In my view, all CSCE states have to take this constantly into account when they are dealing with minority questions. Minorities cannot be assured of their appropriate place in society if the democratic system does not function properly. I therefore welcome the repeated assurances of your Government that it intends to develop the democratic institutions of Kazakhstan. I would like to stress especially the need to make determined efforts to liberate the judicial system from the remnants of the totalitarian past, and to ensure that the courts fulfill their role in an objective way, free from any effort of the executive to influence their verdicts. Well coordinated international legal assistance can in my view play an important role in promoting this process.
Free elections are, of course, an essential part of an effectively functioning democratic system.
It would be unrealistic to expect that after 70 years of Soviet rule, the national elections of 30 March would take place without flaws. Still, it is important to face the question which improvements should be made in future elections. In this respect, I wholeheartedly endorse the recommendations which the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the CSCE has made concerning this question. During the Soviet period, the Kazakh language and culture have suffered. It is therefore in my view completely understandable that efforts are now being made to overcome the effects of long years of neglect.