Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave a number of instructions to the government to stabilize the situation amid the protests. In addition, the Kazakh leader ordered to resume the work of banks and transport, as well as to provide moral support to the military. A corresponding order is published on the president's website, writes UNN.
"Stabilize the work of public utilities, public transport and social infrastructure facilities. The Armed Forces, the KNB, the Interior Ministry, the National Guard and other security agencies - to carry out measures to improve combat readiness and equipment, and to maintain the morale of military personnel," reads the presidential statement.
Among the items also mentioned is the restoration of stable and uninterrupted operation of the second-tier banks and other financial institutions after the situation is stabilized.
In addition, Tokayev requested the creation of a special investigative team of representatives of the Prosecutor General's Office, the Interior Ministry, the KNB and other competent authorities to determine the causes of the events, identify and prosecute all those responsible.
It was also instructed to take measures to protect diplomatic missions, as well as entities of foreign investment and business of foreign companies.
There are 10 items on the list of the President's instructions in total.
Note that this morning it was reported that in Kazakhstan temporarily stopped the work of all banks. The stock exchange does not work in the country.
In the meantime, collective peacekeeping forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have been sent to Kazakhstan. Russian airborne troops are also among them.
Two aircrafts of the Air Force of the Russian Federation flew in the direction of Kazakhstan this morning.
On the day before, a state of emergency and curfew were imposed throughout Kazakhstan.
In Almaty, where the day before the authorities announced an "anti-terrorist operation", there were few people on the streets, broken glass and broken traffic lights.
In the afternoon of January 5, against the background of protests related to rising gas prices, groups of people in Alma-Ata stormed the buildings of the regional administration and the presidential residence. Local media reported that looters appeared in the city in the evening, looting stores and banks and setting cars on fire.
Kazakhstani President Kassym-Zhomart blamed "terrorist groups trained from abroad" for the incidents. He appealed for help from partners within the CSTO. Late in the evening of January 5, the CSTO announced its readiness to provide military assistance to the Kazakh government.
