Berik Zhagiparov: "Kazakhstan doesn't need foreign military presence!"

When there was information that the USA and NATO show a great interest to the Kazakhstan port Aktau to construct the military base there, for many it became simply the information bomb. For many, but not for all: after all even this summer one of the highest military ranks of the American military base «Manas» John Millard noted in interview to the American T. V. channel «Pentagon Channel» that the USA actively look for a new place in Central Asia for a re-deployment the military base from Kyrgyzstan there. As possible options two cities in Kazakhstan were called: Aktau and Shymkent.

By the way, if to trust the messages published by WikiLeaks, the USA try to convince Kazakhstan not for the first year to provide Aktau port for base creation. Though it can be called absolutely differently …

The situation at our request was commented by the member of the committee of the worker Internatsional, the public and trade-union figure, the editor-in-chief of forbidden «Youth newspaper» of Jezkazgan city Berik Zhagiparov.

— Are any official statements for opening of the American military base in Aktau? Or this is only the hearings …

- We in Kazakhstan already know from the experience that if there are any comments from the power, further, as though the people didn’t protest, they will achieve what they want all the same. And the military base will appear too in our opinion. If any comments already appeared, this question can be considered solved. This subject wouldn’t be discussed simply…

There is, however, a point of view that a certain feeler is started to check public opinion. But I can say that the power in Kazakhstan doesn’t look at public opinion — it imposes it!

— That is, everything remains at the level of certain semi-official information …

- The president or the prime minister, or the Minister of Foreign Affairs didn’t give any comments about it. They refer to any military and public men … And, generally, say that shortly it everything will occur.

— Aktau is the former Shevchenko: place which is well familiar to the Soviet seamen. But what is the sense to Kazakhstan to make foreign military base here?

- I think that in this case the USA press via the levers for that simple reason that the presence at this region is favourable to them. The matter is that the status of the Caspian Sea isn’t solved — there can be any international disputes. Besides, everyone knows that near the Caspian Sea there is much oil! So, it is strategically favourable and perspective region in many meanings. To enter the armies, to create base — means to emphasize the fact of the presence, to show that you are a player in this region of the world and not the latest one… The Caspian Sea is very important to Americans — this circumstance is urged to emphasize the fact of creation of military base in Aktau.

- Interest of the USA is clear in this case. But what is the national interest of the Republic of Kazakhstan?

- Kazakhstan can’t impose the game to America, the European Union, Russia or China. It turns out in this situation who will more strongly press, that is right! In a question of base in Aktau it is just such case. I don’t see any essential benefit for the Republic of Kazakhstan in this question: well, they will share any arms, financial investments will appear, will advise …

- The interesting picture turns out: the base of the USA disappears from not the quietest Kyrgyzstan in order to appear in stable Kazakhstan. Is there any logic in it?

- There logic — it is necessary to remember only that we speak about the Caspian Sea. Here then all slices of a mosaic fall into place. After all any geopolitical games can begin on the Caspian Sea at any time so the military base won’t be superfluous. «Manas» in Bishkek was simply trans-shipment terminal for coalition armies in Afghanistan. Now its value sharply fell — there was no American base there. But it doesn’t mean that it won’t appear anywhere shortly more.

- How the society reacted to news of possible emergence of the American base in the territory of Kazakhstan?

- Of course, society is adjusted against. The one who thinks of the events, that understands that it is a question not of all republic, but of the Western Kazakhstan — rather specific region. The intensity is felt there today though a lot of time passed after Zhanaozen. And in such situation, of course, society can’t but strain presence of soldiers at foreign military uniforms. People understand that if we give the oil to them, at some instant in case of an aggravation of the power can appeal to these military to help. And what will be then?!

Do you understand, Kazakhstan is not a superpower. With whom be at war? With Russia and China?! We are the peaceful state. Therefore the presence of foreign soldiers in our territory is undesirable. It is obvious for me! It is impossible to allow that these soldiers were used for any actions in Kazakhstan. You know, there is the well-known expression of Chekhov that if the gun hangs on a wall in the first act of the play, it has to shoot by all means in the last act … And so it will shoot if foreign soldiers appear in Aktau. It is impossible to allow it!

— Is it possible to give any forecast for the future?

- There is a feeling that the base in Aktau will appear. After all in the country where all years of independence there is one and only president, it is necessary, probably, that the generation was replaced in order that people started defending the interests. Instead of to agree with everything that is imposed to them by the authorities. At present the affairs are quite so in Kazakhstan. Alas …