EU calls for restraint on all sides in Kazakhstan

BRUSSELS

The European Union on Wednesday urged all sides in Kazakhstan to show restraint and responsibility amid rising social tensions over a huge increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices.

“We call on all concerned to act with responsibility and restraint and to refrain from actions that could lead to a further escalation of violence,” Nabila Massrali, the spokeswoman for the European External Action Service, said in a written statement.

On one hand, the EU called on the Kazakh authorities to respect the fundamental right of peaceful protests and the principle of proportionality when they defend their legitimate security interests.

On the other hand, the bloc urged protesters to avoid violence while recognizing their right to peaceful demonstrations.

“The European Union encourages a peaceful resolution of the situation through inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens,” the statement said, adding the bloc was closely following the developments in Kazakhstan.

Drivers in the city of Zhanaozen began demonstrating against the increase in LPG prices Sunday, which soon grew into mass protests throughout the country.

According to the Kazakh Interior Ministry, more than 200 people were arrested for disrupting public order after 37 police vehicles were damaged and 95 officers were injured during the protests.

In response to the mass protests, the government decided Wednesday to introduce price controls on LPG, gasoline, diesel fuel and basic food products for 180 days.