Khakassia parliament speaker apologizes for comment

    The parliament speaker in Russia's Khakassia Republic, Vladimir Shtygashev has apologized for a statement he made about Moscow's right to "own" territories in Kazakhstan.
    Vladimir Shtygashev said on April 12 that his words had been misinterpreted, and he offered "sincere apologies" to everyone offended by his statement.
    The media cited Shtygashev as saying earlier this week that certain territories (in particular, the East Kazakhstan Oblast or Rudniy Altai) that was formerly part of the Russian Federation had been given to Kazakhstan and therefore can be returned to Russia through referendums.
    The Kazakh Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to Kazakhstan on April 11 demanding an explanation of Shtygashev's statement.
    A news statement from the parliament hastened to assure that these statements did not have political subtext.
    "I grew up in an orphanage, which had great friendly multinational children. It was after World War II. I had a lot of friends of different nationalities, with whom I keep in touch over the years. We always found a common language and honored traditions and roots of each other. I feel sorrow that my remarks were misinterpreted and led to outrage and misunderstanding among these brotherly people. If I offended someone, I sincerely apologize for the comment," said the speaker, Kazinform reports.