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Address of the Chairman of the Board of N. Nazarbayev Center for Development of Interfaith and Intercivilization Dialogue B. Sarsenbayev due to the national mourning

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As a result of the latest tragic events in the country, which entailed human casualties, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev declared January 10, 2022 – the Day of National Mourning.

On behalf of N. Nazarbayev Center and on my own behalf, I express my sincere condolences to the families of those killed. We wish the victims a speedy recovery.

In these tragic days, we witnessed horrifying footage of robbery and looting, violence and lynching in Almaty and other cities of Kazakhstan. It is obvious that the terrorist acts were aimed at undermining our independence, destroying our country's sovereignty.

We all saw the value of stability, peace and social harmony, which all these years have been carefully preserved by the people of Kazakhstan. We have made sure once again that for all of us there is nothing more important than National unity and Independence. This is what we will defend at all costs.

Under the current conditions, the steps taken by the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev were aimed, first of all, at combating terrorists waging aggressive battles against our statehood.

In this regard, right now, more than ever, it is important not to panic and trust exclusively official sources. To provide maximum support in the dissemination of objective information and assessments from the international community, authoritative international organizations, leading world media, as well as analytical centers around the world.

I am convinced that today, in the light of the socio-political tension in the country, the consolidated efforts of the religious leaders of Kazakhstan to ensure harmony and tolerance in the country are acquiring an even greater role.

At this difficult moment, the support and decisive statements of spiritual leaders, representatives of religious associations and international partners of N. Nazarbayev Center against any forces that undermine stability and security in the country are important for us.

I would like to appeal to all religious leaders of Kazakhstan to direct our joint efforts to preserve the unity of the Kazakh people, to unite common actions around the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev in order to stabilize the situation, as well as restore the economy, infrastructure and implement important reforms in all spheres of life.

I am sure that due to the decisive policy and timely actions of the country's leadership, we were able to maintain integrity, as well as to ensure the security of the people. Despite any challenges, we will be able to assert our value orientations, the guarantee of which will be the unity of all ethnic groups, representatives of different confessions and religions living on the territory of Kazakhstan in harmony.

The events that have taken place have shown to all of us, once again, the importance and necessity of implementing political and socio-economic reforms.

I believe that soon, together we will not only overcome this terrible period of our modern history, but also boldly go forward into the future, making our country a prosperous state.

I wish all of us peace, harmony and prosperity!