia and all other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States back Astana s bid ... Washington has suggested postponing the Kazakh chairmanship until 2011, provided Astana can demonstrate its commitment to OSCE democracy standards ... But Moscow insists on Kazakhstan s obtaining the chair in 2009, arguing that CIS countries would perceive a rejection of Astana s bid as proof that not all OSCE participating states enjoy equal rights. (EurasiaNet.org)
A small- to medium-size company coming here will have to break the law left, right, and center. Nov 19, 2007
offered to fly me to the capital, Astana, to visit him personally, he refused that, too. A former State Department consultant, speaking on condition of anonymity, hinted at why: The United States sees Kazakhstan as a play-at-your-own-risk market. (FastCompany)
Kazakhstan, OSCE To Continue Election Cooperation Nov 9, 2007
The head of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), Christian Strohal, made his remarks after meeting with Kazakh officials in Astana to discuss election procedures there. "What is important now is that we work on the basis of our recommendations and build on the progress and eliminate the problems," he said. (EurasiaNet.org)
Russia Urges Formation of Central Asian Energy Club Nov 8, 2007
Moscow remains cautious about Kazakhstan s commitment to the Prikaspiisky route, given Astana s continuing commitment to the diversification of its energy partnerships. Notably, in December 2005, Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev inaugurated Atasu-Alashankou pipeline to ship oil to China. (EurasiaNet.org)
Kazakhstan looks to sovereign bonds Nov 7, 2007
But prices for premium properties in Astana, the capital, and Almaty, the business centre, have remained stable, although sales have dried up. Many premium construction projects have halted. (FT.com -- Markets)
Borat's back Nov 7, 2007
A: "I very much preferring Kazakhstan - it nicest place in the world! Please, you must look on my guidings book and then come visit. Bring your whole family and stay at Astana Funworld Resort - it have beautiful beaches, almost totally free of landmines and the sea is guarantee to have no jellyfish, shark, or any other marine life." ... A: "I cannot believe that it possible a woman can become Premier of US and A - in Kazakhstan, we say that to give a woman power, is like to give a monkey a gun -... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Boratback to amuse, offend with book Nov 7, 2007
Bring your whole family and stay at Astana Funworld Resort it have beautiful beaches, almost totally free of landmines ... Bring your whole family and stay at Astana Funworld Resort it have beautiful beaches, almost totally free of landmines and the sea is guarantee to have no jellyfish, shark, or any other marine life ... We do not give monkeys guns any more in Kazakhstan ever since the Astana Zoo massacre of 2003 when Torkin the orang-utan shoot 17 schoolchildrens. (MSNBC -- News)
The Oil Rush to the Caspian Sea Nov 6, 2007
But, says LeVine, Chevron CEO Kenneth Derr "literally turned his back" on Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev when he asked for help in building a soccer stadium for his new capital, Astana. Nazarbayev, whose oil Derr coveted, "was suitably flabbergasted and insulted.". (BusinessWeek)
Russia restores Lufthansa's access to its airspace - for now Nov 3, 2007
That permit allowed Lufthansa cargo jets flying between Europe and Asia to use Russian airspace to reach a refueling station in the Kazakh capital of Astana ... The dispute began Oct. 22, when the Russian Transport Ministry sent a letter to Lufthansa and the German Transport Ministry, asking that the airline move its cargo hub from Kazakhstan to an airport in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk - about 1,500 kilometers, or 900 miles, east of Astana. (International Herald Tribune)
