Congratulating the people and Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the eleventh anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and praising longstanding and growing friendship between the United States and Kazakhstan.

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Congratulates the people and Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the 11th anniversary of its independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the United States and for its achievements in economic development. Calls upon the Government of Kazakhstan to further carry out democratic reforms. Expresses gratitude for the support and assistance of the people of Kazakhstan in the antiterrorist campaign. Applauds the decision of Kazakhstan's leadership to renounce the deployment of its inherited nuclear weapons. Calls on the President to expand: (1) assistance for environmental rehabilitation programs in Semipalatinsk and the Aral Sea region; and (2) cultural and educational exchange programs with the Central Asian countries, particularly Kazakhstan. Welcomes the agreement with Kazakhstan (the Houston Initiative) aimed at maintaining and developing relations between small and medium sized businesses in the two countries. Recognizes the need to terminate the application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment and provide permanent normal trade relations status to Kazakhstan. Praises President Nazarbayev's initiative to convene the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Buil…