Kazakh president calls for restraint, tolerance in language matters

ASTANA. April 25 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for restraint and tolerance in language matters and expressed confidence that Kazakh will eventually become a language of interethnic communication in Kazakhstan.

"Against the backdrop of disquieting global events, we as a nation must be more united than ever in our intentions and aspirations. It is important that society create an atmosphere of intolerance towards any manifestations of ethnic exclusivity and isolation, let alone provocations and attempts to discriminate against citizens on cultural, linguistic, ethnic or religious grounds," Tokayev said at a session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan on Thursday.

Language remains a pressing matter for many countries, he said.

"History shows that its successful resolution is a significant factor in sociopolitical stability in a particular country. Kazakhstan is no exception," Tokayev said.

"We should exercise strategic restraint and tolerance in this highly sensitive area, with due account taken of domestic and foreign factors. However, this does not rule out our keen attention to the comprehensive development of the state language, which - and I have no doubt about this - will eventually evolve into a language of interethnic communication," Tokayev said.

"The authorities will ensure peace and public security. Any kinds of speculation or insinuations, no matter where they come from, will be given a strong public response and a proper reaction from law enforcement agencies," he said.