Kazakhstanis through own example showed world a way to safer future: President

"The Decree on closing the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site was signed on august 29, 1991. Kazakhstan voluntarily renounced the world fourth largest nuclear potential. That was the first example of closing nuclear test site in line with the expression of the will of people", President's address to the participants of the international conference devoted to the International Day against Nuclear Tests writes.

"The issue of comprehensive nuclear-tests-ban is of special importance for people of Kazakhstan experienced all horrific effects of nuclear test. 490 nuclear explosions have been held in Kazakhstan during four decades. Over 1.5 mln people suffered from them. Severe damaged caused to vast territories of our country. The memory of the sacrifices made by our people gives us historic and moral right to be a leader of the global anti-nuclear movement", the address writes.

"The closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site and establishment of nuclear-free zone are symbols of hope on that the nuclear-free world is an achievable goal", the Head of the State said.