Kazakhstan at forefront of nuclear disarmament and peaceful use of atom - MP of Azerbaijan Rasim Musabayev

Mr. Musabayev, you took part in  the International Conference "From a nuclear test ban to a nuclear weapon free world" on behalf  of Azerbaijan. What is your assessment of the event?

The conference was held at a high level both in terms of organization and its discussion content. Most of the countries were represented by members of parliaments or high-level experts. So I congratulate Kazakhstan on the conference success.

As you know, Kazakhstan voluntarily renounced the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal and has been active at the international level in this field. What do you think about the policies and initiatives of Astana on the peaceful use of atom and nuclear disarmament?

Life has confirmed the accuracy and timeliness of Kazakhstan's step and wisdom of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Kazakhstan shut down the nuclear testing site in Semipalatinsk, and it spurred a moratorium on nuclear testing by great powers (Russia, the US, France and China). Dismantling and transfer of nuclear arsenal, left over from the Soviet Union in Kazakhstan to Russia, renouncing of highly enriched uranium stocks have not decreased, but strenghened security and guarantee of the territorial integrity of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan garnered respect in the world as a responsible member of the international community. Kazakhstan has one of the largest uranium reserves, it is the first exporter of this strategic material, It has good research and production base, nuclear scientists and experts. Kazakhstan's activity in this field is transparent and conforms with the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

It is admirable that Kazakhstan is at the forefront of the international movement for nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of the atom.

Taking into account the Japan events and the failure of some countries to use nuclear energy, what is your opinion about the future prospects for the nuclear industry in the world?

I believe that the lessons from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and Fukushima should not be in the rejection of nuclear energy and development of nuclear technology.We need to use the experience and achievements of modern science and technologies in order to ensure maximum safety of the public and the environment. Decision is not in bans, but in a reasonable way forward. Especially it concerns countries with poor energy sources.

You visited Kazakhstan, Astana for the first time. What are your impressions of the country?

I have been to Almaty before, but it is my first visit to Astana. Through television and newspapers I learned that a new, modern capital has been built there, but admit that the personal experience has exceeded all my expectations. I am impressed by the fact that the city with the architecture and layout to be proud of, was  built in a very short period. Happy for you and wish my Kazakh brothers further success.

Thanks for the interview!