In Kazakhstan, security forces chased protesters from the main public square in Almaty, the economic capital of the country rocked by riots that killed dozens of people and led to thousands of arrests on Thursday evening.
France, which has just taken the rotating presidency of the European Union, calls on all parties in Kazakhstan for moderation and dialogue. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian’s message is also addressed to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (OTSC), of which Russia is a part and which has decided to send “ peacekeeping forces To support the Kazakh regime.
The European Union is ” very concerned “By the evolution of situation in Kazakhstan, and the sending of external military aid recalls ” situations to avoid “, Said the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell on his Twitter account. “ The rights and safety of civilians must be guaranteed “, He warned after an interview with his French counterpart. Adding: “ The EU is ready to provide support to deal with this crisis. “
Great concern about developments in #Kazakhstan.
Rights and security of civilians must be guaranteed.
External military assistance brings back memories of situations to be avoided.
EU is ready to support in addressing this crisis.
– Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) January 6, 2022
The United Kingdom, for its part, warns against a ” new escalation of violence “And claims a” peaceful settlement “.
“ US monitors potential human rights violations “
Same tone in Washington where, as of Wednesday, the spokesperson for the White House called on the Kazakstanese authorities to restraint. Jen Psaki also criticized Russia’s claims – of “ crazy allegations – on an alleged responsibility of the United States in the riots. “ This is absolutely false and falls under the Russian disinformation strategy. », She asserted. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called for a “ peaceful resolution ”In a call to his Kazakh counterpart.
On Thursday, the United States warned Russian troops deployed in Kazakhstan against any human rights violation or attempt to “ take over Of the country’s institutions.
“ The United States, and frankly the entire world, is monitoring any possible human rights violations. And we also monitor any act that can lay the groundwork for a takeover of the institutions of Kazakhstan. US diplomacy spokesman Ned Price told reporters.
The UN calls for “to refrain from all violence”
Finally, the UN says it is monitoring the situation with concern and calls on the parties to ” refrain from all violence “. “ People have the right to demonstrate peacefully and to express themselves freely. Moreover, protesters, regardless of their anger or discontent, must not resort to violence. “Said the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, calling for the release of the people” detained solely for exercising their rights to peaceful protest “.
Michelle Bachelet asserted that all allegations of human rights violations should be subject to ” prompt, independent and thorough investigation And insisted that foreign security forces that might be called upon to intervene must also respect international law.
The UN High Commissioner also called on the authorities to restore the internet, stressing that the internet was essential for emergency health services during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Kazakh authorities have severely restricted access to the internet and the telephone network since Wednesday.
A state of emergency and a nationwide nighttime curfew were in place, but ” certain rights, such as the right to life, the prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment, and the right not to be arbitrarily detained, continue to apply in all circumstances », Noted the senior UN official.
Heavy human toll, foreign troops on the spot
Kazakhstan’s security forces on Thursday chased protesters from Republic Square, one of the main places of contestation in Almaty, the economic capital of the country shaken by chaotic riots, several Russian news agencies reported.
Since Sunday, January 2, the population has expressed its anger after the increase in the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and more generally against an authoritarian regime.
The scenes were the most violent in the streets of Almaty. Protesters attacked and set fire to official buildings, including the town hall and the presidential residence. The security forces responded by firing live ammunition.
A state of emergency was declared nationwide on Wednesday by President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev, a few hours after the announcement of the resignation from the government while Internet access has been suspended across the country.
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The toll of these troubles is heavy: the authorities have reported ” tens »Protesters killed and more than a thousand people injured, 62 of them seriously. Eighteen members of the security forces were killed and 748 injured, news agencies reported, citing authorities. In addition, around 2,300 people have been arrested in connection with these protests, the interior ministry said.
Called for help by the Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Russia and its allies of the Collective Security Treaty Organization announced Thursday morning the dispatch of the first contingent of a “ collective peacekeeping force “In Kazakhstan for” protect “Official buildings and” stabilize ” the situation.
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(With AFP)