EU calls on parties to conflict in Kazakhstan to avoid escalating violence

The European Union called on all parties to the conflict in Kazakhstan to avoid escalating the situation and using violence.

“We call on all parties concerned to show responsibility, to refrain from actions that could lead to an escalation of violence,” a spokesman for the Union’s foreign policy said in a statement.

“The EU calls for respect for the right to peaceful protest in Kazakhstan, but demonstrators should not resort to violence. The European Union expects the Kazakh authorities to respect freedom of the media and access to information, ”the statement says.

Protest actions against a two-fold increase in prices for liquefied petroleum gas began in Kazakhstan in the first days of this year. The government said it was ready to lower gas prices, but the protests took on a political character, violent clashes between protesters and the police began, security officials used gas and stun grenades. All over Kazakhstan, the Internet is disconnected, there are problems with communication. President of the country Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed the government, making him responsible for allowing the situation. He stated that he now heads the Security Council of Kazakhstan. According to Tokayev, the “hooligan elements” were well organized during the riots and expressed confidence that a conspiracy was taking place. The authorities, he said, will act as tough as possible.