A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION / WWW.MFA.GOV.KZ ISSUE NO. 444 / FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016

President Nazarbayev Reviews Almaty Universiade Preparations

Six Parties Registered for Election, Int’l Observation Begins

Also In The News

Team Kazakhstan Wins Bronze in Country’s Futsal EURO Debut

In Focus:Foreign Policy Priorities

FM Idrissov: UN Supports Nuclear-Weapons-Free

World Concept

President Nazarbayev Reviews Almaty Universiade Preparations

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Kazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev during a recent meeting in Almaty instructed the government in collaboration with the 2017 World Winter Universiade organising committee and Almaty’s akimat (city administration) to take all necessary measures to prepare for the 2017 World Winter Universiade, the press service of the President of Kazakhstan reported Feb. 16.

“Conducting the Universiade shall give a new impulse to developing the city, improve its architectural appearance, and raise the level of service in hotels, restaurants, public transport, and sports objects. This all will stimulate small and middle business, increase the volume of services and create new jobs,” said the President.

The President noted that a number of preparation projects need a quicker finishing.

“The Medeu ice rink, Shymbulak ski resort and Baluan Sholak sports and culture palace [cause some] concern. Moreover, it is [important] to think how to use those facilities after conducting the games. The strain on the budget should be minimal while the sports facilities should be available to the public,” Nazarbayev stressed.

The President also said citizen safety needs to be increased before the games and instructed the city to install video cameras and street lighting, according to the report.

The head of stated also noted that Almaty plays an important role in the nation’s and region’s economy.

“The city has formed as a large economic centre; it is a donor of the national budget and provides one-fifth of the gross domestic product as of today. Almaty is also a leading educational centre; almost 40 percent of higher educational institutions are here. There is a big scientific potential that includes 86 scientific research institutes and 11,000 research workers who should make a significant contribution to developing of the innovation knowledge and intensive sectors of economy,” Nazarbayev said, the press serive reported.

The President reminded about measures on additional support of

and maintaining of financial stability, which were announced at the government’s enlarged meeting.

“The main task that I set to the city is attracting investment and creating new jobs. The work assessment of akim and his apparatus

will depend on this. Actively introducing public private partnerships is necessary. The Akim reported that this type of work was already started …” said the President.

The head of state also instructed the akimat (city administration) to work on attracting investment for implementing big projects in the city. The president drew attention to the need to increase the representation of innovative, design and service enterprises in Almaty’s business environment.

“A modern city needs an innovative economy. … As of today, 150 companies are involved, 42 higher education institutions, including six national and one third of all students are in Almaty,” said the head of state.

In this regard, Nazarbayev set a task on creating conditions for young scientists and students to implement their ideas and introduce new developments by instructing Kazakh Minister of Education and Science Yerlan Sagadiyev to take the fulfilment of this instruction under special control, the report said. Moreover, the President urged local executive bodies to be involved in supporting small and medium business.

Nazarbayev also draw attention to further developing housing construction.

“For housing construction 47 billion tenge (US$132 million) will be allocated, more than 3,000 apartments will be built as part of the Nurly Zhol programme. The cost of 1 square metre for accommodation for Almaty will not exceed 200,000 tenge (about US$561.4),” the President stated, the press service reported.

Head of the Presidential Administration Nurlan Nigmatulin, Chair of the National Bank Daniyar Akishev, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Kumar Aksakalov as well as heads of ministries, local executive bodies, law enforcement authorities, representatives of business and scientific circles took part in the meeting.

Kazakh Minister of Investment and Development Asset Issekeshev and Minister of Culture and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly and Akim (Mayor) of Almaty Bauyrzhan Baibek also spoke during the meeting, the report said.

FM Idrissov: UN Supports Nuclear-Weapons-Free World Concept

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Last year, Dec. 7, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration for the Achievement of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World suggested by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev three months before.

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov called the adoption “a landmark for the entire international community,” in an interview with The Astana Times.

It was especially important for citizens of Kazakhstan, a country that has suffered greatly from the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, to see Nazarbayev promote making a world without nuclear weapons humanity’s ultimate goal in the 21st century from the UN podium, Idrissov said. “Adopting the Universal Declaration for the Achievement of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World is a new, important step in realising this goal. … I believe that the general principles and obligations established in the document, already supported by the community of nations, can and must become a bridge between different and sometimes opposing views on the future shape of a world without nuclear weapons.”

However, not all countries are ready to disarm. “Despite the fact that the Universal Declaration was developed as a consensus document based on universally accepted principles and earlier agreements, it is evident that at this stage, not all countries are ready to support it,” Idrissov acknowledged. Nuclear weapons countries and their defence allies are not ready to renounce their weapons. More work is needed.

“In the coming years, we expect a long process of universalising the declaration. It is particularly important to conduct targeted work with those countries that did not support the declaration, to convince them to change their position.” Reconfirming the resolution every three years and creating a reporting mechanism for states to the UN and for the UN Secretariat to the General Assembly on the implementation of the goals has been suggested, Idrissov said. Reconfirming the declaration’s principles will help keep the international community focused on the declaration and keep the idea a nuclear-weapon-free world on the UN agenda.

Nuclear countries have objected in particular at establishing time frames for disarming. “The logic is simple – without defining time frames for the elimination of nuclear weapons, they will be there indefinitely. … Nuclear countries think that it is unrealistic to set time

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov

frames for nuclear disarmament. At the same time, non-nuclear countries completely disagree with such approaches and demand concrete time frames to save humankind from nuclear weapons,” Idrissov explained. “The declaration reflects a balanced and realistic approach. Recognising the necessity of having a structured nuclear disarmament process, it does not set concrete time periods, which is unrealistic today, but at the same time acknowledges that time frames for nuclear disarmament must be agreed upon with countries.”

The declaration notes the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons as one of the most important reasons for abolishing them, Idrissov said. Another reason is that such weapons are obsolete, rooted in a Cold War mentality that has no relevance to today’s world.

“The only guarantee of security is total and universal nuclear disarmament,” said the foreign minister. “Continuing to invoke the importance of nuclear weapons and their indefinite preservation will only make them spread further. If we do not start to disarm, the number of nuclear-weapon possessors will rise dramatically. … Today, when the world has become multipolar, nuclear weapons are increasingly used as an argument to solve regional problems, become a factor of regional deterrence, a means of promoting political and geopolitical interests. All this increases the risk of using nuclear weapons.”

It is not only governments who can support the movement to a nuclear-weapons-free world, Idrissov said. “Today, civil society, social movements and public opinion in general have a significant impact on certain political decision-making processes. … Civil society has played a significant role in bringing environmental issues, climate change and sustainable development to the forefront of the global agenda. It can make nuclear disarmament a priority for governments.”

“Adopting the Universal Declaration for the Achievement of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World is a new, important step in realising this goal. … I believe that the general principles and obligations established in the document, already supported by the community of nations, can and must become a bridge between different and sometimes opposing views on the future shape of a world without nuclear weapons.”

- Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov

Six Parties Registered for Election, Int’l Observation Begins

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Preparations are underway in Kazakhstan for the country’s parliamentary elections set for March 20, with the Central Election Commission (CEC) releasing early information about candidates and international organisations readying election-monitoring missions.

In a Feb. 12 briefing on the election of Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) and maslikhat (regional legislatures) deputies, CEC chairman Kuandyk Turgankulov said that all six submitted party lists had been registered, election.gov.kz reported. According to CEC, out of 7,885 candidates for the seats in the organs of legislative authorities, political parties nominated 1,942 candidates (24.6 percent), public organisations nominated 12 persons (0.2 percent) and 5,931 people (75.2 percent) were self-nominated. Among the candidates are representatives of 40 ethnic groups. Women make up 28.6 percent of candidates, men 71.4 percent. Approximately 72.3 percent have higher education; the average age is 43. Candidates include public officials, , employees of commercial structures, representatives of political parties and nongovernmental organisations, pensioners and unemployed persons.

A Feb. 16 drawing to determine the order of political parties on the Mazhilis election ballot resulted in an order of Nur Otan first, followed by the Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan (CPPK), the Ak Zhol Democratic Party of Kazakhstan, the Birlik Party, the Nationwide Social Democratic Party (NSDP) and the Auyl Social Democratic Party.

At a Feb. 17 press conference in Astana, first among a number of international observer missions expected, representatives of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) announced the official start of their mission for Kazakhstan’s parliamentary elections.

According to head of the mission Boris Frlec, the mission consists of 39 experts, who will be deployed throughout the country in teams of two and will start work Feb. 23. Another 400 short-term observers from OSCE states are expected to arrive just before the elections.

“We are here by the invitation of Kazakhstan’s authorities. … We are grateful that we have received the invitation in such timely manner. This allows us to observe the entire process of the elections according to our standards. Also, we would like to stress we have arrived here without preconceived ideas or fixed agendas,” Frlec said during the press conference. He also stressed that the same standards and the same methodology are applied to all OSCE member states.

The mission will assess the elections’ compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Experts will

monitor candidate and voter registration, campaign activities and the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies. They will observe the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results, and watch over legislation and its implementation, the resolution of election-related disputes, and media coverage of the campaign.

The mission will meet with state authorities, political parties, candidates and representatives from civil society, the media and the international community.

The mission will issue one interim report, and a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be released at a press conference March 21. A final report on the entire electoral process will be issued eight weeks after the end of the mission.

Kazakhstan is committed to competitive, transparent and fair elections, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov said at a meeting with Frlec Feb. 17.

“I am convinced that the upcoming parliamentary elections are another step towards strengthening the independence of our country,” Idrissov said. “We attach particular importance to how the upcoming parliamentary elections will take place and we intend to ensure 100 percent public confidence through the organisation of the elections in accordance with the highest democratic standards. Our Constitution and electoral laws clearly define the requirements for candidates and the election rules.”

It was earlier reported that international experts from 11 international organisations and CEC representatives from 19 countries had been invited to observe the upcoming elections. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization last month confirmed it would send a mission. Some other organisations that delegated observers to past elections in Kazakhstan include the Commonwealth of International States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, parliamentary assemblies of the OSCE, Collective Security Treaty Organization, and the Turkic Speaking Countries.

“I am convinced that the upcoming parliamentary elections are another step towards strengthening the independence of our country. We attach particular importance to how the upcoming parliamentary elections will take place and we intend to ensure 100 percent public confidence through the organisation of the elections in accordance with the highest democratic standards.”

-Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov

Recent meeting between representatives of the OSCE ODIHR and Kazakh diplomats. Photo by Ilyas Omarov

Team Kazakhstan Wins Bronze in Country’s Futsal EURO Debut

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Kazakhstan caused a sensation at its European Futsal Championship (Futsal EURO 2016), winning bronze in the competition held in Belgrade from Feb. 2–13. In the third-place match the team defeated the competition hosts, Serbia, 5:2 to earn their medal and in doing so reached the top 10 in the FIFA rankings, The Astana Times reports.

Speaking after the end of the tournament, Kazakhstan forward Pavel Taku said, “Am I happy with bronze in the European Championship? Previously, we could only dream to qualify for the tournament!”

Kazakhstan’s team began the tournament with a loss to Russia (1:2), but went on to defeat Croatia 4:2 to gain a spot in the quarterfinal against Italy. Kazakhstan was not expected to climb further, but they upset the reigning European champions, 5:2.

Against their next opponents, six-time European champions and two-time world champions Spain, Kazakhstan showed some fighting spirit, but were outperformed by the Spanish players’ experience and skill. Kazakhstan was also hindered by the loss of two key players, Chingiz Yessenamanov and goalkeeper Higuita. Kazakhstan lost 3:5; Spain went on to defeat Russia to win the tournament, and Kazakhstan to the bronze medal match with Serbia.

In the third-place-match, the first half was a crowd-pleaser, with plenty of attacks and no clear advantage. The teams’ goalkeepers were on top form, and it wasn’t until the last minute of the first half that Douglas Jr. scored for Kazakhstan. Then, Serbian goalkeeper Miodrag Aksentijević could not hold the ball after another strong shot from Kazakhstan’s side.

In the second half, all questions about who would win were settled with goals by Serik Zhamankulov and Douglas Jr. for Kazakhstan. Zhamankulov became one of the best snipers of the tournament, scoring six goals. The striker had several opportunities to excel during the match, but hit the bar three times and had another two attempts saved by the Serbian goalkeeper.

Higuita was the author of one of the most beautiful goals of the championship: having saved a strike at his goal, he then immediately sent the ball into Serbia’s empty net. A few minutes later, Douglas Jr.

scored a fifth goal for Kazakhstan. Serbia managed to score twice, but it wasn’t enough, and Kazakhstan snatched the bronze from them in their debut.

“I have neither the strength nor the emotions to celebrate. We’re just happy for our team! Thanks to all our fans for your support! It spurs us to achieve our goals! Once again I congratulate all of us,” Zhamankulov said in response to a question about how Kazakhstan’s players will celebrate the historic victory.

Much of the credit for Kazakhstan’s success must be given to Ricardo Camara Sobral, better known in futsal as Cacau. With the arrival of the 42-year-old Brazilian as head coach of Kazakhstan’s team, the quality of the game of Kazakhstan’s team has improved.

“I have been working in Kazakhstan for nine years – five as a player, four as a coach. I won two big tournaments with Kairat [Almaty’s futsal team], but today is a special day in my career. Perhaps someone has doubts about our game, but today once again Kazakhstan has shown their best football. I am proud of my players,” Cacau said of the victory.

“I think we properly represented the Kazakhstan team in the international arena, and now many know about us,” said the captain of Kazakhstan’s national team Dinmuhambet Suleimenov. “We are happy to make history. One of my dreams has come true. Winning the bronze medal of the European Championship is a great honour. And my second dream is of course, the World Cup. There will still be playoffs, and we’ll need to try very hard to make it in the World Cup.”

In March, Kazakhstan will play Poland for the right to go to the FIFA Futsal World Cup, which will be held from Sept. 14 to Oct. 2, in Colombia.

Futsal is a variant of soccer played indoors on a smaller field. Kazakhstan’s past record of success in the sport is associated with AFC Kairat Almaty, which won the UEFA Futsal Cup among professional clubs in 2013 and 2015

Serik Zhamankulov (centre) of Kazakhstan celebrates with Chingiz Yesenamanov and Douglas Jr. (right) after scoring their second goal during the UEFA European Futsal Championship 2016 quarterfinals. Photo credit: uefa.com

In Focus: Foreign Policy Priorities

Strengthening UN & Int’l Security

Statement of the FM Idrissov on outcomes of ISSG meeting

Kazakhstan welcomes the outcome of the meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) held in Munich on Feb. 11- 12.

“We consider the decision to open humanitarian access to besieged areas and defining during one-week cessation of hostilities throughout the state as a significant and encouraging breakthrough in resolving the conflict in Syria, as well as a decisive step in overcoming the humanitarian catastrophe in the country.

We believe that consistent and unconditional implementation of the agreements reached by all the participants of ISSG in the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 will contribute to an early end to the bloodshed in Syria and the restoration of normal life in this country,” the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s statement from Feb. 13 reads. (mfa.gov.kz)

Kazakhstan Supports Adoption of UNGA Resolution on Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism

During the plenary session on Feb. 12, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a Resolution on Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, proposed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The delegations of more than 60 UN member states supported the secretary-general’s initiative, including Kazakhstan. In the statement of the delegation of Kazakhstan, strong support was expressed for the UN efforts and Action Plan to Prevent Violent Extremism, the importance of rigorous and coordinated actions at the regional and international levels and more active engagement of regional organisations in combating violent extremism and terrorism was emphasised.

Read full text here: http://mfa.gov.kz/index.php/en/last-news/5854-unga-unanimously-adopts-resolution-on-plan-of-action-to-prevent-violent-extremism

Hosting Astana Expo 201

India Sings Agreement on Participation in EXPO 2017

A Kazakh delegation headed by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, EXPO 2017 Commissioner Rapil Zhoshybayev paid a visit to the Republic of India on Feb. 12.

In New Delhi, Zhoshybayev held meetings with Additional Secretary of External Affairs of India Ajay Gondane, Chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organisation, Commissioner of the Indian National Section in EXPO 2017 L. Goyal, and representatives of Indian business circles.

Zhoshybayev and Goyal signed the Agreement on Participation of India in EXPO 2017.

Read full text here: http://www.mfa.gov.kz/index.php/en/last-news/5845-india-sings-agreement-on-participation-in-expo-2017

Leading Belgian Companies to Participate in EXPO 2017

Leading Belgian Companies to Participate in EXPO 2017

A Kazakh delegation headed by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, EXPO 2017 Commissioner Rapil Zhoshybayev paid a working visit to the Kingdom of Belgium on Feb. 15-16.

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Within the visit, meetings with the leadership and representatives of business circles of the Walloon region were held.

During the negotiations with Vice President of the Walloon Government, Minister of Economy, Education, Commerce and New Technologies of Walloon Jean-Claude Marcourt, the parties discussed prospects for further strengthening bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Belgium. Zhoshybayev also informed about the preparation process to EXPO 2017 and invited Belgian business people to attend the international exhibition.

Read full text here: http://www.mfa.gov.kz/index.php/en/last-news/5857-leading-belgian-companies-to-participate-in-expo-2017

Welcoming Investment

Government Directs Additional Investment into Economy

The results of socio-economic development for 2015 were summed up, and further measures to ensure economic growth were identified at a government meeting on Feb. 10.

The head of state noted that one of the key areas of work as part of the Anti-Crisis Action Plan for 2016-2018 is maintaining financial stability.

“The National Bank should ensure an effective monetary policy, while maintaining the level of free floating exchange rate, avoiding sharp exchange rate fluctuations and continuing with de-dollarisation. There are no restrictions on the receipt of liquidity by banks. I believe that the National Bank is pursuing a correct policy in the current circumstances. It is necessary to carry out daily monitoring of the financial situation and together with the government promptly take appropriate measures,” the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev said.

Read full text: http://www.akorda.kz/en/events/akorda_news/meetings_and_sittings/participation-in-extended-session-of-government

‘Khorgos-Eastern Gate’ Plans to Process 200,000 Containers in 2016

The Khorgos Dry Port on the border with China plans to update its operations to better attract investment to the region, reported the press office of the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) National Railway Company.

It is required to improve the structure of procedures and processes, starting from the date of application for registration and ending with a delivery of a product, its officials believe. For instance, this year the dry port plans to process about 200,000 containers, and by 2020, reach 500,000 containers annually.

“All conditions are done for transit growth. The Khorgos-Eastern Gate Special Economic Zone is crucial for the entire transport and logistics sector of Kazakhstan. Therefore, we cannot slow down tempos,” said President of KTZ Askar Mamin.

Read full text: http://astanatimes.com/2016/02/khorgos-eastern-gate-intends-to-create-favourable-business-environment-for-investors/

Also In The News...

• President discusses the nuclear disarmament with poet Olzhas SuleimenovPresident Nursultan Nazarbayev held a meeting with famous Kazakh poet and a leader of the Nevada-Semipalatinsk antinuclear movement Olzhas Suleimenov Feb. 12. During the meeting, the sides discussed key areas of Kazakhstan’s activities in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. In addition, they reviewed the issues of preparation for the upcoming events in the framework of the 25th anniversary of closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. Nazarbayev stressed the importance of promoting the principles of peace and security at the international level. Suleimenov in turn drew attention to the need to combine efforts of states, non-governmental organisations and civil initiatives in the global anti-nuclear movement. (akorda.kz)

• Nineteen thousand jobs to be created by Kazakh, China industrial and investment cooperationAccording to Chairman of the Board of the National Agency for Export and Investment KAZNEX INVEST Borisbiy Zhangurazov, about 19,000 jobs will be created within the framework of the programme of industrial and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.“Now, we have a programme of industrial and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. There is a list of 52 projects with a high degree of elaboration in the amount of 24 billion dollars. The programme includes a variety of projects in sectors such as agriculture, chemical industry, mechanical engineering,” Zhangurazov said. Zhangurazov noted that under the agreement with KAZNEX INVEST, China will search for and preliminarily structure projects. “Funding will be provided by the Chinese side. Projects in various sectors of the economy in various fields will be considered. Almost all regions will be engaged by this programme,” Zhangurazov said. (primeminister.kz)

• Kazakhstan creates athletes anti-doping commissionAn independent anti-doping commission (AIC) has been created in Astana. The main purpose of this independent entity is to prevent doping scandals and to protect the country’s honest athletes. This authority will work in full cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Composed of representatives from various institutions, non-governmental organisations and sports functionaries, the NOK plans to later include international level anti-doping movement experts in this authority. Currently, the commission is focusing its work on the review of the current activities of the national anti-doping laboratory located in Almaty.The delegation of the newly established Kazakh AIC visited the Anti-Doping Norway (ADNO) and Norwegian Anti-Doping Laboratory in their headquarters in Oslo to gain a better understanding of how the anti-doping programme helped in Norway. (astanatimes.com)

• Azerbaijan Prime Minister, Kazakhstan First Deputy Prime Minister discussed trade in BakuFirst Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev recently held talks with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade in Baku. The parties discussed bilateral trade and economic relations, as well as implementation of joint projects. Sagintayev and Rasizade noted the importance of the development of the Trans-Caspian international transport route, stressing the increase in number of participants of the project by bringing transport companies from China, South-East Asia, Central Asia, Caucasus and Europe. Sagintayev proposed to strengthen mutual cooperation on the Caspian Sea ports between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. According to him, this will further reduce the handling time and create additional convenience for customers. During the meeting, with First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyyubov, the two sides discussed partnership in implementing joint industrial projects, strengthening cooperation in the field of transport and transit. In addition, Sagintayev got acquainted with the work of seaports in Alat and Baku. (primeminister.kz)

• Government moves holiday from March 5 to March 7In order to create favourable conditions for people and rationally use working time, the government of Kazakhstan adopted a resolution to postpone the holiday from Saturday March 5 to Monday March 7. In accordance with the legislation, work on this day is compensated. (primeminister.kz)

• Astana to host the 2016 AIBA Women’s World championship in MayMore than 300 professional female boxers will have a chance to take part in the 2016 AIBA Women’s World championship in the Kazakh capital May 19-27. The competition will be held in one of the most stunning places of Astana, Barys Arena. “The 2016 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships are set to light up Astana, a beautiful city with vast experience of hosting major sporting events, in particular a successful 2013 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Almaty,” said AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu. President of the tournament’s Organising Committee Bolat Abdrakhmanov says this event is going to be one of the most memorable events on the sporting calendar this year, adding that the sport has become more popular since being included in the 2012 Olympic Games and that it will be good for Kazakhs to see stars compete. AIBA and Kazakhstan’s Boxing Federation have strong ties such as the World Boxing Academy, which is a sports-study complex, built over 29,500 square metres of land in an environmentally friendly zone of Almaty. The academy is the first sports-study complex to possess everything necessary for the organisation of quality training processes that meets the most modern preparation requirements of boxers. (astanatimes.com)

• Short film by Kazakh director to be shown at Cannes Film Festival“Tragiometry,” a short film by Kazakh director Tatyana Kim, will participate in Short Movie Corner (The Court Metrage) within the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival. The event will be held May 11-22.The film’s main character is an undertaker named Albert Vizor, portrayed by Clayton Nemrow, whose life is as cold and heartless as the bodies of the dead people with whom he works. One day he discovers Mr. Moore, a man who awakens from a lethargic sleep. To Vizor’s surprise, the man is utterly unhappy about being brought back to life and desperately wishes to die again and go to the gates of Hades. The unexpected meeting of the two opposites leads to a revision of values and may even save their lives. The short received a positive review from Tmff.net, the online film festival and screenplay competition. (astanatimes.com)

• Astana Pro Team rider wins La MéditerranéenneAstana Pro Team rider Andriy Grivko won the overall standings of the stage race La Méditerranéenne, which recently took place on the roads of Spain, France and Italy. The 32-year-old Ukrainian national took the lead after the third stage, which he won. In the fourth and last stage, he did not lose the leader’s yellow jersey. Second place in the overall standings went to Frenchman Matthieu Ladagnous of the FDJ team and third went to Belgian Jan Bakelants of AG2R La Mondiale. This is the first victory for the Astana Pro Team in a multiple stage bicycle race in the new season. “I am very happy about this victory and I would like to dedicate it to my family and to my teammates. Everything went as expected. My team did a terrific job of controlling the race, starting from the start until the last kilometres, leading the group throughout the entire route,” will said Grivko. (astanatimes.com)

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