KazMunaiGas Exploration Production, a unit of state-owned KazMunaiGaz National Co., said output declined after 1,000 workers walked off the job to protest the arrest of a company driver for alleged possession of heroin.

Kazakhstan's presidential race is off to an early start: following last month's announcement that incumbent President Nursultan Nazarbayev plans a re-election bid in 2012 [5], an opposition leader has now thrown his hat into the ring [6].

ZHANA OZEN, Kazakhstan -- Hundreds of oil company workers in western Kazakhstan went on strike on October 21 to demand the release of a detained union activist, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.

ASTANA, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Kazakhstan said on Thursday it wanted an end to a row between current and former owners of KazakhGold Group (KZGq.L) before deciding on whether to approve the sale of KazakhGold shares to Russia's Polyus Gold (PLZL.MM).

Kazakhstan has oil, coal and uranium -- and a capital full of stunning architecture. President Nursultan Nazarbayev hopes his country can become the region's leading economy, but his heavy-handed cult of personality is not universally welcomed. Others worry about China's growing influence.

When a few weeks ago Turkish police unveiled in Antalya a chain of prostitutes exploited in Savarona – a yacht that once belonged to Ataturk – it said that there were many high-ranking officials among the arrested clients who were later released.