KAZAKHSTAN, arguably a democracy, but with the same former Soviet management in place since independence in 1991, is attempting to force foreign airlines to move to its new capital of Astana or quit the oil rich country completely. The airlines affected include Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways (British Mediterranean) and Turkish Airlines who all fly to the commercial centre of Almaty whilst Russia's Transaero operates to both cities. The Kazakh tourist industry is very concerned over the whole matter believing the country will lose out to neighbouring Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. Astana is a bleak soviet style city with little to interest visitors. Air Astana serves the new capital and is 49% owned by BAE Systems. Kazakhstan is presided over by 65 year old Nursultan Nazarbayev who has ruled the country since Russia departed and has now extended his term of office from five years to seven, running unopposed at the elections.
http://www.president.kz