This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ALMATY 000158 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CACEN (JMUDGE), DRL/PHD (C. KUCHTA- 
HELBLING) 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KZ POLITICAL
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: ZHAKIYANOV RELEASED ON PAROLE 
 
REF: ALMATY 23 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary:  Jailed Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan 
leader Galymzhan Zhakiyanov was freed on January 14 and has 
returned to Almaty.  He stated at a January 17 press 
conference that, although the terms of his parole will 
prevent him from holding elected or appointed public office 
for several more years, he intends to remain involved in 
politics.  He expressed hope that President Nazarbayev will 
move forward with promised political reforms and stressed 
that both the opposition and the authorities have a 
responsibility to work for reform.  Zhakiyanov offered few 
specifics on his own plans, saying he needed to make up for 
lost time by consulting with the people about their 
priorities.  End summary. 
 
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Zhakiyanov Released, Returns to Almaty 
-------------------------------------- 
 
¶2. (SBU) Jailed Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DCK) leader 
Galymzhan Zhakiyanov was granted "early conditional release" 
on January 14, after serving just over half of his sentence 
for abuse of authority (reftel).  According to the OSCE, 
approximately 30 observers attended the hearing, which was 
held at the Shidertiy settlement colony.  All were granted 
access to the proceedings without delay. 
 
¶3. (U) Zhakiyanov and his wife Karlygash returned to Almaty 
by train on January 15, where they were greeted at the train 
station by a crowd of 300-600 supporters.  "For a Just 
Kazakhstan" (FJK) leaders Zharmakhan Tuyakbay, Altynbek 
Sarsenbaiuly, and Bulat Abilov were among those who greeted 
Zhakiyanov. 
 
---------------------- 
First Press Conference 
---------------------- 
 
¶4. (SBU) In a January 17 press conference in Almaty, 
Zhakiyanov appeared to try to strike a constructive and open- 
minded tone with regard to the GOK and prospects for 
political reform.  He announced that he would remain 
involved in politics.  Other than to say that he still 
supports the DCK platform as outlined in fall 2001, 
including the need to decentralize power, increase the 
authority of Parliament, ensure freedom of speech, and 
reform the electoral and judicial systems, Zhakiyanov did 
not offer any specific proposals.  He stressed that he had 
been cut off from the public for almost four years and 
therefore needed time to meet with people and discuss their 
priorities. 
 
¶5. (SBU) Zhakiyanov chose his words carefully when asked 
about President Nazarbayev.  He said that given everything 
that had happened, he did not retain warm feelings for 
Nazarbayev.  On the other hand, he said did not hate the 
president.  Zhakiyanov added that he believed Nazarbayev 
probably felt he was doing the right thing by prosecuting 
him (Zhakiyanov).  Zhakiyanov expressed hope that Nazarbayev 
will fulfill his numerous pre-electoral promises to move 
forward with political reform.  At one point he challenged a 
reporter's implication that the opposition supported reform, 
and the GOK was fundamentally opposed.  Zhakiyanov said 
several times, "the main question is whether Nazarbayev is 
willing and able to move forward with real democratic 
reforms as promised."  He stressed that he started from the 
assumption that Nazarbayev intended to honor his promises, 
and that both the opposition and the authorities must make 
reform a priority. 
 
¶6. (U) Zhakiyanov dodged a question on the current situation 
of DCK, saying that he cannot tell party members what 
organization to support.  He added that he will remain a 
member of FJK.  He also stated that it is not relevant at 
the moment to discuss the creation of new political parties, 
as it is so difficult to register and operate them in the 
current environment. 
 
¶7. (U) When asked about his views of U.S. policy on human 
rights in the region, Zhakiyanov responded that the U.S. is 
a superpower that promotes democratic values around the 
world, including in this region.  He said that he saw no 
contradiction between the USG's words and actions. 
 
¶8. (U) Zhakiyanov explained that the terms of his release 
allow him to engage in political activity.  He cannot hold 
any government position, whether elected or appointed, for 
three years after the expiration of his entire seven-year 
term, however.  He must report his travels to a special 
state agency.  Should he be convicted of any other 
administrative violations, he could be forced to complete 
the remaining three and a half years of his term. 
 
-------------------- 
Gratitude to the USG 
-------------------- 
 
¶9. (SBU) In a brief conversation with POEC chief following 
the press conference, Zhakiyanov expressed his sincere 
gratitude to the U.S. government for its unwavering support 
during his trial and imprisonment.  He said he looks forward 
to meeting with Embassy and USG representatives as soon as 
the dust settles. 
¶10. (SBU) Comment:  Zhakiyanov's first press conference left 
open as many questions as it answered.  He appeared alone, 
giving no hint as to how he will fit into the new 
architecture of the opposition movement that has evolved 
since he was jailed and DCK was legally dissolved in early 
¶2005.  He is clearly eager to get off on the right foot with 
the GOK, and to foster dialogue on political reform.  This, 
however, is an approach that his colleagues in the 
opposition movement may not share, following the acrimonious 
presidential campaign.  End comment. 
 
ASQUINO