KZBlog

Borat’s defense in my mind was always that he had nothing against Kazakhstan itself. And many say that Kazakhstan has brought the personal war on themselves. But, this might be going too far. While Nazarbayev is in the US, Borat gave a press conference in front of the Kazakhstan Embassy in Washington, claiming that the spokesperson for the Embassy, Roman Vassilenko, is in fact an imposter from Uzbekistan and that the President is hosting a screening of his fim followed by cocktails at Hooters.

His statement is here

Despite this article in the New York Times claiming that many Kazakhs are untouched by the Borat scandal, and may even find him quite funny, this latest stunt, to be percieved as openly mocking the President and the government, may bring it home for them.

This is at the same time that Nazarbayev is unveiling a Monument to Independence in the Embassy. From the Kazakhstan Embassy press release, put out by Vassilenko:

President Nursultan Nazarbayev, visiting Washington for official talks with President George W. Bush and U.S. officials, today unveiled the Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan in the American capital. Group of more than 200 guests shared the moment, including U.S. Secretary of Energy Sam Bodman.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United States Kanat Saudabayev opened the ceremony, saying “This truly historic event is new evidence of the growing relationship based on true friendship and strategic partnership between our two countries.”

The monument, standing 13 feet high, is cast in bronze and depicts a young warrior astride a winged snow leopard.

The monument embodies the spirit of an archaeological find in Kazakhstan from the fourth century B.C. The Saka nomadic civilization existed in Kazakhstan at that time, leaving behind very vivid artifacts. Commonly known as the Golden Warrior Prince, this figure, found near Almaty in 1970, is perhaps the best known symbol of Kazakhstan’s long history and rebirth as a modern nation.

Pictures and description from Sean Roberts here

Алтын адам has arrived in Washington!

Personally, I think Mr. Borat has crossed a line now, and he really needs to hire some lawyers and possibly bodyguards.