KAZAKHSTAN: LIFE ON THE STEPPE, MARCH 14-20

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SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, SCA/PPD, DRL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM ECON SOCI SENV KZ
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: LIFE ON THE STEPPE, MARCH 14-20

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1. (U) This is another in a series of weekly cables drawn mostly
from public media, as well as think-tank, NGO, and opposition
web-sites, selected to show the diversity of life in Kazakhstan, and
information about it available to citizens of Kazakhstan. Our goal
is to choose what might interest and be of use to various end-users
in Washington and -- especially -- to provide a more complex view
from the other side of the world, illustrating the vitality (and
sometimes the quirkiness) of discourse available to citizens of
Kazakhstan.

MODERN, TWO-STORY YURT TO BE BUILT IN ALMATY


2. (U) The yurt, the traditional dwelling structure used by nomadic
tribes in the steppes of Central Asia, is getting an upgrade for a
new generation of urban nomads. Thus, Almaty will soon see a new
type of yurt, not in the form of a portable tent but rather as a
fully-functioning multi-bedroom, two-story house. This yurt will
have all modern amenities but will also keep its traditional
elements including the "shanyrak," the traditional opening for
ventilation at the top of a yurt -- which is also a symbol of
family, peace, and tranquility. The project is the brainchild of
Askhat Bakirov, a young architect from Semey. His idea of
incorporating the traditional Kazakh yurt into the design of a
contemporary home already won him the first prize for "best
residential project" at a design competition in Astana last year.


3. (U) A request to use Bakirov's design to actually build such a
modern yurt came soon afterwards. The young architect gladly
provided all charts and blueprints and in return only requested to
be invited to the house-warming party when the yurt is finished.
"An idea that becomes reality is the greatest reward a creative
person could ask for." Bakirov is proud of his deep patriotism and
says: "Every summer a yurt was my home. And even then, I pondered
the idea of building a contemporary yurt with the beloved 'shanyrak'
instead of a regular family house. What could be closer, more
familiar, more vibrant?"

"HONEST" CORRUPT OFFICIAL DETAINED RETURNING BRIBE


4. (U) An official from the Department of Migration and Demographics
in Kostanai oblast (region) promised to register a local family as
"oralman" returnees. (COMMENT: Oralman are ethnic Kazakh immigrants
from other countries. They are often eligible for special
government-provided resettlement benefits. END COMMENT.) Since it
is apparently not easy to do such a fraudulent registration, the
official received $2,000 from the family for his services. As it
turned out, the official was unable to fulfill his promise and
decided to return the bribe. That, however, was not the turn of
events envisaged by the "oralman" family, and thus they sent a
letter to the local office of the Committee for National Security
(KNB). Several days later, the "honest" official was detained after
being caught red-handed returning the bribe.

DANGEROUS WORK AGAINST WILDLIFE POACHERS


5. (U) Combating poaching of the saiga antelope is a very difficult
task. In fact, the vast territory of the Kazakhstani steppe and the
minimal resources available to patrolling rangers makes it nearly
impossible. Additionally, recreational "hunters" have increasingly
joined poor villagers in hunting the antelope for its valuable
horns. Protecting the saiga has also become more dangerous because
poachers have been turning their guns against the rangers.


6. (U) In an incident reported by the daily newspaper "Vremya,"
several rangers monitoring the steppe in Mangistau oblast by
helicopter came under fire from a well-armed group of local
poachers. Initially, the rangers thought they were conducting a
routine check of a suspicious convoy of two SUVs and two motorcycles
driving on the empty steppe, far from any inhabited area. Yet, as
the rangers approached, the suspects opened fire against their
descending helicopter. Clearly intending to chase the patrol away,
a passenger in one of the SUVs fired several times, only stopping
when the helicopter crew retaliated and hit the driver and passenger
of the SUV.


7. (U) To the surprise of the rangers after they finally landed, one
of the suspected poachers ran towards the helicopter holding a
police ID in his hand. Needless to say, the check was officially

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over, and the rangers were not allowed to conduct a search or
confiscate the suspects' weapons. Local police, informed of the
incident, did not prove helpful and announced that they could not
find the suspects. However, not long after, the attackers came to
the surface. A police official whom the rangers suspected of
illegally hunting the enQered saiga blamed the rangers with
staging the whole attack and sued them for 10 million tenge
($67,000) in damages. While the last word has probably not been
spoken on this case, it appears that the effort to protect the saiga
will not become any easier.

HOAGLAND