Putin-Tokayev Talks 'January Tragedy In Kazakhstan Were An Attempted Coup D'état

Kazakhstan fell victim to international gangs in January, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, opening the talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Thursday.

"This is our first meeting since the January events, when Kazakhstan, without exaggeration, became a victim of some international gangs, who took advantage of the complicated situation inside the country," the Russian leader said.

"We met before the New Year, you and I, and nothing suggested such development of events," Putin noted.

He noted that the situation in republic has been restored, adding that Russia "as one of CSTO member states lent Kazakshtan a hand in accordance with Article Four of the Collective Security Treaty."

"But, of course, the main role was played by Kazakh authorities themselves, dedicated to their cause, their oath, the people of Kazakhstan, as well as by law enforcement and the armed forces," the Russian president underscored.

"I know that a lot of effort must be exerted now in order to restore all that was lost amid those events; yet, Kazakhstan stands firmly, with confidence thanks to your efforts, it is developing under your leadership," Putin said to Tokayev.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev admitted that he was distressed over the high number of victims caused by the nationwide January riots, and reassured the public that all the insurrectionists would be brought to justice.

"This is the first visit after the New Year and, unfortunately, after the tragic events that took place in our country. Indeed, there was a meticulously planned operation by international terrorists and gangsters, who attacked Kazakhstan in order to undermine the constitutional order and carry out a coup d’etat," Tokayev stated.

Tokayev noted that "an investigation is currently underway, and the initial results are emerging." "Unfortunately, many casualties were sustained and I am greatly distressed by this, I expressed my condolences to the relatives and those close to the victims," the Kazakh leader noted. "An investigation into each individual case is underway and those guilty will be of course found, punished, and most importantly, brought to justice."

He reiterated his gratitude "for a warm, business-like attitude to Kazakhstan’s request for peacekeeping contingent."

"The peacekeeping contingent played a very important role from the standpoint of active, if I can say so, protection of strategic sites and, of course, from the standpoint of psychological intimidation of terrorists and bandits who picked Kazakhstan as their victim this time," Tokayev said.