Embassy of the United States

Embassy News

Embassy News Archive 2008

12/24/2008 Online Readers Grill Ambassador Internet site Gazeta.kz invited readers to submit questions for Ambassador Hoagland, and readers responded with a wide-ranging array of queries. Here are their questions and Ambassador Hoagland’s answers. Transcript

"The best image of student life."  Aigerim Tulepbergenova, FLEX alumna 2008.

12/12/2008 USG ALUMNI Photo Contest Winners The U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan is pleased to announce the winners of our USG Alumni Photo Contest! We received many wonderful entries from USG alumni from all over Kazakhstan showcasing a wide range of alumni photos from their experiences in the United States.  All of the photos have been printed, mounted, and displayed in the Presidential Cultural Center in Astana. Each photo was judged according to its relevance to the one of the six nomination categories.  It was very hard to choose the winners because we received so many excellent entries.  more..

IVLP alumna –Anara Ibrayeva - has successfully completed a human right training for prisoners in Astana.  The project generated a great deal of media interest and was covered by several TV channels in Kazakhstan..

12/01/2008 Human Rights Training for Prisoners in Astana, Kazakhstan On December 1, Anara Ibrayeva, an International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) alum from Kazakhstan and Director of the Astana branch of the International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule-of-Law, along with her colleagues completed a program that provided three weeks of training to over 500 prisoners who are serving sentences in Astana.  The courses included topics such as how to appeal to international courts, how to be good parents, how to protect human rights, how to use computers, how to find employment.   The project was sponsored by the U.S. Embassy’s Democracy Outreach Alumni Grant program.  The Ministry of Justice’s Committee on Criminal and Executive Systems (KUIS) partnered with the alumni to conduct this project.  Both KUIS and the prisoner trainees were extremely impressed with the courses and expressed interest in working together though follow-on activities.   More..

Ambassador Hoagland meets with prospective international students.

11/18/2008 Ambassador Hoagland Extols Study Abroad On Tuesday, November 18, Ambassador Hoagland visited the American Councils Educational Advising Center in Astana to speak with a group of Kazakhstani students interested in studying abroad.  The Ambassador highlighted the recent "Open Doors" report compiled by the United States Department of State, which showed that the number of Kazakhstanis studying in the United States increased 20.1 percent in the last year.  Ambassador Hoagland spoke about the benefits of studying abroad in general, and went on to highlight the high quality of American universities and the value of an American degree.  After taking questions from the students, Ambassador Hoagland spoke briefly with reporters.

Ambassador Hoagland and TCO Chief Todd Levy Address Reporters in Atyrau.

11/11/2008 Ambassador Hoagland Visits Atyrau Oblast On November 10-11, Ambassador Hoagland visited Atyrau, where he toured the Tengiz and Kashagan oil fields and met with Kazakhstani officials and oil company executives.  Ambassador Hoagland also visited a special program at Atyrau Lyceum #9, established by a local non-governmental organization called Young Achievement and supported by TengizChevroil, that trains orphaned teenagers to learn productive trades.  After the visit, Ambassador Hoagland and TCO CEO Todd Levy spoke with representatives of the media.  The trip underscores America’s interests in working with Kazakhstani partners in business and civil society to develop this important region and create a better future for all those living there.

Ambassador Hoagland answers questions at his November 6 press conference.

11/06/2008 Ambassador Hoagland Meets the Press On November 6, 2008, Ambassador Richard Hoagland held his first press conference as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Press Club in Almaty.  Ambassador Hoagland fielded questions on a wide array of issues concerning the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States.  The entire transcript of the press conference can be found here.

Kazakhstani guests vote in U.S. Embassy Mock Elections.

11/05/2008 American Embassy Hosts Election Watch Party On the morning of November 5, 2008, the U.S. Embassy in Astana hosted an Election Watch Party for Kazakhstani and other international guests.  During the breakfast event, guests were able to follow the American election results live as they were being announced on American television.  Guests also were able to vote in mock elections, giving them insight into the American electoral process while expressing their opinion on whom they would like to see as the next U.S. President.   More..

Ambassador Hoagland considers a question from Liter reporter Galiya Idoyatova.

10/30/2008 Ambassador to Kazakhstan Richard E. Hoagland: Interview with Liter Newspaper In his first interview since presenting his credentials as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan to President Nazarbayev, Ambassador Hoagland sat down with Liter newspaper on October 30 to discuss different aspects of the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States.  Transcript

Ambassador Richard Hoagland looks on as Secretary Rice addresses staff.

10/05/2008 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visits Kazakhstan Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Astana on Sunday, October 5, 2008.  While in Astana, Secretary Rice met with President Nazarbayev, Prime Minister Massimov, Foreign Minister Tazhin, and other Kazakhstani officials.  After her meeting with Foreign Minister Tazhin, they held a joint press conference at the Foreign Ministry. The Secretary of State also visited the U.S. Embassy and met with Embassy staff and family members.

Sam Perkins eyes up the hoop.

08/17/2008 NBA Basketball Envoys Visit Kazakhstan On Sunday, August 17, Basketball Envoys Becky Bonner and Sam Perkins, representing the United States Department of State and the National Basketball Association, attended Astana City Sports Day where they put on a short clinic for a group of young, enthusiastic Kazakhstani basketball players.  They also took part in a skills competition with members of the local professional basketball team, the Astana Tigers, and were interviewed by two Kazakhstani television crews.     More..

Lewis Whitlock after the final performance at the National Music Academy on July 15, 2008.

07/31/2008 Introducing the American musical to Kazakhstan From July 8 through July 31, Lewis Whitlock, Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at McNeese State University in Louisiana, conducted a series of master-classes on Broadway musicals in three cities in Kazakhstan – Astana, Karaganda and Pavlodar.  Since the American musical is not well known in Kazakhstan, professor Whitlock’s goal was to introduce this art form to Kazakhstani audiences. Participants in each of the cities worked with Whitlock for several hours every day throughout the course of a week and gave a short performance at the end of the workshop.    More..

Dr. John Dernbach (from the right) and Alexander Bragin, Director of Legal Provision and International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Environmental Protection in Astana on July 8, 2008.

07/14/2008 U.S. Expert Discusses Climate Change Dr. John Dernbach, professor of Environmental Law at Widener University in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is an internationally renowned expert on sustainable development and global climate change who has edited several books on sustainable growth.  From July 7-14 2008, Dr. Dernbach, in Kazakhstan on a U.S. Government Speaker's Program, visited Astana, Almaty, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and Ridder to share information with the general public, the NGO community, government officials, and journalists about the concepts of sustainable economic growth and the importance of energy conservation in mitigating the effects of global climate change.    More..

Baiterek Tower presides over the Festivities.

07/06/2008 Astana Celebrates Anniversary Astana celebrated its 10th anniversary as Kazakhstan’s capital on July 6.  The jubilee consisted of a week of events, ranging from monument dedications and gala concerts to an official anniversary ceremony attended by nine foreign heads of state.  The government appeared to spare no expense in preparing Astana for the anniversary – with work continuing around the clock in recent months to pave roads, finish off key construction projects, and bedeck the city with festive billboards and placards.    More..

Ambassador John Ordway, flanked by Deputy Foreign Minister Kayrat Sarybay and an Opera Quartet, addresses the guests, U.S. Embassy Atrium, July 3, 2008.

07/03/2008 U.S. Embassy in Astana Celebrates Independence Day On July 3, 2008, Ambassador Ordway joined colleagues, Kazakhstani leaders, and friends at the annual celebration to honor America’s Independence Day.  The reception was held at the U.S. embassy in Astana.  The program included a presentation of colors by the United States Marine Corps, the singing of the National Anthems of the United States and Kazakhstan by a local opera quartet, and remarks from Ambassador Ordway and Kayrat Sarybay, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan.  A live jazz band also added to the festivities.     More..

Ambassador Ordway and FLEX program finalists, July 1 2008.

07/01/2008 Ambassador Meets FLEX Students Through the FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) program, one hundred Kazakhstani high school students have an opportunity to spend a year living with American families and studying at American high schools.  FLEX is offered to Kazakhstan's youngest citizens with the goal of supporting a generation of future leaders.  On July 1, Ambassador Ordway met with FLEX program finalists from northern Kazakhstan who will soon be traveling to the U.S. For many young people, the FLEX program is life-changing:  they develop leadership skills, improve their English, and become interested in public and community service.     More..

From left to right: Sen. Ben Cardin, Rep. Alcee Hastings, Ambassador John Ordway.

07/01/2008 U.S Delegation Holds Press Conference in Astana On July 1, 2008, a visiting U.S. delegation from the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) held a press conference in Astana at the Radisson hotel.  The event was led by the Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Commission, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings and Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, as well as the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, John Ordway.  Also in attendance were other U.S. Helsinki Commissioners from the U.S. Congress, including:  Representatives Robert B. Aderholt, Madeleine Bordallo, G.K. Butterfield, Mike McIntyre, Gwen Moore, Loretta Sanchez, Hilda Solis, Zach Wamp, and Diane Watson.     More..

Ambassador Ordway cuts the ribbon during Astana IRC official opening, June 17 2008.

06/17/2008 Ambassador Ordway Opens Information Resource Center On June 17th, Ambassador John Ordway officially opened the U.S. Embassy Information Resource Center.  Attendees included Kazakh government officials, librarians, teachers of English, students, and others with an interest in English language and American culture. The center has an excellent collection of modern books on American history.     More..

Ambassador Ordway Announces Canine Counter-Narcotics Program, U.S. Embassy, May 6, 2008.

05/06/2008 Ambassador Announces Counter-Narcotics Initiative On May 6,  U.S. Ambassador John Ordway, together with Austrian Ambassador Ursula Fahringer, Major General Baurzhan Yelubayev, Head of the Committee for National Security’s Military Institute; Police Colonel Nygmedzhan Saparov, Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Committee on Combating Drugs; and Josef Schuetzenhofer, Head of the Austrian Ministry of Interior’s Canine Center, announced the results of the counter-narcotics training course and the future of joint cooperation program in the canine area.     More..

Rory Stuart and Ari Hoenig at the Almaty Jazz Festival, April 25, 2008.

04/26/2008 Jazz Duo from New York Performs in Kazakhstan American jazz guitarist and composer Rory Stuart, and drummer Ari Hoenig, were invited to participate in the Almaty Jazz Festival organized by Tagir Zaripov, director of the Almaty Youth Jazz School. On April 25, they performed at the Children’s Palace in Almaty. Prior to their performance, they also conducted master classes for local young jazz musicians.   More..

Ambassador Ordway  and Director of the Library Entazar Dusakova at the American Corner, Aktobe Branch of the Republican Scientific Technical Library, Aktobe, April 8, 2008.

04/08/2008 Ambassador Ordway Opens American Corner in Aktobe On April 8, 2008 Ambassador John Ordway along with the Deputy Akim of the Aktobe Oblast Zhetkergen Oralmagambetov opened Kazakhstan’s eighth American Corner at the Aktobe Branch of the Republican Scientific Technical Library. The project is a partnership between the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section and the Aktobe Branch of the Republican Technical Scientific Library. The ceremony was attended by USG alumni, NGOs representatives, local librarians, teachers of English and media. The project represents an investment of over $30,000 from the U.S. Government.     More..

David Korevaar and Kazakhstani Students after the concert at the Presidential Cultural Center in Astana on March 20, 2008.

03/20/2008 American Pianist Impresses Kazakhstani Audiences American pianist David Korevaar performed 2 concerts in Kazakhstan: on March 20 at the Presidential Center in Astana; and on March 24 at the National Conservatory in Almaty.  He also taught a series of master classes to aspiring musicians at the National Academy of Music in Astana, Tattimbet Music College in Karaganda, and the Almaty Conservatory. A concert pianist and professor of piano at the University of Colorado, Korevaar has performed throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Japan, Australia, Korea, and other countries around the world.     More..

Ambassdor Ordway with Chevron Country Manager Zamira Kanapianova and National Library Deputy Director Gulisa Balabekova officially open the American Cultural Center in Almaty on February 26, 2008.

02/26/2008 Ambassador Ordway opens American Cultural Center in Almaty On February 26, 2008 Ambassador John Ordway officially opened the new American Cultural Center at the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty.  The American Cultural Center is a joint project undertaken by the U.S. Embassy, the National Library, and Chevron Corporation which will provide current and reliable information about the United States and will serve as a venue for of cultural and educational programs, including speaker programs, workshops, art exhibitions, and films.     More..

Brenda Flanagan performing at the Children's Library in Almaty

02/22/2008 Black History Month Writer Ignites Imagination From February 12 to 21, Brenda Flanagan – acclaimed American writer, poet, and professor of African-American and Caribbean literature at Davidson College – stimulated creativity and shared stories from America’s past.  Her engaging storytelling, spirited personality and knowledge of African-American literature captivated the audiences in Almaty, Astana and Karaganda.   More..

Professor Jane Knox-Voina.

02/20/2008 Film Experts Discuss Mongol and the Oscars With Kazakhstan’s first-ever nomination for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award, the excitement surrounding Mongol is palpable.  The Embassy Branch Office in Almaty hosted a digital video conference on February 20, in advance of the Academy Awards ceremony, to provide journalists timely analysis for newspapers and television broadcasts. Professor Jane Knox-Voina from Bowdoin College (Maine) and Professor Gulnara Abikeyeva from Kazakhstan Institute of the Arts provided insightful commentary about Mongol, its prospects to win, and the history of the Oscars for 24 Kazakhstani journalists.    More..

Professor McClure fields questions about the U.S. presidential election. Photo by Susan Kahn, Syracuse University Magazine.

02/06/2008 Syracuse Professor Analyzes Super Tuesday On February 6, 2008, from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University in New York provided expert analysis of the Super Tuesday primaries, explained the U.S. presidential campaign process, and fielded questions about the candidates and their platforms.  More than 25 Kazakhstani journalists attended the digital video conference (DVC) at the U.S. Embassy in Astana and the USAID Regional Office in Almaty for 75 minutes of lively Q&A ranging from the presence international elections observers in the U.S. to the role of race and gender in this election.     More..