Information on the above-mentioned topic could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB.

However, please find attached a 14 January 1996 New Straits Times article which summarizes a speech on Christian missionary activities in the former Soviet Republics, including Kazakhstan. The speech was given at a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Co-ordination Committee in Kuala Lumpur.

Also attached please find a copy of an article published in the 29 December 1995 issue of Transition which provides information on various Christian organizations currently active in Kazakhstan.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

New Straits Times [Kuala Lumpur]. 14 January 1996. "Christian Groups Active in Former Soviet Republics." (NEXIS)

Transition: Events and Issues in the Former Soviet Union and East-Central Southeastern Europe [Prague]. 29 December 1995. Vol. 1, No. 24. Bhavna Dave. "Inventing Islam(and an Islamic Threat(in Kazakhstan."

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1995. 1996.

Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Daily Reports.

Material from the Indexed Media Review (IMR) or country files containing articles and reports from diverse sources (primarily dailies and periodicals) from the Weekly Media Review.

On-line searches for news articles (NEXIS)