Nazarbayev says necessary to find out who organized killings, riots in Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN. Jan 18 (Interfax) - First Kazakh President, Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev has addressed the people of Kazakhstan for the first time since the mass unrest and said it would be necessary to find out who organized the killings and riots.

"The January events shocked all of Kazakhstan. The organized riots and attacks in Kazakhstan aimed at destroying the national integrity and fundamentals of the state. These events are yet another reminder that independence must be cherished as the apple of one's eye, like a fragile vessel that needs to be handled with extreme care," Nazarbayev said in a video address released by his press secretary on Tuesday.

"This tragedy is a lesson for all of us. It is important to find out who organized those riots and killings. An investigation will answer these questions," he said.

Nazarbayev extended condolences to families and friends of the dead.