CSTO Chief Tasmagambetov Responds to Criticism Circulating on Social Media

CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov has responded to critics on social media who have accused him of being “pro-Russian,” Orda.kz reports.

In a personal address delivered in Kazakh, Tasmagambetov referenced Kazakh literature and folk wisdom to explain his position and refute the allegations.

Some unfortunate people who have not made any contribution to the development of the country, who have no connection with their native land, call me 'pro-Russian.' Is it a crime to conduct diplomatic negotiations? Did I betray my homeland by representing the interests of my country at international military meetings? If so, then I will answer everyone with the words of Abay: A fool will not understand a wise man, but he will not escape his fate,
he said. 

Tasmagambetov urged citizens to evaluate information spread online critically.

Truth is peace that is felt in the heart and measured by the conscience and honor of each person. Social media opens the way for the rapid spread of disinformation,
he warned. 

The CSTO chief also firmly denied speculation that he was dragging Kazakhstanis into a foreign conflict.

How can you calmly treat groundless rumors that I am sending my compatriots to war?! I understand that there will always be those who will take words out of context and give them a distorted meaning. I just want to appeal to my people: let's look at things rationally. Reason must always be protected by character, and let this character remain strong. It is easy to spread lies on social networks without delving into the essence. But it is difficult to answer to your own conscience later. ... In my life, I have always remained loyal to my people. No matter what position I am entrusted with, I have nothing to be ashamed of before my country. Even being far from my homeland, I sincerely rejoice at every success of Kazakhstan. The interests of our country have always remained the most important thing for me, he concluded. 

Tasmagambetov ended his message by congratulating fellow citizens on the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

In early March, Tasmagambetov commented on the possible deployment of European troops to Ukraine. Subsequently, rumors spread on social networks.

The CSTO later clarified that any support would be considered according to "the decisions and charter documents of the Collective Security Council."

Tasmagambetov has served as Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization since January 1, 2023, and his term runs until the end of 2025. From 2017 to 2019, he was Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Russia.

Original Author: Natalia Ovchinnikova