This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

7/30/99:  KAZATOMPROM FORECASTS MAJOR GROWTH IN URANIUM PRODUCTION
According to Kazatomprom President Mukhtar Dzhakishev, Kazatomprom forecasts that its uranium production will rise 37 percent in 1999. Speaking to local journalists on 30 July 1999, Dzhakishev said that in the first half of 1999, production of uranium ore increased by 31.4 percent over 1998, yellowcake production grew 41.5 percent,  fuel pellet production was up 16.7 percent, and production of beryllium and uranium rose 14 percent. New joint ventures with Cogema and Cameco will bring three new mines into production, leading to further increases next year.[1]  Kazatomprom plans to invest $8-9 million in uranium production in 1999.[2] Commenting on the 13 July 1999 ITC anti-dumping ruling, Dzhakishev said that Kazakhstani uranium would now be accessible to all US companies, but at higher prices. Although Kazakhstan was unlikely to export uranium to the United States in 1999, Dzhakishev said, Kazatomprom will start negotiating with US customers in the near future.[1]
Sources:
[1] "Kazakhstan forecasts 37% growth in uranium production," Interfax, No.2, 30 July 1999.
[2] "Kazkah Enterprise to Restart Tantalum Production," Interfax-Kazakhstan, No. 2, 7 October 1999. (entered 8/11/99 FW; updated 11/9/99 CC} 

7/13/99: KAZAKHSTAN WINS ANTI-DUMPING SUIT
The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) unanimously ruled on 13 July 1999 that Kazakhstan did not dump uranium on the US market in 1991-1998.  The ITC further found that sales of Kazakhstani uranium at below market prices do not negatively impact US companies, and therefore there is no reason to impose anti-dumping penalties on Kazakhstan.  The ruling brings to conclusion an anti-dumping suit brought by US uranium producers in 1991, suspended in 1992, and resumed at the end of 1998.[1] The ITC further stated that even if Kazakhstan were to export 100% of its natural uranium production to the United States, the volume of uranium imports would not rise to a "significant or injurious level." The ITC also ruled that under a US Department of Commerce (DOC) decision that enrichment confers origin of the uranium product, uranium enriched in the USSR and shipped to Kazakhstan before the USSR dissolved in 1991 is not a product of Kazakhstan for purposes of the antidumping determination. In a footnote to the ruling, the ITC noted that the same DOC decision does not indicate that conversion of yellowcake or uranium hexaflouride into uranium oxide in Kazakhstan would confer Kazakhstani origin on the product.  Noting these findings, the US Enrichment Corporation (USEC) was expected to ask DOC to clarify the origin of Soviet-produced enriched uranium product in Kazakhstan. If DOC declares this product to be Russian in origin, it would be subject to the Russian uranium suspension agreement.[2]
Sources:
[1] "Kazakhstan vyigral antidempingovoye delo o postavkakh urana v SShA," Interfax, No.1, 14 July 1999.
[2] Michael Knapik and Elaine Hiruo, "ITC Issues Decision in Kazakhstan Case," Nuclear Fuel, 9 August 1999, pp. 2, 12. {entered 8/11/99 FW} 
 
4/16/99:  TSELINNYY COMBINE SOLD TO ISRAELI FIRM
The Tselinnyy Mining and Chemical Combine was sold on 16 April 1999 to Sabton Limited, a subsidiary, registered in Cyprus, of the Israeli-owned Africa Israel Investment Ltd.  The purchase price was 36 million tenge ($316,000 as of 16 April 1999). Sabton, which outbid Kazatomprom for the Tselinnyy combine, must pay 320 million tenge ($2.8 million) in back wages and debts, compensate Kazatomprom for its expenses on financing the plant prior to the sale, and present a long-term investment plan. Previous attempts to sell the combine in January and February 1999 failed due to lack of interested buyers.
["Kazakhstan sells one of largest uranium plants in CIS," Interfax, No.3, 16 April 1999.]{entered 5/17/99 FW}{Updated 7/31/2000 KB} 
 
2/23/99:  CANADIAN FIRM PLANS TO NAME NEW DEFENDANTS IN TSELINNYY BREACH OF CONTRACT AFFAIR
On 23 February 1999, Canada's World Wide Minerals Ltd. announced that it had named Nukem Inc. as an additional defendant in the lawsuit it filed with a Washington, DC court against the Kazakhstani government and Kazakhstan's uranium production and marketing agent Kazatomprom.  The suit was filed following Kazakhstan's unilateral cancellation in July 1997 of the Canadian firm's contract to operate the Tselinnyy Mining and Chemical Combine (TsGKhK) in Stepnogorsk. (See entry for 6/2/98.)  World Wide Minerals maintains that Kazakhstan granted uranium marketing rights to Nukem in violation of an agreement with the Canadian company.  World Wide Minerals has also notified international companies known to handle, process, or purchase uranium concentrates from Kazakhstan that they may be named as defendants as well.  Among the notified companies are Cameco Corporation, ConverDyn (a subdivision of AlliedSignal, Inc.), British Nuclear Fuels, Comurhex (a subdivision of the company Cogema), Synatom, Cogema, and General Electric.  World Wide Minerals, which seeks compensation for damages, referred in its notifications to the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, claiming the companies can be charged using this act.
["Kanadskaya World Wide Minerals Namerena Rasshirit Spisok Otvetchikov Po Delu O Kazakhstanskom Urane," Interfax, 23 February 1999.]  {entered 3/8/99 RC} 
 
1/14/99:  KAZATOMPROM SIGNS CONTRACT WITH TVEL
In Moscow on 14 January 1999, Mukhtar Dzhakishev, President of Kazatomprom, signed a contract with the Russian nuclear fuel company TVEL.  The contract is intended to ensure orders for the Ulba Metallurgical Plant.   The talks also ensure further cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan.  Dzhakishev said in an interview that Kazatomprom's goal is to make Kazakhstan a world leader in the mining and production of uranium by the year 2005.  Kazatomprom predicts that the sale of world stockpiles of uranium will continue until 2010, with a peak in sales occurring in 2001.  This will be followed by a decline, and prices will accordingly begin to rise.  While the rest of the world reduces its production of uranium, Kazakhstan will increase the scope of its mining by four to five times. Other plans include the sale of more highly enriched uranium products, the manufacture of new types of fuel for nuclear reactors, and the joint manufacture of fuel assemblies with Russian ventures.  Kazatomprom is also moving toward privatization, but has not yet been privatized due to its current financial difficulties.  To make Kazatomprom an attractive investment, talks are being conducted to get credit from western banks, and there are now several proposals for credit in amounts from $25 to $70 million.  Once received, the credit is to be used in the creation of new jobs, new mines, and new production at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant.  Kazatomprom expects to turn a profit this year after a long period of operating at a loss.
[Oleg Khe, "Mukhtar Dzhakishev, NAK Kazatomprom:  V 2005 godu Kazakhstan dolzhen stat odnim iz liderov v mire po dobyche i proizvodstvu urana," Panorama, No.2, 15 January 1999.]  {Entered 5/10/99 RC} 

11/10/98: KAZAKHSTAN PLANS TO TERMINATE URANIUM SUSPENSION AGREEMENT
On 10 November 1998 Kazakhstan formally announced its plans to terminate the uranium suspension agreement with the US Department of Commerce (DOC). The termination will become effective in 60 days, but Kazakhstan indicated that it might rescind its decision if DOC offers an SWU quota (see entry below).  If DOC investigators conclude that Kazakhstani uranium was sold in the United States at less than a fair market price, the case may be moved to the International Trade Commission (ITC), and an antidumping duty order may be issued by DOC if the ITC finds that US industry has been hurt by uranium imports from Kazakhstan.  Bolar Nurgaliyev, the Kazakhstani ambassador to the United States, expressed regret in a letter that accompanied Kazakhstan's formal notice of intent to terminate the suspension agreement. He wrote that the agreement had to be terminated for commercial reasons, such as the inability of Kazakhstan to sell uranium to third countries.
["Kazakhstan Tells DOC It Intends To Terminate Suspension Agreement; USEC Says U Sales Off," NuclearFuel, Vol.23, No.23, 16 November 1998, pp.14-16.] {Entered 3/18/99 CF} 

11/2/98: KAZAKHSTAN SEEKING SWU QUOTA
NuclearFuel reported on 2 November 1998 that Kazakhstan was seeking a quota to be able to import to the United States 360,000 SWU per year from 1999 to 2004. Under the Kazakhstani proposal, USEC will have the right of first refusal to buy Kazakhstani SWU. The Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers (OCAW) union did not receive the proposal well, but might agree to the import of up to 100,000 SWU for processing and re-export only. According to Tom Wilner from Shearman & Sterling, who represents Kazakhstan, USEC is strongly opposed to any SWU quota.  On a separate note, USEC and an ad hoc committee of uranium mining companies asked the US Department of Commerce to review its decision to allow importation of 20MT of Kazakhstani enriched uranium for processing by a General Electric fuel plant. Kazakhstan may decide in November 1998 to terminate its suspension agreement, Kazakhstani officials say, if the SWU proposal is rejected, the 20MT agreement is rescinded, and no counteroffers are made.
[Michael Knapik, "Kazakhstan Looking for SWU Quota, HEU Feed Talks Held in Paris, Spot U Price Declines," NuclearFuel, Vol.23, No.22, 2 November 1998, pp. 1, 10-12.] {Entered 3/18/99 CF} 

9/9/98: MISSILE SILOS IN KAZAKHSTAN TO BE DESTROYED BY 11/98
S. Denison Keeney, contracts manager for ABB/Brown & Root, the firm contracted to demolish ICBM silos in Kazakhstan, said on 9 September 1998 that all missile silos remaining in Kazakhstan will be destroyed by November 1998.
[CNS Interview with S. Denison Keeney of ABB/Brown & Root, 9 September 1998, KAZ980909.]{entered 9/16/98 FW}

8/27/98: KAZAKHSTANI PRIME MINISTER SEEKS MORE URANIUM EXPORTS TO US
Kazakhstani Prime Minister Nurlan Balgimbayev, on 27 August 1998, asked visiting US Senator Richard Lugar to help gain permission for the free export of uranium from Kazakhstan to the United States. Although Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev secured an understanding on uranium exports during his visit to the United States in November 1997, the issue is now being considered by the US Department of Commerce.
["Kazakhstan prosit SShA uskorit resheniye voprosa o zakupkakh kazakhstanskogo urana," Interfax-Kazakhstan, 4 August 1998.]{Entered 9/14/98 by FW} 

6/17/98:  KAZAKHSTAN CALLS FOR FISSILE MATERIAL CUTOFF TREATY
At a plenary meeting of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in June 1998, Kazakhstani representative Kasymzhomart Tokayev called for the CD to commence negotiations on a fissile material cutoff treaty without delay and emphasized that any such treaty must be non-discriminatory and involve all states possessing fissile material.  Tokayev also stated that Kazakhstan was ready to join the NSG and has been abiding by NSG governing principles in its exports of nuclear materials and technology since 1997.
[CNS report on 793rd and 794th plenary meetings of the CD, 17 June 1998, KAZ980617.] {updated 9/16/98 FW} 
 
6/2/98: CANADIAN FIRM SUES KAZAKHSTAN FOR BREACH OF TSELINNYY CONTRACT
World Wide Minerals, a multinational corporation headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is suing the Kazakhstani government over Kazakhstan's unilateral cancellation of its contract to operate the Tselinnyy Mining and Chemical Combine (TsGKhK) in Stepnogorsk. The suit, filed in the US district court for the District of Columbia, asks for $220 million in damages. [1, 2] The cancelled contract, signed in October 1996, assigned to World Wide's Kazakhstani subsidiary, KazUran, the responsibility for managing TsGKhK.  The contract also gave World Wide Minerals an option to purchase a 90 percent equity interest in the combine.[2]  In return addition, the contract requires that World Wide Minerals invest $150 million in TsGKhK over five years.[3]  KazUran invested $20 million in 1997, according to KazUran Vice President Yuriy Mover [3, 5], and restarted production of uranium at TsGKhK on 21 March 1997, planning to produce 1.8 million lbs of U3O8 in 1997.[4] Although the plant produced 50 MT of uranium for export to the United States, the Kazakhstani government refused to issue KazUran a license to export the uranium produced at Tselinny. Meanwhile, local authorities demanded that KazUran assume responsibilty for city infrastructure and services, including street cleaning.  In addition, workers staged a strike on 14 July 1997 to protest unpaid wages.[5, 7 ,8] The government demanded that KazUran pay $1.3 million in wage arrears on 25 July 1997, and when this payment was not received, the Kazakhstani State Property Committee cancelled the contract with World Wide Minerals and transferred management of the Tselinnyy combine to the state-owned Kazatomprom on 1 August 1997.[6,7] World Wide Minerals and KazUran appealed to the State Property Committee to reverse its decision, but when this appeal failed, World Wide brought action in the US court.  KazUran Vice President Igor Anchevskiy contended that KazUran was hamstrung by fierce "under the table" competition, and that Russian and other companies did everything they could to prevent his firm from operating normally in Kazakhstan.[3]
Sources:
[1] Bulat Yerezhepov, "Delo ob urane," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 2 June 1998, pp. 1,3.
[2] Saidkasym Kiyampur, "Kazakhstan rvet kontrakty," Russkii telgraf, no. 086, 20 May 1998, http://www.mosinfo.ru:8080/news/rtf/9805/data/0520-73.html.
[3] Vladimir Ardayev, "Kanada grozit Kazakhstany mezhdunarodnym arbitrazhem," Izvestiya, 9 August 1997, p. 3.
[4] UI News Briefing, no. 97/13, 26 March-1 April 1997, http://www.uilondon.org/nb/nb97/nb9713.htm.
[5] "WWM uranium deal collapses," Nuclear Engineering International, September 1997, p. 6.
[6] "HEU feed talks continue; DOE sale notice appears; WWM to press Kazakh government," NuclearFuel, 11 August 1997,  p. 13.
[7] "Interfax Financial Report," Interfax, 11 August 1997.
[8] Khabar Television, 14 July 1997; in "Uranium Mines at Standstill as Workers Protest Wage Arrears," FBIS-SOV-97-199. {Entered 9/14/98 by FW} 

4/22/98: KAZAKHSTANI BANKS LEND CAPITAL TO URANIUM INDUSTRY
Narodniy Bank and Kazkommertsbank, two Kazakhstani commercial banks, agreed to lend $62.4 million to the Kazakhstani uranium industry via Kazatomprom, the state-owned nuclear industry company.  The Tselinnyy Mining and Chemical Combine will receive $23.5 million, the Ulba Metallurgy Plant $20.4 million, and Kazatomprom uranium mines $18.5 million. Kazatomprom President Kadyr Baikenov said that the loans will "help to revitalize the uranium industry, to integrate it with the Russian uranium industry." Baikenov also noted that the new capital should generate profits of $130 million in 1998, and that the uranium sector's output could rise to $180 million by 2003. The terms of the loan are "soft," according to Baikenov, with 18 percent interest over a period of six years and a three-year grace period on the principal. The banks have received $200 million worth of collateral, including $150 million in commodity output and contracts of the Ulba plant, assets of the Tselinny plant, uranium reserves at Tselinny, and three Kazatomprom uranium mines. Ulba plant director Yuriy Tuzyev said that he understood the concerns of Ulba shareholders over the large collateral, but that like Baikenov he saw "no alternative to long term credits and development programs to alleviate the industry's crisis."
[Interfax, 22 April 1998.] {entered 9/18/98 FW}

2/23/98: KYRGYZSTANI-KAZAKHSTANI URANIUM VENTURE PUT ON HOLD
The uranium processing joint venture that Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to on 15 August 1997 (see abstract below) has been indefinitely postponed, due to the Kyrgyzstani State Property Committee's failure to approve the deal.  However, the appointment of new leadership for the State Property Committee in 1998 could expedite a final decision on the issue.
[UI News Briefing NB98.08-4, 26 February 1998] {entered 9/18/98 FW} 

2/10/98: RADIATION SAFETY LAW PASSED
On 10 February 1998, Kazakhstanskaya pravda reported that the law On the radiation safety of the population, which determines regulations for the maintenance of radiation safety in work with sources of ionizing radiation, food production, drinking water, and medical research, was accepted on the first reading. (The exact date of passage was not given.) The law also introduces a system of licensing, including implementation of technical inspection at facilities.
[Olga Kovalenko, "Radiatsiya v zakone?" Kazakhstanskaya pravda, no. 27, 10 February 1998.] {entered 9/21/98 FW} 

12/8/97: USEC ASKS FOR CONTROLS ON KAZAKHSTANI URANIUM
On 8 December 1997 USEC and an ad hoc commission of US uranium producers filed a complaint with the US Department of Commerce (DOC) on a proposed amendment to the Kazakhstan suspension agreement.  They stated that the amendment would allow brokers and uranium traders to make deals that would hurt the US uranium industry.  They wanted stricter controls over uranium from Kazakhstan imported into the United States for processing and subsequent re-export.  The amendment allows for up to six million pounds of U3O8 to be imported to the United States for 36 months.  USEC and its domestic supporters fear that Nukem and its partner General Electric will take advantage of the situation and arrange to import large quantities of enriched Kazakhstani uranium.  Such shipments of uranium could reduce domestic utilities' demand for uranium for enrichment.  The DOC has already approved one such shipment.
[Michael Knapik, "Market Impact of Moscow Announcement Uncertain; U.S. Rejects one LEU Cylinder," NuclearFuel, 15 December 1997,  pp.1, 15-16.]{entered 11/4/98 FW} 

10/30/97:  KAZAKHSTAN RATIFIES IAEA AGREEMENT
Kazakhstan ratified the 1959 Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Atomic Energy Agency under the provisions of a law signed by President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
["Zakon Respubliki Kazakhstana," Kazakhstanskaya pravda ,No. 233, 7 November 1997, p. 2.] {entered 2/5/98 djw} 
 
10/97:  INKAI PROJECT DIGS TEST MINE
Construction of a test mine is under way at the Inkai ISL Uranium Project, located in the Chu-Sarysu basin of southern Kazakhstan.  Operated as a joint venture between the Canadian firms Uranerz and Cameco and the Kazakhstan State Corporation for Atomic Power and Industry (KATEP), the Inkai test mine will produce 118,000 lbs of U3O8 annually.  If larger-scale production proves feasible, the partners anticipate that the Inkai mines will produce 1 million lbs of U3O8 annually beginning in 1999, increasing to 2.6 million lbs per year beginning in about 2003.
[Glenn Catchpole, "The Inkay ISL Uranium Project in Kazakhstan," abstract of paper presented at the 1997 Uranium Institute Symposium, London, http://www.uilondon.org/uiabs97/catch.html.]{entered 9/15/98 fw} 

8/15/97: KYRGYZSTAN AND KAZAKHSTAN CREATE A URANIUM PROCESSING JOINT VENTURE
Kazakhstani Deputy Prime Minister Umirzak Shukeyev and Kyrgyzstani Prime Minister Apas Szhumagulov signed an agreement in Bishkek to establish a new uranium processing joint venture at the Kara-Balta mining complex.[1]  The venture will initially process up to 1000 MT of Kazakhstani U308 per year, increasing to 2000 MT U308 per year.[2]  The enterprise plans to process 450 MT in 1998.[3]  Kazatomprom will own a 65 percent share of the joint venture, while Kara-Balta will own 35 percent.[2]  The agreement plans to add Tajikstan's Leninabad Minining and Metallurgical Combine Number 6 to the joint venture at an unspecified later date.[4]  One unnamed official stated that the purpose behind the Kazakh-Kyrgyz enterprise is to direct the normal processing route away from Tselinnyy Mining and Chemical Combine in northern Kazakhstan. The Tselinnyy facility has remained inoperative since Spring 1997 after the Kazakhstani government annulled an agreement with the former managing contractor, World Wide Minerals.[2]  Deputy General Director of Kara-Balta Anatoliy Grebenyuk stated that while Russia will be the primary recipient of the new venture's processed uranium, the United States, Germany, Japan, and France have also shown interest in purchasing their uranium.[4]
Sources:
[1] Interfax, 28 August 1997; in "Kazakh-Kyrgyz Plant to Produce 450 Tonnes Uranium in 1997," FBIS-SOV-97-240.
[2] "Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Sign Mining/Processing Pact," FreshFUEL, 15 September 1997, pp. 1-2.
[3] Novecon, 29 August 1997; in UI News Briefing, 2 September 1997.
[4] Yuriy Razgulyayev, "Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Uranium Tandem Created," Delovoy mir, 5-8 September 1997, p. 3; in "Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Set Up Uranium Joint Venture," FBIS-SOV-97-251.  [entered 1/28/98 djw] 

4/11/97:  KAZAKHSTAN EXPORTED 7000t OF URANIUM FROM 1993 TO 1996
The head of the Kazahkstani State Corporation for Atomic Power and Industry (KATEP) Viktor Yazikov told Interfax that between 1993 and 1996 Kazakhstan exported 7000 metric tons (t) of uranium.  He stated that nearly 3000t of that amount was shipped to the United States.  Yazikov estimated that another 540t of uranium would be exported to the United States during the first half of 1997.
["Kazakh Uranium Exports," RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 1, Part 1, 14 April 1997.] {entered 2/6/98 djw} 

2/97:  PRIME MINISTER SIGNS DECREE TO FURTHER URANIUM INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Prime Minister Akezhan Kazhegeldin signed the Decree "On additional measures to deepen reform and further development of the uranium industry and atomic energy in the Republic of Kazakhstan."  This decree is aimed at reforming Kazakhstan's nuclear industry and fulfilling Kazakhstan's obligations to the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and safeguard agreements with the IAEA .  The decree lays out further responsibilities for the Kazatomprom joint venture: to attract foreign partners to develop the deposits of Moinkum along with Katko joint enterprise; to take part in further governmental discussions in developing Kazakhstan's nuclear fuel and atomic energy industry with other countries in both the CIS and the world; to participate in international organizations involved in nuclear industry; to prepare intergovernmental agreements investigating dumping of nuclear materials and dual-use materials; to secure transportation and storage of nuclear material and dual-use items; and to secure information on uranium deposits in Kazakhstan.  The decree also entrusts the Enterprise Reorganization Agency to carry out financial appraisals of Ulba Metallurgy Plant, Volkovgeologiya, Ore Administration No. 6, Stepnoye Ore Administration, and the Tsentralnoye Ore Administration and to work out a payment schedule to eradicate their financial debts.  The decree eases the financial burden of these enterprises by securing the transfer of social facilities and responsibilities to local and municipal governments.  The Kazakhstani government is now turning to implementing a single policy of regulating production and utilizing nuclear materials and dual-use items, observing international treaties, and adhering to obligations set up by Kazakhstani participants of the Inkai and Katko international joint ventures.  The decree states that the Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with Kazatomprom, will present proposals to Inkai and Katko on the volume of nuclear materials and dual-use items for export and import.
["Predprinimayutsya dopolnitelnye mery po dalneyshemu razvitiyu uranovoy promyshlennosti i atomnoy energetiki," Panorama, 28 February 1997, p. 1.] {entered 2/6/98 djw} 

1/28/97: KAZATOMPROM TO ISSUE LICENSES FOR URANIUM MINING
It was reported that, in accordance with a governmental resolution, the newly established company Kazatomprom will be responsible for issuing licenses to manage the Moinkum, Uvanas, Kanzhugan, North and South Karamurun, Irkol, Kharasan, Budennovskoye, and Mynkuduk (Akdala and Vostochnyy sections) deposits. Kazatomprom could be also given some shares in the Kazakhstani-German-Canadian joint venture Inkay. The state, represented by Kazatomprom, will thus have a stake in enterprises prospecting, extracting, and processing uranium in Kazakhstan.
["Is Everything All Right in our 'Nuclear Empire'?" Ekspress, 2 January 1997, p. 4, in "Kazakhstan: Article Views 'Crisis' in Nuclear Industry," FBIS-SOV-97-024.] {Entered 2/20/97 GB}{Cleared 3/28/97} 

11/21/96: MINING WORKERS PROTEST DELAYS IN SALARIES
It was reported that workers of the Tselinnyy Mining and Chemical Combine conducted meetings protesting 5-month delays in payment of salaries and the lack of electricity and heat in the town of Stepnogorsk.
[Aleksandr Kapkov, "S urana - na kizyak," Pravda Rossii, 21 November 1996, p. 3.] {Entered 1/5/97 GB} 

10/24/96: KAZAKHSTAN TO SELL MINING FACILITIES TO FOREIGN FIRMS
It was reported that World Wide Minerals (Canada) obtained the right to buy 90% of the shares of the Tselinnyy uranium mining and milling complex in Akmolinsk oblast in exchange for investments, the amount of which was not disclosed. The Kazakhstani government also plans to transfer to foreign investors a number of other uranium facilities, including a recently declassified mine in Kyzyl Orda oblast and the Ulba plant in Eastern Kazakhstan. Earlier plans of the Kazakhstani government to transfer the Ulba plant to the Russian financial group Interros and the Swiss firm Zambezi Holding Finife SA were not successful. The management of the Ulba plant wants to enter the joint stock company TVEL in order to receive guarantees from the Russian government for the purchase of nuclear fuel from Ulba for Russian nuclear power stations
Sources:
[1] Lev Vrubel, "Kazakhstan prodayet uranovyy compleks "Tselinnyy" kanadskoy kompanii," Segodnya, 24 October 1996, p. 4; 
[2] Anatoliy Serebryanikov, "Pod kolpakom u MAGATE," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 27 September 1996, p. 2.] {Entered 12/8/96 GB} 

10/14/96: KAZAKHSTANI URANIUM QUOTA INCREASED
The quota for imports of Kazak uranium into the US over the next six months has been increased from 500,000 pounds of U3O8 (192 tU) to 700,000 pounds of U3O8 (269 tU) following an increase in the US Department of Commerce's calculated market price ($15.78 per pound).
Sources:
[1] UI News Briefing, NB96.41-12, 10/9-15/96, http://www.uilondon.org/nb/nb96/nb9641.html.
[2] Nuclear Review, "DOC Updates Export Quotas," October 1996, p. 13] {Entered 12/8/96 GB} 

9/11/96: CIS URANIUM PRICES INCREASED
Due to the tightening supply in the international uranium market, the price of uranium produced in the CIS (CIS member states Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are among the 10 top world producers) has doubled since the beginning of 1995. Kazakhstan has announced that it is planning to increase its uranium production capacity. According to President of KATEP Victor Yazikov, the increase in uranium production can be hampered by considerable debts of Kazakhstani uranium enterprises. The export of uranium by the CIS is limited by US and EU anti-dumping quotas imposed because these countries are concerned about becoming too dependent on CIS material.
Sources:
[1] Julian Steyn, "Prospects Brighten for World Uranium Products, Nuclear Engineering International,  September 96, p. 12.
[2] Kenneth Gooding, "Uranium Miners See Light at End of Tunnel," Financial Times, 11 September 1996, p.24.
[3] Tatyana Abramenko, "Nesmotrya na novoye uvelixheniye v mire sprosa na uran, Kazakhstan poka ne vyderzhivayet konkurentsii, Panorama, no. 35, 13 September 1996, p. 2.] {Entered 10/25/96 GB} 

9/9/96: KAZAKHSTAN-IAEA CONFERENCE ON IN-SITU LEACHING, USE OF CONVICTS IN URANIUM MINES
In Almaty, the Kazakhstani Ministry of Science, Kazakhstani National Joint Stock Atomic Power Engineering and Industry Company (KATEP), and an IAEA technical committee held a conference on in-situ leaching technology for uranium mining. Representatives from 15 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, participated in the conference. At the conference, KATEP president Viktor Yazikov said that a special six-country commission visited Kazakhstani mines in 1995 and confirmed that Kazakhstan does not use convicts in uranium mines.
Sources:
[1] Aleksey Petrovskiy, "Technologiya dobychi urana obsuzhdayetsya v Almaty na konferentsii MAGATE," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 7 September 1996.]
[2] Delovaya nedelya, 20 September 1996, p. 7, in "Kazakhstan: Foreign Cooperation in Uranium Industry Development Viewed," FBIS-SOV-96-190.] {Entered 10/25/96 GB; Updated 12/8/96 GB} 
 
8/29/96: LAST ICBM SILO IN KAZAKHSTAN DISMANTLED
The last (104th) SS-18 missile silo on Kazakhstani soil was eliminated in Derzhavinsk on 8/29/96. On 9/5/96, Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev sent a letter to Russian President Boris Yeltsin stating that, under the START I Treaty, Kazakhstan has, with Russia's assistance, fulfilled its international obligations concerning the elimination of strategic weapons on its territory. A US on-site inspection team is to visit the facility in order to confirm the decommissioning of all START I treaty - accountable launchers in Kazakhstan.
Sources:
[1] Almaty Kazakh Television First Program Network, 5 September 1996;  in "Kazakhstan: Russia Completes Withdrawal of Nuclear Military Facilities," FBIS-SOV-96-174, 5 September 1996.
[2] Vladimir Ardayev and Viktor Litovkin, "Kazakhstan izbavilsya ot 'Satany'," Izvestiya, 13 September 1996, p. 1.
[3] Anatoliy Ladin, "Raketnaya baza obretayet grazhdanskiy status," Krasnaya Zvezda, 12 September 1996, p. 1 ; ITAR-TASS, 6 September 1996; in "Kazakhstan: Last Russian Nuclear Missile Silos Destroyed," FBIS-SOV-96-174, 6 September 1996.] {Entered 9/24/96 GB} 

8/20/96: COGEMA, KATEP SET UP JOINT VENTURE
The French nuclear fuel cycle company Cogema and Kazakhstan National Atomic Power Engineering and Industry Company (KATEP) set up a joint venture, Katko, to develop uranium resources in Kazakhstan. Cogema and its Kazakhstani partners each hold 45 % of Katko's stock. KATEP holds 29% of the Kazak share and the rest is owned by two other state entities, Volkovgeologiya (9%) and the Main Mining Division (7%). The remaining 10 percent of shares is held by "a certain number" of unnamed investors, mainly Swiss. One of Katko's initial projects is to study the feasibility of using in-situ leaching methods on deposits in Moinkum. Nominal production capacity at the Moinkum deposit is estimated as 700 MTU/year.
Sources:
[1] "Cogema, KATEP Set Up Joint Venture to Develop U Deposits in Kazakhstan," NuclearFuel,  26 August 1996, p. 8.]
[2] Uranium Information Center, "Kazak Uranium Developments," 23 August 1996, http://www.uic.com.au/news596.htm] {Entered 9/25/96 GB} 
 
8/19/96: FINAL PROTOCOL ON WITHDRAWAL OF SRF FROM KAZAKHSTAN SIGNED
On 8/19/96 in Almaty, Russia and Kazakhstan signed a final protocol on the withdrawal of Russian strategic rocket forces from Kazakhstan. The document was signed by First Deputy Chairman of the Kazakhstani Committee for the Defense Industry, Vladimir Kotelnikov, and First Deputy Commander of the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces, Colonel-General Nikolay Solovtsov, at a meeting of the joint Kazak-Russian commission dealing with the consequences of the operation of the Russian strategic forces in Kazakhstan. It was reported on 9/4/96 that two Russian rocket divisions were being pulled out of the Turgay and Semipalatinsk regions. The last Russian rocket division in Derzhavinsk is scheduled to leave Kazakhstan by early 10/96. Army General Igor Sergeyev, Commander of the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces, stated that since 12/94, 16 missile regiments in Kazakhstan have been disbanded; 898 warheads, 98 intercontinental ballistic missiles, and more than 18,000 MT of missile fuel components have been taken to Russia; and 104 combat silos for SS-18 ICBMs and two training silos have been dismantled. Under an inter-governmental agreement, approximately 1,000 kilometers of access roads, 4,000 kilometers of power cable, 900 kilometers of communication cable, residential facilities, and other property have been transferred to Kazakhstan. Residential facilities at the former ICBM base in Zhangiz-Tobe have been turned into a correctional camp under the authority of the Kazakhstani Ministry of Internal Affairs. The United States is assisting Kazakhstan in the reclamation of land on the territory of former missile launching facilities.
Sources: 
[1] Interfax, 11 September 1996;  in "Russia: Accord Signed on Missile Force Pullout From Kazakhstan," FBIS-SOV-96-178, 11 September 1996;
[2] Vladimir Ardayev, Viktor Litovkin, "Kazakhstan izbavilsya ot 'Satany'," Izvestiya, 13 September 1996, p.1.
[3] Anatoliy Ladin, "Raketnaya baza obretayet grazhdanskiy status," Krasnaya zvezda, 12 September 1996, p.1.
[4] Almaty Kazakh Television First Program Network, 5 September 1996;  in "Kazakhstan: Russia Completes Withdrawal of Nuclear Military Facilities," FBIS-SOV-96-174, 5 September 1996.
[5] Anatoliy Ladin, "Russian Strategic Missile Forces Leaving Kazakhstan With Honor," Krasnaya Zvezda, 11 September 1996;  in "Russia: ICBM, Silo Dismantling in Kazakhstan Virtually Complete," FBIS-SOV-96-178, 11 September 1996.
[6] ITAR-TASS, 4 September 1996;  in "Russia: Russia Continues Cutbacks in Nuclear Forces in Kazakhstan," FBIS-SOV-96-173, 4 September 1996.
[7] ITAR-TASS, 6 September 1996;  in "Kazakhstan: Last Russian Nuclear Missile Silos Destroyed," FBIS-SOV-96-174, 6 September 1996. {Entered 9/24/96 GB} 

7/30/96: OVERVIEW OF PROBLEMS AT THE TSELINNYY MINING COMBINE
It was reported that the Tselinnyy Mining and Chemical Combine in Stepnogorsk, which at its prime produced 2,000-2,500 MT of uranium per year, is operating at about 20% of capacity. The combine was formerly under the auspices of the USSR Ministry of Medium Machine Building and is the sole enterprise in Kazakhstan producing an end product on an industrial scale. In 1996, the plant employed 11,000 people; at its peak it employed 24,000 people. According to Karavan, $80-100 million in capital investment would be needed in order to stabilize the deteriorating production capacity of the combine. The combine also provides protection measures for about 50 million tons of radioactive waste which is stored on the combine's grounds having a total radioactivity of 160,000 curies. Combine employees believe that a loan against governmental guarantees, rather than handing the enterprise over to foreign management would remedy the investment situation.
[Aleksandr Kotseruba, "Uranium -- the Republic's Property?" Karavan, 30 July 1996, p. 2, in "Kazakhstan: Radioactive Waste Disposal Problem Viewed," FBIS-SOV-96-164-S, 30 August 1996.] {Entered 9/25/96 GB} 

6/10/96: REACTION TO CHINESE NUCLEAR TEST
The Kazakhstani Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over a Chinese nuclear test conducted on 6/8/96 at the Lop Nor test site.
["Kazakhstan Unhappy with Chinese Nuclear Test," OMRI Daily Digest, No. 113, Part II, 11 June 1996.] 
 
5/30/96: SIX CIS MEMBERS AGREE TO NUCLEAR ENERGY COOPERATION
Officials from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine came to an agreement on cooperating in the area of nuclear energy development during a two-day meeting in Minsk. The countries will also work together on issues including the nuclear fuel cycle, spent fuel, and nuclear waste.
[Nikolai Grusha, Russian Nuclear Society, "CIS Accord on Nuclear Energy Links," Nucnet, 30 May 1996.] {Entered 2/14/97, Mew} {Cleared 3/19/97 JWRL} 
 
5/29/96: KAZAK-KYRGYZ JOINT VENTURE IN KARA-BALTA
The management of the Kyrgyz Kara-Balta uranium enterprise announced that an agreement has been signed with Kazakhstani nuclear authorities to turn Kara-Balta into a joint venture for uranium mining and processing.
["Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Form Uranium Joint Venture," The Monitor, 30 May 1996.] 

5/15/96: KAZAKHSTANI FACILITIES UNDER IAEA SAFEGUARDS
According to Director General of the Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency Timur Zhantikin, all Kazak nuclear facilities have been put under IAEA safeguards, except some material at the Semipalatinsk nuclear facilities. Russian nuclear fuel is still stored at the site "Baykal," which reportedly prevents the extension of IAEA safeguards to the Semipalatinsk testing ground. 
["Pri vybore reaktora my bydem rukovodstvovatsya dvumya printsipami: bezopasnostyu i ekonomichnostyu," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 15 May 1996.] 
 
4/30/96: CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL, NUCLEAR SECURITY APPROVED
Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev approved the Concept of Ecological Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan which sets forth the state's principles and priorities in forming environmental policies. The concept notes the existence of "an increasing danger...for the sustainable use of natural resources" in a number of regions, including the Semipalatinsk and Baykonur test ranges. The concept also says that Kazakhstan must apply its efforts to complete the negotiations on the Convention on Nuclear Security, conducted within the IAEA framework, for the purposes of the safe use of nuclear energy.
[Kazakhstanskaya pravda, "Concept of the Ecological Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan," 1 June 1996, p. 3;  in FBIS-SOV-96-125-S.] 

4/22/96: US UTILITIES RAISE CONCERNS ON CONTRACTS WITH KAZAKHSTAN
The US Department of Commerce proposal published in the 3/19/96 Federal Register raised concerns of US utilities companies that the proposed solution would apply additional restrictions on contracts executed prior to the US-Kazakhstan suspension agreement amendment of 3/27/95. The Nuclear Energy Institute advised that 100% grandfathering of affected Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan origin uranium contracts would not negatively affect uranium market, in light of the strong uranium market recovery.
["Utilities, NEI Criticize DOC Proposal," NuclearFuel,  no.16, 22 April 1996.] 

4/4/96: DISCARDED RADIOACTIVE SOURCES SURVEYED
According to Bakhytzhan Berikbolov, head of the geological prospecting organization Volkovgeologiya and state holding company Zharys, a radiation survey conducted by Zharys has found 18 discarded radioactive devices with emissions from 1.8 to 700 roentgen/hour in eight of the 18 administrative centers surveyed. In Semipalatinsk, Atyrau, Aktyubinsk, and Khromtau, 18 road sites showed emission levels from 0.2 to 100 milliroentgen/hour due to contamination of road construction materials by cesium-137. 607 radioactive sources with emission ranges from 100 to 35,000 microroentgen/hour have been found on the grounds of kindergartens, schools, and other organizations. Currently, the survey has covered 60% of planned locations.
[Nataliya Todorova, "Uran nam drug ili vrag?," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 4 April 1996, p. 5.]

3/16/96: ANTI-NUCLEAR MOVEMENT ATTAN RETURNS FROM TURKEY
Participants of the anti-nuclear movement Attan, led by Amantay Asylbekov, returned from Turkey where they held meetings against the testing of nuclear weapons. In the future, Attan plans to visit a number of Arab countries.
[Lyudmila Pereverzeva, "Marsh Attana v Turtsii," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 16 March 1996, p. 2.] 
 
2/96: RADIATION LEVEL IN KAZAKHSTAN
A recent study concluded that background radiation levels throughout Kazakhstan are within allowable limits. Though the report noted unusually high radiation levels during the 1986 Chornobyl incident and around the area of Semipalatinsk, research also indicated that these statistical anomalies measured well below allowable levels.
[Gyulnara Nurpeisova, "Background Radiation -- Within The Boundaries Of The Allowable," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 7 February 1996, p. 2.] 

2/23/96: BROWN & ROOT WIN CTR CONTRACT FOR SILO DESTRUCTION IN KAZAKHSTAN
A joint venture team, composed of the Swedish-Swiss multinational engineering firm ABB and the Houston-based construction company Brown and Root, won a contract to destroy 148 missile silos located in four different sites in Kazakhstan. Worth $31 million, the contract is funded from by Nunn-Lugar project (CTR) for the elimination of strategic offensive arms. Kazakhstan has taken on itself the responsibility for destroying the command and control apparatus for the SS-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles according to a previous agreement with the United States. (For more information on the CTR program see Kazakhstan:  CTR Program.) 
[Francis Williams, "Foreign Companies Will Help Kazakhstan Dismantle Missile Silos," Finansovye izvestiya, 23 February 1996, No. 20, p. 1.] 
 
1/26/96: KAZAKHSTANI-RUSSIAN AGREEMENTS TO ADDRESS NUCLEAR WEAPONS REMOVAL
Upon concluding a two day meeting in Almaty, Kazakhstani Defense Minster Alibek Kasymov and Russian Defense Minister Pavel Grachev signed a series of 16 documents. Chief among the agreements was a protocol calling for the preparation and arrangement of a bilateral defense pact. Other agreements addressed the full removal of nuclear weapons from Kazakhstan to Russia, the use of test facilities located on Kazakhstani territory, and the deployment of Russian military forces in Kazakhstan.
Sources:
[1] Raisa Dobraya, "The Creation Of A Military-Political Union -- The Main Goal Of The Reception The Minister Kf Defense Of Russia," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 30 January 1996, p. 1.
[2] "The Visit Of Pavel Grachev To Kazakhstan Began," Segodnya, 26 January 1996, p. 1. 
 
1/14/96: RUSSIAN MISSILE UNITS IN KAZAKHSTAN TO BE DISBANDED BY 5/96
Colonel General Igor Sergeyev, Commander of the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces- announced that all "Russian-commanded military units controlling nuclear missiles" on Kazakhstani territory are to be withdrawn and disbanded by 1 May 1996.
["Russia Says Republics To Give Up Nukes," UPI, 14 January 1996, Code No. 1041.] 

12/18/95: US URANIUM MINERS CRITICIZE SUSPENSION AGREEMENT
A suspension agreement, fixing the amount of Kazak and Uzbek uranium which can be supplied to US utilities companies, is being challenged by uranium miners in the United States, who consider the contract unfair. Accordingly, US miners filed a petition on 11/27/95 with the US Court of International Trade in New York. A proposal by the US DOC's Joseph Petrini to grandfather 75 percent of the Kazak and Uzbek uranium, for which utilities companies in the United States had contracted before 3/27/95, appears to be the central point of contention between the two sides.
["Miners Submit New Proposal To DOC On Grandfathering Kazak/Uzbek Uranium," NuclearFuel, 18 December 1995, p. 2.] 

11/30/95: NEVADA-SEMIPALATINSK PROTESTS FRENCH NUCLEAR TESTING
The international anti-nuclear organization "Nevada-Semipalatinsk" made a statement protesting the continued self-destruction of humanity in light of continued French nuclear testing at the Mururoa atoll. Nevada-Semipalatinsk, citing the devastating cumulative effects of nuclear testing at the Semipalatinsk test site, urged the French government to halt testing.
[Raisa Dobraya, "Against Nuclear Testing And Self-Destruction," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 30 November 1995, p. 2.] 
 
11/11/95: KAZAKHSTANI CONSUMPTION OF CIS URANIUM
According to the Minatom figures, Kazakhstan annually consumes 1-3 percent of CIS uranium; 50 percent of CIS uranium ore deposits are located on Uzbek territory. The article concludes that the CIS must develop a inter-republic system of mining and milling uranium, in light of a reported freeze on CTR funds.
[Aleksey Chichkin, "Uranovyy sled," Rossiskaya gazeta, 11 November 1995, p. 14.] 

11/95: RUSSIA TO COMPENSATE KAZAKHSTAN FOR STRATEGIC BOMBERS
An article in Panorama reports that by the end of 1995 Russia will outfit the Kazakhstani Ministry of Defense with 43 jet airplanes, including 21 MiG-29s. The supply of jets is part of a compensatory program to make up for strategic bombers and nuclear warheads removed from Kazakhstani territory. According to Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Nigmatzhan Isingarin, Russia will deliver an additional 30 military jets to Kazakhstan over the next two years.
[Central Asia Monitor, No. 6 (10-11), 1995.] 
  
10/2/95: U3O8 PRICE SET AT $12.25/LB
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced a U3O8 market price of $12.25/lb, allowing Kazakhstan, under its new suspension agreement, to import an additional 500,000 lbs into the United States in the October through March (1996) period.
["In the Antidumping Case...," NuclearFuel, 9 October 1995, p. 18.] 

10/95: STORAGE FACILITY NEEDED FOR USED RADIOACTIVE DEVICES
Tuseyn Ozhakhliyev, head of the Radiation Hygiene Division of Almaty's Sanitary and Epidemiological Directorate, stated that in Almaty there are more than 4,000 sources of radioactivity from technical devices (radioisotope devices) that have outlived their utility and are in need of disposal at special burial sites. However, no such facility exists in Kazakhstan, according to Ozhakhliyev, creating "gloomy" environmental conditions.
[FBIS-SOV-95-201, "'Gloomy' Outlook for Radioactive Waste Disposal," 12 October 1995.] 

10/95: KATEP, URANERZ, AND CAMECO'S JOINT VENTURE DETAILED
Uranerz CEO Dr. Hikmet Akin explained that the impetus for the planned joint venture between his firm, KATEP, and Cameco Corporation is the fact that Kazakhstan's Mynkuduk and Inkay uranium deposits are conducive to ISL mining. A feasibility study is being conducted to generate cost figures and develop an initial mining plan. Optimistic about the quantity of uranium available at the two sites, the investing firms are not likely to begin production before 2000. Uranerz and Cameco have reportedly pledged to invest $53 million in the mining project.
["Uranerz Exploration And Mining Limited: Past, Present, Future," Nukem, October 1995, pp. 21-28; "On To Kazakhstan," Nukem, October 1995, p. 18.] 

9/15/95: JOINT COMMISSION FOR MONITORING THE EFFECTS OF CHINESE NUCLEAR TESTS
According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Kazakhstan and China will set up commissions to work jointly to monitor the effects of Chinese nuclear tests on the environment in Kazakhstan.
[Bhavna Dave, "China and Kazakhstan to Jointly Monitor Effects of Nuclear Tests," OMRI Daily Digest, No. 182, Vol. 1, 19 September 1995.] 
 
9/12/95: KAZAKHSTAN AND CHINA CALL FOR HALT TO TESTING
China and Kazakhstan issued a joint statement, containing no specific provisions, calling for an end to nuclear testing.
[Bhavna Dave, "...Differences Over Nuclear Issue...," OMRI Daily Digest, No. 179, Vol. 1, 14 September 1995.]

9/95: TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHING A JOINT CHINESE-KAZAKHSTANI COMMISSION
In response to Kazakhstani appeals for China to regulate its nuclear testing, Beijing has tentatively agreed to establish a joint Chinese-Kazakhstani commission for environmental oversight of future underground tests. No plans have been made yet to define the commission's jurisdiction or powers. Further, officials in Beijing refuse to admit that there is any danger of radioactive emissions from the underground tests, despite evidence to the contrary presented by German researchers after a visit to the Gobi desert.
["Beijing Promises To Conduct Nuclear Explosions With Consideration For Kazakhstan," The Current Digest of the Post-Soviet Press, Vol. XLVII, No. 37 (1995), pp. 25-26.] 
 
8/11/95: SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO FORCE
The safeguards agreement concluded with the IAEA pursuant to NPT Article III.1 entered into force. Click here for the full-text of this agreement, reproduced in IAEA Information Circular 504.
[International Atomic Energy Agency, Agreement of 26 July 1994 Between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, INFCIRC/504, March 1996.] {updated 8/3/99 FW} 
 
8/4/98: KAZAKHSTANI PRIME MINISTER SUPPORTS JOINT URANIUM VENTURE WITH RUSSIA
Kazakhstani Prime Minister Nurlan Balgimbayev said at a press conference in Almaty on 4 August 1998, that the creation of a joint venture between Kazatomprom and the Russian company TVEL would be "a good decision, as technologically uranium production in Kazakhstan is indissolubly linked with Russia."  Balgimbayev also said that Kazakhstan should seek uranium sales markets in countries with Soviet-made nuclear reactors, particularly in Eastern Europe and Ukraine.
[Interfax-Kazakhstan, 4 August 1998; in "Kazakhstan to Cut 1998 Budged Expenditures by 25 Percent," FBIS-SOV-98-218.]{Entered 9/14/98 by FW} 

7/15/95: KATEP, URANERZ, AND CAMECO TO CREATE JOINT VENTURE
Cameco Corp., Uranerz Exploration and Mining Limited (both of Canada), and Kazakhstan's KATEP announced the formation of a joint venture to develop 2 uranium deposits, Inkay and Mynkuduk, in south Kazakhstan. The venture will rely on the in-situ leaching process and will be managed by Uranerz and KATEP personnel. Each company will hold a one-third participating interest.
Sources:
[1] "Three Form Kazak Joint Venture," Nuclear Review, August 1995, p. 12.]
[2] Interfax, 17 August 1995, in FBIS-SOV-95-160, "Joint Uranium Mining Venture Planned With Canada," 17 August 1995.] 

6/95: KAZAKHSTANI FOREIGN MINISTRY ON CENTRAL ASIAN NWFZ
In response to a question, one Foreign Ministry official noted that a nuclear weapon-free zone (NWFZ) in Central Asia was unnecessary. The official stated that he had the following concerns regarding such a zone: the Central Asian region is ill defined; nuclear weapons are no longer on Kazakhstani territory and Kazakhstan has pledged never to develop them; and Kazakhstan is in a unique strategic position -- flanked by two large nuclear weapons states, Russia and China. This official felt a NWFZ would generate a feeling of good will, but would not provide tangible security benefits for Kazakhstan.
Sources:
[1] Emily Ewell, "Trip Report - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine," 21 June 1995, p. 24.
[2] Bhavna Dave, "...Differences Over Nuclear Issue...," OMRI Daily Digest, No. 179, Vol. 1, 14 September 1995. 
 
6/2/95: NEI ASKS DOC TO GRANDFATHER CONTRACTS WITH KAZAKHSTAN
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) asked the US Department of Commerce (DOC) to grandfather contracts that US utilities signed for the purchase of uranium from Kazakhstan. A number of US utilities signed contracts for Kazak uranium and planned to have that uranium enriched in Europe.
["NEI Asks for Grandfathering of Kazak U," Nuclear Fuel, 19 June 1995; p.18.] 
 
6/1/95: RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROBLEMS IN KAZAKHSTAN REPORTED
ITAR-TASS reported that 36,000 sources of radioactivity with a total emission yield of more than 10,000 Ci have been discovered on the grounds of 136 different organizations in Almaty. According to the report, radioactive devices and other sources of radioactivity which are no longer in use, were either dumped together with industrial waste or kept on the premises of the respective organizations. The report states that the waste facility belonging to the Institute of Nuclear Physics is already at capacity, and that four tons of waste (7,500 Ci) still await disposal.
[FBIS-SOV-95-105, "36,000 Sources of Radioactivity Discovered in Almaty," 1 June 1995.] 

5/24/95: ALL NUCLEAR WEAPONS TRANSFERRED TO RUSSIA
The Kazakhstani Foreign Ministry confirmed that all nuclear warheads had been transferred from Kazakhstan to Russia.
[Doug Clarke, "Kazakhstan Confirms It Is Nuclear Free," OMRI Daily Digest, 25 May 1996, p. 3.]

4/25/95: RUSSIA ANNOUNCES THE COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL OF NUCLEAR WARHEADS FROM KAZAKHSTAN
[ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 25 April 1995; in FBIS-SOV-95-080, "Kazakhstan Completes Transfer Of Nuclear Warheads," 25 April 1995.] 
 
4/24/95: KAZAKHSTAN ELIMINATING ICBM SILOS
Kazakhstan has begun eliminating its ICBM silos in accordance with the START I Treaty. The destruction of the silos is being carried out by the Russian strategic missile forces on the basis of an agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan and Russia; the silos are being eliminated by explosions. There are two SS-18 missile fields in Kazakhstan, and the first silos to be destroyed are located at the Derzhavinsk field in the Turgai region of Northern Kazakhstan.
Sources:
[1] ITAR-TASS, 24 April 1995; in FBIS-SOV-95-078, "Kazakhstan Begins Eliminating ICBM Silos," 24 February 1995.
[2] Krasnaya zvezda, 20 April 1995, p.1; in FBIS-SOV-095-077, "Troops Begin Destroying ICBM Silos in Kazakhstan," 20 April 1995.
[3] Doug Clarke, OMRI Daily Digest, 25 April 1995. 
 
4/24/95: KAZAKHSTAN SUPPORTS INDEFINITE EXTENSION OF THE NPT
At the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Republic of Kazakhstan officially announced its support for indefinite and unconditional extension of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
[NPT Update #7, Acronym Consortium and Disarmament Times, 25 April 1995.] 
 
4/15/95: NAZARBAYEV, PERRY ON NPT EXTENSION
At a meeting held in Almaty, US Defense Secretary William Perry and President Nursultan Nazarbayev agreed that the Non-Proliferation Treaty should be extended indefinitely and unconditionally.
[Sovety Kazakhstana, 7 April 1995, p. 1; in "Perry, Nazarbayev Discussions Reviewed," FBIS-SOV-95-070, 7 April 1995.] 

4/5/95: MISSILE WITHDRAWAL FROM KAZAKHSTAN IS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
US Secretary of Defense William Perry stated that the process of missile and nuclear material withdrawal and dismantlement from Kazakhstan is 2-3 months ahead of schedule.
[Interfax (Moscow), 5 April 1995; in FBIS-SOV-95-066, "Reportage on US Defense Minister Perry Visit," 5 April 1995.

3/27/95: KAZAKHSTAN AGREED TO CUT "BYPASS" URANIUM DEALS
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) and Kazakhstan signed an amendment to the Kazakhstan suspension agreement. The amendment allows one million pounds of Kazakh U3O8 to be imported into the United States after the DOC-determined price hits $12/lb. In return, Kazakhstan agreed to shut down the use of its uranium in so-called "bypass" uranium enrichment deals (deals wherein CIS uranium enriched in Europe takes on the origin of the country in which it was enriched; trade restrictions on CIS uranium are thereby bypassed). Under the new agreement all uranium mined in Kazakhstan would be considered of Kazak origin, including uranium subsequently enriched in a third country.
["Uranium Market," Nuclear Fuel, 10 April 1995; p. 15.] 
 
3/17/95: ZHANGIZ-TOBE ICBM BASE SITE IS BEING CLOSED
All the SS-18 (Satan) missiles deployed at Zhangiz-Tobe are being withdrawn to Russia, and the base is to be closed. Zhangiz-Tobe is also known as Solnechnyy.
[Krasnaya zvezda, 17 March 1995; in FBIS-SOV-95-054, "Zhangiz-Tobe ICBM Base Closure Viewed," 17 March 1995.] 
 
3/95: PROGRESS ON WARHEADS WITHDRAWAL, LAUNCHER ELIMINATION
According to Department of Defense Assistant Secretary for Atomic Energy Harold P. Smith, by 3/95, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine have withdrawn a total of 1,000 warheads to Russia and that about 575 launchers and bombers have been eliminated throughout the entire former Soviet Union.
["Pentagon Defends Nunn-Lugar; Predicts $1 Billion Chem-Demil Program," Post-Soviet Nuclear and Defense Monitor, 14 March 1995, pp. 3-4.] 
 
3/23/95: US TEAM INSPECTS BOMBERS IN SEMIPALATINSK.
From 3/22-3/23/95 a US committee carried out an inspection at the Semipalatinsk airfield in accordance with START-I. The 7 TU-95s that are located on the airfield were also inspected. The status and a schedule of liquidation for the TU-95s will be decided later by the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs RK Statement.] 

3/95: PROGRESS ON WARHEADS WITHDRAWAL IN KAZAKHSTAN, UKRAINE
The Pentagon has stated that as of mid-March, 1,555 strategic warheads have been removed from missiles in the republics of the former Soviet Union, including 440 SS-18 ICBM and 370 ALCM warheads in Kazakhstan, 45 SS-25 ICBM warheads in Belarus, 240 SS-19 and 460 SS-24 ICBM warheads in Ukraine. Of these, 1,097 have been withdrawn to Russia, including 632 from Kazakhstan, 45 from Belarus, and 420 from Ukraine.
["Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine START 1 Cuts," Arms Control Today, April 1995.] 

2/4/95: DISMANTLING OF WARHEADS HAS BEGUN
According to a report on parliamentary hearings by Gadlet Batyrbekov, the Director General of the Kazakhstani National Nuclear Center, work on disassembly of 108 SS-18 warheads has already begun and will be finished by 3-4/95. (Disassembly of warheads is performed in Russia, not in Kazakhstan. Either the source is referring to the removal of warheads from missiles, or the progress of warhead dismantling in Russia.)
[Panorama, 4 February 1995, p. 2; in FBIS-SOV-45-028, "Parliament Considers Future of Nuclear Power," 4 February 1995.]

2/8/95: CHINA GRANTS SECURITY ASSURANCES TO KAZAKHSTAN
China gave security assurances to Kazakhstan that it would never use nuclear weapons against Kazakhstan. According to a statement released by the government, "the Chinese government has unconditionally undertaken not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones...This long-standing principled position also applies to Kazakhstan."[1] The following day, President Nursultan Nazarbayev sent a personal message to Chinese President Jiang Zemin, confirming the commitment of his republic to friendly relations and comprehensive cooperation with China.[2]
Sources:
[1] "China gives security assurance to Kazakhstan," Reuters News Service, 8 February 1995.
[2] ITAR-TASS, 9 February 1995; in "Nazarbayev Thanks China for Nuclear Security Guarantees," FBIS-SOV-095-027, 9 February 1995. 

1/95: KAZAKHSTANI URANIUM TO BE PROCESSED IN KYRGYZSTAN
According to an agreement reached between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, some uranium mined in Kazakhstan will be processed at the Kara-Balta mining combine near the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.
[ITAR-TASS, 21 January 1995; in FBIS-SOV-95-014, "Kazakhstan Agrees to Joint Uranium Production," 21 January 1995.] 

12/7/94: MEMORANDUM ON SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR KAZAKHSTAN WAS SIGNED IN BUDAPEST
A Memorandum on Security Guarantees for Kazakhstan was signed by the major nuclear powers during the CSCE summit meeting in Budapest. The memorandum guarantees the independence and territorial integrity of Kazakhstan, and non-aggression, both conventional and nuclear, against it. Under the memorandum, if aggression is committed against Kazakhstan, the UN Security Council must respond immediately. Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev said that the memorandum is vital for Kazakhstan's security and for its participation in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state.
[ITAR-TASS, 7 December 1994; in "CSCE Security Guarantees Welcomed for Kazakhstan," FBIS-SOV-94-236, 7 October 1994.] 
 
12/94: ICBM COMPONENTS ARE BEING REMOVED FROM KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan's First Deputy Defense Minister Major General Alibek Kasymov told Interfax that intercontinental ballistic missiles are being taken off-line in Kazakhstan and components of the strategic offensive weapons are being removed to Russia. According to Kasymov, the aviation division, previously located near Semipalatinsk, has been completely removed from Kazakhstan.
[Interfax, 14 December 1994; in FBIS-SOV-94-241, "Strategic Nuclear Missiles Taken Off Duty," 14 December 1994.] 
 
11/11/94: GOVERNMENT PASSES RESOLUTION ON LICENSING PROCEDURES FOR RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
A resolution on the procedure for obtaining a temporary license to dispose of radioactive waste in the Republic of Kazakhstan was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to the resolution, in order to obtain a temporary license for the disposal of radioactive waste, an enterprise must submit the necessary documents to the Ministry of Ecology and Biological Resources. The resolution established that a temporary license should be issued (or withheld) within 30 days and be valid for six months.
[Panorama, 19 November 1994, p. 1; in FBIS-SOV-94-227, "Licenses Required to Bury Radioactive Waste," 19 November 1994.] 

10/13/94: MISSILE SILOS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE CLOSED DOWN
US Secretary of Defense William Perry and Kazakhstan's Defense Minister Sagadat Nurmagambetov exchanged messages which emphasize that Washington regards Almaty as a bulwark of stability in Central Asia. According to Nurmagambetov, nuclear warheads and RS-20 (SS-18) ICBMs are being moved to Russia. The missile silos and launch control centers are scheduled to be closed down soon. Destruction of nuclear missiles was to begin in 1994.
[Interfax, 13 October 1994; in FBIS-SOV-94-199, "Government Begins Eliminating Strategic Nuclear Forces," 13 October 1994.] 
 
10/94: KAZAKHSTAN WOULD SUPPORT A NWFZ
A Kazakhstani government official stated that he believed it would be in Kazakhstan's interest to support a nuclear weapon-free zone in Central Asia, including a ban on transshipment, in exchange for additional security guarantees from Russia and the West.
Sources:
[1] Statement by Kazakhstani government official, at CISNP-sponsored "NPT Extension Conference Workshop," 10-12 October 1994, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
[2] Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 15 October 1994, p. 3; in FBIS Document JPRS-TND-94-020, 17 October 1994, pp. 30-32. 
 
10/7/94: FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT ON CHINESE NUCLEAR TESTS
In connection with the Chinese atomic explosion on 7 October 1994, a statement by the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan said that nuclear tests on the Lop-Nor experimental range in China are "undermining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty regime." According to the statement, Kazakhstan would welcome a decision by Chinese leadership to join in a universal ban on nuclear tests.
[ITAR-TASS, 7 October 1994; in FBIS-SOV-94-196, "Foreign Ministry Statement on Nuclear Test," 7 October 1994.] 
 
9/94: 44 SS-18 ICBMs HAVE BEEN DEACTIVATED IN KAZAKHSTAN
According to an unclassified CIA report, as of this month 44 SS-18 ICBMs have been deactivated and their warheads have been removed. With these retirements completed, Kazakhstan now has 60 SS-18s on its territory.
["Nuclear Weapons Deactivations Continue In FSU," Arms Control Today, November 1994, p. 33.]

7/26/94: KAZAKHSTAN, IAEA SIGN SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT
Prime Minister Sergey Tereshchenko and Hans Blix, Director General of the IAEA, signed a nuclear safeguards agreement in Almaty. The Agreement will come into force upon ratification by Kazakhstan's Parliament. According to Mr. Blix, the IAEA will assist Kazakhstan in dealing with the consequences of testing at the Semipalatinsk site, and in planning a replacement for the BN-350 reactor at Aktau, as well as assist in the further development of nuclear energy for Kazakhstan.[1,2] Tereshchenko stated that Kazakhstan hopes to receive technical assistance from the IAEA to help develop a civilian nuclear power program, adding that the future belongs to nuclear energy. IAEA assistance is also being sought for environmental evaluations and clean-up around nuclear sites.[3] The IAEA inspection team in Kazakhstan has not detected any high levels of radiation around the former test site at Semipalatinsk.[4]
Sources:
[1] IAEA press release, PR 94/30, 27 July 1994.
[2] "MAGATE pomozhet Kazakhstanu vyrabotat sistemu kontrolya za ispolzovaniem yadernoy energii," Kazakhstanskaya pravda, 26 July 1994, p. 1.
[3] "Nuclear Safeguards Pact Signed with IAEA," Nuclear News, September 1994, p. 92.
[4] Keith Martin, "Kazakhstan Signs Nuclear Agreement," RFE/RL News Briefs, 25-29 July 1994 and 1-5 July 1994, Vol. 3, No. 31, p. 8. 
 
7/94: ICBMS HAVE BEEN DETARGETED
Target coordinates reportedly have been removed from the memories of missile guidance computers in Kazakhstan as well as in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, as a precautionary measure in the case of an accidental launch, according to Colonel General Igor Sergeyev, commander of the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces. (This "detargeting" of ICBMs is a result of international agreements between Russia, the United States and other states to reduce the danger of accidental launch.)
["US-Russian Strategic Missile Detargeting Complete," Arms Control Today, July-August 1994, p. 26.] 

5/12/94: KAZAKHSTANI URANIUM EXPORT TO THE US DETAILED
According to an agreement between the United States and Kazakhstan, 440,000 lbs. of newly produced Kazak-origin uranium U3O8 may be imported into the US each year for the next two years. After that, a quota will established, based on US uranium production levels. If the United States produces 3.5 million lbs., then Kazakhstan could export 330,000 lbs. to the United States; at a US production level of 6.5 million lbs., Kazakhstan could export 909,000 lbs. However, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) and Kazakhstan can agree after the initial two-year "transitional period" to revert back to the original suspension agreement, which allows increasing amounts of imports as the DOC indicator price rises above $13/lb.
["Kazak, Uzbek Amendments May Be Finalized Soon," NuclearFuel, 12 May 1994, pp. 2-3.] 

5/94: RUSSIA TO CONTROL THE STRATEGIC ROCKET FORCES IN KAZAKHSTAN
It was reported that Russia and Kazakhstan have reached an agreement granting control of the strategic rocket forces remaining on Kazakhstani territory to Russia. This announcement came from Colonel-General Igor Sergeyev, Commander-in -Chief of Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces. It was further stated that Kazakhstan will be completely free of nuclear weapons by sometime in 1995.
["Weapons," Moscow News (English edition), No. 18, 6-12 May 1994, p. 1.] 
 
5/10/94: KAZAKHSTANI-US NEGOTIATIONS ON A TENDER TO DISMANTLE SILOS
Kazakhstani and American governmental negotiators have not been able to agree on the terms of a tender for the contract to dismantle missile silos located on Kazakhstani territory, according to Kazakhstan's First Deputy Defense Minister Alibek Kasymov. The terms of the tender, which Kazakhstani officials agree is technically open, are such that "the participation of Kazak firms in it is problematic," said Kasymov. Kasymov confirmed that talks will continue. KATEP (the State Corporation for Atomic Power and Industry) and two holding companies, Special Installations and Construction, intend to take part in the tender.
[Interfax, 5/10/94; in FBIS-SOV-94-091, "Almaty, Washington Disagree On Missile Dismantlement," 11 May 1994, p.31.] 

4/94: GOVERNMENT REGULATION ON THE SAFE USE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kazakhstan adopted Provisional Regulations On the Utilization of Atomic Energy; Nuclear Activities; Treatment of Radioactive Wastes and Spent Fuel; and Radioactive Safety of Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The regulations, which were adopted in order to coordinate the activities of various governmental bodies in the utilization of nuclear energy, were intended to stop the illegal use of nuclear materials and to provide safe use of nuclear energy.
[Y. Kasenov, D. Eleukenov, M. Laumulin, "Kazakhstan and the NPT," (Almaty, 1994).] 

4/94: KAZAKHSTANI EXPORT AGREEMENT WITH NUKEM
It was reported that Kazakhstan concluded agreements on the export of uranium with NUKEM and the Australian firm Energy Resources.
[Dr. Oleg Bukharin and Professor William Potter, "Kazakhstan--A Nuclear Profile," Jane's Intelligence Review, April 1994, p. 186.] 

4/94: STATUS OF NUCLEAR WARHEADS REMOVED FROM CRUISE MISSILES
The status of the nuclear warheads removed from the ALCMs deployed in Kazakhstan in remains uncertain. The cruise missiles had been associated with the 40 Bear-H bombers recently transferred to Russia from Kazakhstan. President Nazarbayev insists that Kazakhstan receive $1 billion of the $11.9 billion which the United States has agreed to pay for the HEU recovered from dismantled Soviet warheads. The United States will not implement the agreement until Russia has finalized arrangements with Belarus and Kazakhstan on the disbursement of the funds.
["Last Of Bear-H Bombers Out Of Kazakhstan," Arms Control Today, April 1994, p. 28.] 
 
3/28/94: KAZAKHSTAN, RUSSIA AGREE ON PROVISIONS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF NUCLEAR FORCES
Presidents Nazarbayev and Yeltsin have signed a series of agreements, which include provisions for the disposition of the nuclear forces located on Kazakhstani territory. According to this report, Russia will assume full jurisdiction over the missiles, whose warheads are to be removed within 14 months. The missiles themselves and their silos are to be dismantled within three years, although details of the dismantlement process remain unclear. There is no new information about the compensation being sought by Kazakhstan for the HEU contained in the warheads.
["Agreement On Nukes In Kazakhstan," RFE/RL News Briefs, Vol. 3, No. 19, 9-13 May 1994, p. 9.] 
 
3/94: PRESIDENT NAZARBAYEV ASSURES THAT ALL SS-18 WILL BE DISMANTLED
President Nazarbayev gave US Secretary of Defense William Perry assurances that all 104 of the SS-18 ICBMs will be shipped to Russia for dismantling. Thus far, twelve SS-18s have been transported to Russia; all the strategic bombers have also been returned to Russia. The warheads, however, have not been transferred yet and will not be returned to Russia until Kazakhstan and Russia reach an agreement regarding compensation for the HEU in the warheads. Such an agreement may occur by the end of April.
Sources:
[1] John Lepingwell, "Assurances on Nuclear Weapons in Kazakhstan," RFE/RL News Briefs, 21-25 March 1994 , p. 8.
[2] ITAR-TASS, 12 February 1994; in JPRS-TND-94-006, "State Advisor Counters Report on Nuclear Storage Dangers," 16 March 1994, pp. 37-38.] 
 
3/94: DETERIORATION OF MISSILE BASES IN KAZAKHSTAN REPORTED
Russian television reported that deteriorating conditions at the strategic missile bases in Kazakhstan can be attributed to strained relations between the Kazakhstani and Russian governments. Kazakhstan has renounced any claim to the missiles on its territory, and the divisions guarding the bases, paid in Russian rubles, are considered to be Russian, yet ambiguity remains over the status of these missiles, according to the report. The decision by the Kazakhstani government to suspend transfer of warheads and other missile components apparently derived from the intention to seek compensation for HEU contained in the warheads. Critics have claimed that this measure has led to an unacceptable build-up of dangerous materials at poorly-maintained storage depots.
[St. Petersburg Fifth National Television Network, 20 March 1994; in "Missiles Becoming Instruments Of Political Blackmail," JPRS-TND-94-011, 16 May 1994, p. 35.] 

3/28/94: KAZAKHSTAN TO SELL URANIUM AND BERYLLIUM TO RUSSIA
Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a series of 23 agreements, including the use of the Baykonur Cosmodrome and the sale of beryllium and uranium materials.
["Kazak Leader Says No Fear Of Russian Imperialism," Reuters News Service, 30 March 1994.] 

2/94: LAST TU-95M TRANSFERRED TO RUSSIA
Colonel General Petr Deynekin, commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force, says that the last four Russian Tu-95Ms on Kazakhstani territory have been removed to Russia, but that several obsolete Tu-95s, manufactured in 1955, would remain at the Semipalatinsk airfield. Senior Russian and Kazakhstani officials indicate that 40 Tu-95 strategic bombers and ALCMs were transferred to Russia in 2/94. Kazakhstan maintains that this action was taken by Russia without notification or the consent of Kazakhstan.
Sources:
[1] "All Strategic Bombers Out Of Kazakhstan; Talks On Those In Ukraine," RFE/RL News Briefs, Vol. 3, No. 9, 21-25 February 1994.]
[2] Additional information from personal communications with Kazakhstani and Russian Foreign Ministry officials in May 1994.
[3] "Nuclear Successor States Of The Former Soviet Union: Nuclear-Weapon And Sensitive Export Status Report," The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington, D.C. and Moscow, and The Monterey Institute of International Studies, Monterey, CA, Final Draft, 12 May 1994, p. 5.]

2/15/94: NAZARBAYEV SUBMITS NPT ACCESSION DOCUMENTS
President Nursultan Nazarbayev gave President Clinton documents on Kazakhstan's accession to the NPT as a non-nuclear weapons state. As a signatory to the NPT, Kazakhstan is required to ensure that all exports of nuclear facilities, materials, and nuclear-unique components are subject to IAEA safeguards in the recipient countries.
[Bess Brown, "Nazarbayev in Washington," RFE/RL News Briefs Supplement, 14-18 February 1994, p. 8.] 
 
2/12/94: NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN KAZAKHSTAN ARE POORLY MAINTAINED
Izvestiya, citing sources in the Russian Defense Ministry, alleged that the strategic nuclear weapons in Kazakhstan are poorly maintained and becoming dangerous. The report names the Derzhavinsk Garrison in Turgai Province and Zhangiz-Tobe Garrison in Semipalatinsk Province as being particularly dangerous because of low morale. It further claims that fire alarm systems, fire extinguishing equipment, and electrical wiring are falling apart, and that security equipment and electrical security barriers aren't working.[1] A comment on this report notes that these charges are being leveled in the Russian press at the start of President Nazarbayev's visit to Washington, and resemble the sorts of charges the Russian military has been making against Ukraine.[2]
Sources:
[1] Izvestiya, 12 February 1994, p. 2; in Viktor Litovkin, "Nuclear Magazines In Kazakhstan Are On The Verge Of An Accident," The Current Digest of the Post-Soviet Press, Vol. XLVI, No. 6, 1994, p. 27.
[2] Stephen Foye, "Izvestiya: Kazak Nuclear Weapons Unsafe," RFE/RL News Briefs, Vol. 3, No. 8, 14-18 February 1994. 

12/13/93: KAZAKHSTAN RATIFIES NPT
The Kazakhstani parliament voted 283-1 to accede to the NPT.
Sources:
[1] R. Jeffrey Smith, "Kazakhstan Signs Nuclear Treaty, Receives US Aid," Washington Post, 13 December 1993.
[2] "Kazakhstan Ratifies Nuclear Non-Proliferation Pact," Reuters News Service, 13 December 1993. 
 
12/93: KAZAK-US FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION IN DISMANTLING NUCLEAR ARMS SIGNED
A framework agreement on cooperation in dismantling nuclear weapons and on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction was signed by Kazakhstan and the United States. This agreement was required to allow provision of denuclearization support through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program. Although Kazakhstan was the first state from the former Soviet Union to ratify START I and the Lisbon Protocol, concluding the framework agreement under which the United States could assist Kazakhstan's denuclearization effort proved more difficult.
Sources:
[1] William Potter, "The Politics of Nuclear Renunciation : The Cases of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine," The Henry L. Stimson Center, Occasional Paper No. 22, April 1995, p. 18.
[2] Kazak Fact Sheet to the UN Conference on Disarmament, Geneva, June 1995, p. 2. 
 
10/93: THE IAEA OFFICIALLY ADMITTED KAZAKHSTAN AS A MEMBER
["Country Admitted As Member Of IAEA," FBIS Document JPRS-TND-93-034, 27 October 1993, p. 37. ] 
 
4/93: KAZAKHSTAN OPPOSED THE USE OF THE NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Kazakhstan declared that it is opposed to the use of any and all weapons of mass destruction. It supports efforts to reduce all nuclear arsenals and is also supportive of a general ban on nuclear testing.
[Dr. Gregory Andrusz, "Kazakhstan--Political Perspectives and Military Prospects," Jane's Intelligence Review, April 1993, p. 176.] 
 
4/93: KAZAK OFFICIALS ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS WITHDRAWAL
Oumirserik T. Kasenov, head of the Kazakhstan Center of Strategic Studies, suggested that the complete withdrawal of the nuclear weapons from the territory of Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine, as envisaged by the Lisbon Protocol, would reduce Russia's incentive to maintain a strategic partnership with those states.
[Panorama, No. 9, April 1993, p. 6.] 
 
2/93:  INTERMEDIATE-RANGE MISSILES HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM KAZAKHSTAN
President Nazarbayev stated that intermediate-range missiles have been completely removed from Kazakhstani territory.  He also declared that Kazakhstan was the first country to ratify START-1.
[Otto Hoermann, ORF (Vienna), 3 February 1993; in "Discusses Nuclear Arms Safety," FBIS Document SOV-93-022, 4 February 1993, p. 43.]

1/93: KAZAKHSTAN APPLIED FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE IAEA.
The Board of Governors will consider the application at its 6/93 meetings.
["Armenia, Kazakhstan, & Marshall Islands: IAEA Membership Applications," IAEA Bulletin, February 1993, p. 51.] 
 
10/21/92: ANTIDUMPING OF KAZAKHSTANI URANIUM SUSPENDED
The US Commerce Department decided to suspended its uranium antidumping investigations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan as long as a price-based quota, starting when the US market price is $13/lb for U3O8 is imposed. The investigation was filed by an ad hoc group of US uranium miners and the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union. Agreements were also signed with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan but no quotas were established since these republics have uranium mills but no mines. Should Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan open any mines at a later date, the agreement states that quotas may be set. This agreement will remain in force until October 15, 2000.
["CIS Republics Sign U Suspension Agreement to End Antidumping Agreement," NuclearFuel, 21 October 1994, pp. 1-6.]

5/23/92: KAZAKHSTAN SIGNS LISBON PROTOCOL TO START 1
Under the terms of the protocol, Kazakhstan agreed to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapons state "in the shortest possible time."
[Arms Control Today, June 1992, pp. 34-35.] 
 
1992: GOVERNMENTAL MEASURES TO DEAL WITH RADIOACTIVE WASTE
A decree was issued On Emergency Measures For Amelioration of Radioactive Situation in Kazakhstan, and the state scientific and technological program, Atomic Energy, Atomic Science and Technology, Radioactive Ecology, was developed. The following was done to implement these programs: development of a plan for radioactive waste storage and the compilation of a national radioactive waste catalog; reconstruction of temporary storage facilities for irradiation capsules (nearing completion) at Kurchatov; airborne mapping of gamma radiation over an area 670,000 sq. km.; and radiation, geological, hydrological and lithological chemical mapping of an area of 250,000 sq. km. In addition, geological passports (profiles) have been compiled for nuclear explosion test sites. The construction of an automated "Reflex" radiation monitoring system in the Mangystau region, which will be connected to other state monitoring systems, is nearing completion.
[Report done for CISNP, Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency, 7 July 1995.] {Revised 3/28/97 JWRL}

12/29/91: ALMATY DECLARATION ON STRATEGIC FORCES
The leaders of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine issued the Almaty Declaration on Strategic Forces in which they agreed to joint control over nuclear arsenals of the former Soviet Union.
[Kazakh fact sheet to the UN Conference on Disarmament, Geneva, June 1995, p. 1.]

	Updated September 2005