On the basis of the results of the report by the Chief of Police presented yesterday evening in Parliament by the Minister for the Interior, Minister for Foreign Affairs Emma Bonino summoned Chargé d’affaires of Kazakhstan Zhanybek Manaliyev to the foreign ministry, in the absence of Kazakh Ambassador Adrian Yelemessov.
Minister Bonino expressed surprise and deep disappointment with Ambassador Yelemessov’s unorthodox actions involving the Italian authorities in the case of Kazakh citizen Alma Shalabayeva. Minister Bonino was particularly critical of the fact that, despite the matter’s delicate international profile, the Kazakh diplomatic representatives never consulted the Italian Foreign Ministry. The minister underscored that the involvement of a minor rendered the matter even more serious on the level of human rights.
Minister Bonino reiterated the Italian government’s request that the Kazakh authorities guarantee the full rights of Mrs. Shalabayeva and little Alua. Following revocation of the expulsion order, Italy expects the two Kazakh citizens to have complete freedom of movement restored.
The Italian ambassador to Astana, who is already actively monitoring developments in the case, was instructed by Minister Bonino to convey those requests to the government of Kazakhstan. Moreover, and also on Minister Bonino’s instructions, a diplomatic official from our Embassy in Astana is en route to Mrs. Shalabayeva in Almaty to once again verify her status and personally notify her of the revocation of the expulsion order. The Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs has, at the same time, apprised Foreign Minister of Lithuania Linas Linkevicius on the matter, in his role as duty President of the European Union
