Happy Novruz everyone. I am full on plov from the Seattle-Tashkent sister city celebration. Mmm.
Kazakh Oil Company leaders have met with striking workers in Zhanaozen. Since March 4, several thousand workers have been striking over various issues relating to wages and leadership. As head of the OSCE, Kazakhstan is feeling some pressure to be a reasonable member of the European community, which include negotiating with striking workers.
As of yesterday, the strike was ended, with both sides resolving their issues amicably. Unfortunately, one worker passed away from high blood pressure and another was hospitalized.