Kazakhstan Developing New Security Strategy

President Nazarbayev won a seven-year term in office last December (epa) March 2, 2006 -- President Nursultan Nazarbayev has said Kazakhstan is drawing a new strategy of national security for the period until 2010.

Speaking at a meeting of the Security Council today, Nazarbayev said this strategy should help Kazakhstan enter the group of the world's 50 most competitive states in economic terms.

He also gave instructions to finalize the document within a month.

The presidential press service said the new strategy will take into account Kazakhstan's economic and political potential as well as the international, regional, and domestic context. Priority will include the fight against terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.

Yesterday, Nazarbayev pledged reforms and "tough" measures to ensure stability in his annual address to the nation.

(ITAR-TASS, Khabar Television)