A meeting of the Bureau of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held chaired by Dariga Nazarbayeva.
The distribution of bills approved by the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan was considered, the head committees on draft laws were determined, and the agenda of the next Senate meeting scheduled on April 30 was approved.
Speaking at the meeting of the Senate Bureau, Dariga Nazarbayeva noted that the bills included in the agenda of the Chamber’s meeting were essential to the state and society. Many sensitive issues that have been raised by the citizens in recent years are reflected in the new legislative acts.
For example, the draft laws On Veterans and On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts on Social Security Issues are aimed at resolving issues in the area of protecting the rights and social interests of veterans and citizens of the Republic who fulfilled military and civil duties to the motherland. In addition, the document introduces a new category of veterans who participated in military operations in other countries.
“We will also consider a bill on the organization and conduct of peaceful assemblies. The draft law will fundamentally change the existing practices of arranging and conducting assemblies and gatherings in the country. The draft is aimed at the optimal combination of both the rights of citizens and their responsibilities during the gatherings and generally meets international standards,” D. Nazarbayeva noted.
Summing up the Bureau meeting, the Senate Chairperson Dariga Nazarbayeva mentioned that the state of emergency had been extended in Kazakhstan until May 1. This measure is needed due to the fact that Kazakhstan is entering the peak stage of coronavirus occurrence.
“Today some business entities have resumed their operations in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty provided maintaining stringent sanitary and epidemiological measures. In this regard, the following questions become relevant: Are the companies ready that employees will go to work? Will they be able to provide all the necessary safety and hygiene conditions for their teams?” D. Nazarbayeva said.
The Senate speaker emphasized the need to analyze the practice of administration, coordination of state authorities, existing laws and regulations in the state of emergency and suggested including parliamentary hearings on the mobilization readiness of the country for the state of emergency and emergency situations in the Senate action plan in October.
“Akimats share information, talk about poor coordination of work in the center and locally, that they lose much time to persuade and overcome resistance. The big question is about the mobilization reserve. We now have a pending bill on mobilization preparations. It does not meet modern requirements, either generally or systemically. For better or worse, we have gained practical experience and we shall rely on it,” D. Nazarbayeva said.
In addition, the Head of the Senate raised the issue of conflict situations involving journalists, police officers, doctors, military personnel and volunteers, which are reported by the media from time to time.
“I want to remind you that doctors and journalists are working at the forefront today. They are among the first people to face potential danger, however, they keep on doing their jobs no matter what. So, they are first who need special protection – both legal and human,” she said.
Dariga Nazarbayeva emphasized that it was necessary to resolve any problems without falling-out, finger-pointing, while working together and helping each other. Moreover, any facts of disobedience to the legitimate requirements of the authorities should be strictly suppressed, in particular, any attacks at or resistance to the police. In turn, law enforcement officials should act exclusively within their powers, be polite and tactful.
“It’s hard time to everyone, but we can quickly handle this only by helping each other,” D. Nazarbayeva emphasized.
