Headlines from the Caspian: August 9, 2022
Author: Caspian Policy Center
Aug 9, 2022
Energy and Economy
Kazakhstan Temporarily Reduces Oil Exports Through Russia
Oil supply from Kazakhstan to Russia's Novorossiysk Black Sea port has significantly decreased due to repairs and a production suspension at the country's two major oilfields – Tengiz and Kashagan. According to the statement released by the Kazakh-Russian Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) on August 4, repairs at the Tengiz field, and the stoppage of oil production at the Kashagan field have been the main causes of reduced oil flow through the pipeline.
Source: CaspianNews
Kazakhstan Considers Building Second Nuclear Power Plant
Speaking at a press conference at the Central Communications Service (CCS) on August 5, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Energy Minister Zhandos Nurmaganbetov has hinted at a potential plan underway for a second nuclear power plant after construction begins on the first one. The country’s first nuclear power plant will be built near Lake Balkhash in the Almaty region.
Source: CaspianNews
Uzbekistan Confirms Plan to Sign Deal on New Railroad from China
Tashkent has confirmed plans to sign the deal on a new railroad connecting China with Uzbekistan via Kyrgyzstan. The Uzbekistan administration sees the line as a component of a larger plan to enhance commercial and transportation linkages from Central Asia to Turkey and then on to Europe via a route that bypasses Russia.
Source: EurasiaNet
Kazakhstan Urges to Expand Nuclear-Free-Zones at 10th NPT Review Conference
On August 3, a delegation from Kazakhstan attended the 10th Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Akan Rakhmetullin asserted that Kazakhstan adheres completely to the treaty's three tenets of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. After experiencing the negative effects of nuclear testing during the Soviet era, Kazakhstan implores all nations to uphold strict adherence to the "cornerstone principles of the NPT."
Source: Astana Times
Security and Politics
Senate Confirms New U.S. Ambassadors to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan; Biden Administration Nominates Ambassador to Turkmenistan
On August 3, the U.S. Senate confirmed Daniel Rosenblum as U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Jonathan Henick as U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan. President Biden nominated Elizabeth Rood as the U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan.
Source: U.S. Senate, The White House
U.S., EU Diplomats Urge Leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan to Calm Tensions
Following renewed tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the leaders of both countries on August 5 to “resolve issues related to, or resulting from” the conflict. European Council President Charles Michel also spoke by phone with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev expressing his concern about rising tensions in the region. Michel stressed that the European Union will continue its efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region in accordance with the Brussels peace agenda.
Source: RFE/RL
Religious Extremist Group Attacks Azerbaijani Embassy in London
On August 4, a radical Shiite group identifying itself as the Mahdi Servants Union (MSU) attacked and briefly occupied Azerbaijan’s embassy in London. Eight people were arrested following the incident, London police reported.
Sources: EurasiaNet
(Sources: Astana Times, Caspian News, Eurasianet, RFE/RL, The U.S. Senate, The White House)
