Astana claims for CIS Capital of Culture

    Astana is seeking status as the CIS capital for culture in 2012, Novosti-Kazakhstan reports, citing the Commonwealth Executive Committee.
    Minsk recently hosted a meeting on preparations for and implementation of the intergovernmental program called, CIS Capitals of Culture this week.
    Turkmenistan also sent a request, nominating its city of Mary as the CIS Capital of Culture for 2012.
    The program is focused on fostering intergovernmental cultural cooperation among CIS countries, their further integration, the creation of attractive conditions for economic and political contacts, social development, as well as raising the Commonwealth’s status in the international arena, according to Trend.