Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Saturday that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) peacekeeping contingent, which was deployed to Kazakhstan to assist in bringing the situation under control following riots in the country in early January, did not fire a single shot at peaceful protesters.

In an interview with the Khabar 24 broadcaster, he added that "the CSTO peacekeeping contingent was involved based on the relevant documents of the organization. It was perfectly legal. The CSTO peacekeeping contingent, having arrived in Kazakhstan, did not fire a single shot. From the very beginning, an agreement was reached that this contingent would perform the functions of support, that is, the protection of strategic facilities."

The President denied reports that Kazakhstan owes Russia for its participation in and deployment of CSTO peacekeepers, assuring that no conditions were imposed by Moscow, nor were any payments mentioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the two leaders' "many lengthy talks."

During the unrest, Kazakh law enforcement agencies did not use weapons against peaceful protesters, according to Tokayev.

He went on to say that the situation was chaotic and that he was forced to accept personal responsibility for the use of weapons against those who took to the streets in January because law enforcement officials refused to take the initiative even when there was violence.

Kazakh President eyes a visit to Moscow in Mid-February

Tokayev has also said on Saturday that he plans to visit Russia in mid-February to sign documents on bilateral cooperation.

In a different context, Kazakh President stressed that he will not stay at the helm for more than two terms as stipulated by the country's constitution.

"I do not know how long I will be the president of Kazakhstan, but I absolutely know for sure that, in accordance with the constitution, no more than two terms. That is, there will be no rewriting the laws, let alone the constitution," he concluded.