OSCE Centre supports work on draft law to combat money-laundering and financing of terrorism in Kazakhstan
ALMATY, 13 December 2007 - A discussion on the draft law on fighting money-laundering and combating the financing of terrorism in Kazakhstan began today in Almaty.
The meeting was supported by the OSCE Centre Astana, and organized in co-operation with the Majilis (lower chamber of Parliament), the World Bank and the NGO Forum of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan. It brought together representatives of the government, business community, non-governmental and international organizations.
"Over the last five years we have assisted Kazakhstan in combating money-laundering and the financing of terrorism by supporting legal initiatives and institutions that deal with this crime," said Ambassador Vikki, the Head of the OSCE Centre.
"Legislation and institutions should reflect the principles and requirements of international standards set out in the Forty Recommendations of the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF). This would help Kazakhstan to achieve recognition and foster co-operation in the field."
Serik Ospanov, Head of the Parliament's working group on the draft law, said: "The legislation in Kazakhstan should be adopted in compliance with the national situation and international standards. We have to ensure that all interests are taken into consideration to make the law efficient."
Recommendations from participants of the event will help enhance co-operation between the Centre, state institutions, businesses and non-governmental organizations in the fight against money-laundering and the financing of terrorism.