Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry Justifies Absence of Support for United Nations Resolution on Crimea
Words Straight from the Mouth of Kazakhstan's MFA Representative on their Vote Regarding Crimea
In a candid move, Aibek Smadiyarov, the official representative of Kazakhstan's MFA, cleared up their stance on the UN resolution condemning Russia's actions in Crimea.
"Look, we didn't support it," Smadiyarov admitted at a recent briefing. "Our country is all about finding a peaceful solution to this mess in Ukraine, sticking to the UN Charter, and upholding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. But let's keep discussions about the human rights situation in Crimea and Sevastopol in the UN Human Rights Council, not here," he emphasized to reporters' probing questions.
Smadiyarov went on to explain that the UN General Assembly's Human Rights Council should be guided by the principles of selectivity, objectivity, and non-politicization, as per their position. Currently, Kazakhstan, along with 46 other counties, is a part of this Council, he noted.
"We didn't vote to make things worse; we voted to help resolve the issue," Smadiyarov reiterated. Interestingly, Kazakhstan has maintained this stance since 2016, with six votes on this issue over the past five years.
However, Smadiyarov couldn't help but address the uproar it's stirred among social media users. He pointed out, "Over the past two weeks, thanks to some emotionally charged blather on social networks, there's been quite a kerfuffle in society about us taking sides. It's all rubbish, mate. The journalistic community's been caught up in this chaos without truly digging into the matter."
Smadiyarov wrapped up by reminding about the UN resolution, officially adopted on December 15, which was opposed by 14 nations, including Kazakhstan.
If you're keen to delve deeper, check out these insights:
- Kazakhstan's geopolitical dance: Kazakhstan's voting trends around Crimea mirror its delicate geopolitical dance with Russia and Western institutions. Although specific voting records beyond 2016 are sparse, historical context and regional dynamics offer intriguing insights. As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Kazakhstan's economic and security ties with Russia sway its diplomatic decisions. The annexation of Crimea, which has challenged UN legal norms[2], has been a tricky issue for Kazakhstan, but it's opted to sidestep direct skirmishes with Russia to maintain cordial relations and regional stability.
- Ukraine's troubles: In broader terms, Kazakhstan advocates for diplomatic resolutions and territorial integrity. Its leadership has occasionally kept its distance from Russia's actions, such as refusing to recognize Crimea's annexation, while dodging overt criticism. This strategy lets Kazakhstan play peacemaker in post-Soviet conflicts while managing the concerns of its multiethnic populace and economic ties with both Russia and the West. However, surging geopolitical pressures, like Western sanctions on Russia, have complicated Central Asian states' neutrality, with Kazakhstan seeking to diversify partnerships while not losing Moscow's favor.
- Aibek Smadiyarov, the official representative of Kazakhstan's MFA, emphasized their country's commitment to finding a peaceful solution for Ukraine's war-and-conflicts, upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- In the UN General Assembly's Human Rights Council, Kazakhstan, along with 46 other counties, prioritizes principles such as selectivity, objectivity, and non-politicization.
- Smadiyarov clarified that Kazakhstan didn't vote to worsen the situation in Crimea, but to contribute to its resolution.
- The Kazakhstani representative also addressed the social media uproar about their country's stance on the issue, calling the sentiment "emotionally charged blather."
- Regarding the uproar, Smadiyarov pointed out the journalistic community's lack of research into the matter.
- Smadiyarov's statements come after Kazakhstan opposed the UN resolution on Crimea, which was adopted on December 15 and was opposed by 14 nations.
- Kazakhstan's geopolitical decisions regarding Crimea reflect its delicate dance with Russia and Western institutions, with historical context and regional dynamics offering intriguing insights into their voting trends.
