Kazakhstan’s president has announced his retirement after nearly 30 years as leader of the central Asian nation.
Nursultan Nazarbayev has led the country since the fall of the Soviet Union, first as its Communist leader and then as president.
The 78-year-old made the announcement in a surprise public address on national television on Tuesday evening.
"I have decided to give up my powers as president," he said
Nazarbayev said that the speaker of the Senate, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will take over as head of state until presidential elections can be held.
The next election is scheduled to take place in December 2020.
Six killed in shooting in main square of Krakow, police say
Russian strikes hit power facilities around Kyiv, damage major bridge
Heavy rains flood tents housing displaced Palestinians, aid shortages worsen
Qatar says its mediation efforts between US and Iran continue to prevent escalation
Pope Leo urges South America to bridge divides on Uruguay-Argentina border
