KAZAKHSTAN: MINERAL WEALTH BOOSTS INDEPENDENCE.

Kazakhstan’s National Security Council Secretary Baltash Tursunbaev says that the country’s leadership relies on international political organizations and regional security structures to ensure Kazakhstan’s independence. "Considering Kazakhstan’s exceptionally rich natural resources, the international community is interested in maintaining Kazakhstan’s status as a sovereign state and independent subject of international economic activities," Tursunbaev said. (Delovaya nedelya [an Almaty weekly], March 22-28; see also "News & Perspective" section below)

Russian Duma Passes Land Bill.