Mr. Max van der Stoel

csce High Commissioner on

National Minorities

9 June 1994

Sir,

I would like to express my gratitude for your letter dated April 29, 1994 in which you summed up the result of your visit to Almaty.

We have examined attentively your evaluation of the situation and perspectives in the field of inter-ethnic relations in Kazakhstan. Your recommendations have real practical value. We, in Kazakhstan, attach great importance to the views of high officials of such an authoritative international organisation ass csce which accumulates the experience of various countries in regulating inter-ethnic relations.

The creation of democratic society the main feature of which is harmony of inter-ethnic relations is our highest priority.

I would like to underline that the policy of Kazakhstan with reference to the national minorities is based on the firm commitment to the observance of the basic human rights and principles formulated in the major documents of the United Nations and the csce.

Allow me to assure you, Mr. High Commissioner, that your recommendations are taken into consideration in the process of elaborating Kazakhstan's policy in the sphere of inter-ethnic relations. Kazakhstan is open for constructive cooperation with the csce in the interests of ensuring stability in the region and prosperity of all Euro Asian Nations.

Yours sincerely,

Kanai Saudabaev

Minister for Foreign Affairs