UAE stresses need for security and stability in Kazakhstan

Dozens of people have died during violent protests in the former Soviet republic

Troops at the main square in Almaty, where hundreds were protesting after authorities' decision to lift price caps on liquefied petroleum gas in Kazakhstan. Reuters

A burning police car during a protest against the LPG price rise in Almaty. Reuters

Debris litters the floor of the mayor's office after it was stormed by demonstrators. Reuters

Protesters take part in the rally over a rise in energy prices in Almaty. AFP

Riot police patrol a street during the rally. EPA

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency until January 19. EPA

Riot police officers make a wall of shields in Almaty. EPA

Kazakh armed police on patrol during state of emergency. EPA

A damaged room inside the mayor's office in Almaty after it was stormed by demonstrators during protests triggered by the fuel price increase. Reuters

The UAE said it was monitoring developments in Kazakhstan following days of violent protests in the Central Asian country.

In a statement carried by news agency Wam on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation expressed support for the nation's efforts to "maintain its security and stability, within the framework of its constitutional institutions and rule of law".

"The UAE has affirmed that it is closely following recent developments in Kazakhstan, stressing the need to urgently achieve stability and security in the country," the ministry said.

Dozens of people have died and public buildings across the country have been ransacked and torched in the worst violence experienced by the former Soviet republic in 30 years of independence.

Protests caused by an increase in fuel prices on January 1 swelled into a broad movement against the government and former leader Nursultan Nazarbayev – widely regarded as the man who still holds sway over Kazakh politics despite handing power to President Kassym Jomart Tokayev three years ago.

The Kuwaiti embassy in Kazakhstan has asked its citizens to leave "for their safety" owing to the continued unrest.

The embassy also urged Kuwaitis to postpone plans to travel to Kazakhstan because of the "emergency status" in the country, state news agency Kuna reported.