Members of nongovernmental organizations pointed out flaws in a government-drafted law on NGOs during an OSCE-sponsored discussion in Almaty. In addition to the NGO activists, government officials and foreign experts on NGO legislation took part in the discussion. During the discussion NGO participants noted that the law does not contain a sufficiently specific definition of the term \"nongovernmental organization.\" They also said that the role of the state in the activity of both domestic and foreign NGOs was unclear, and this lack of clarity could result in NGO activities being declared illegal. The international experts argued that any legislation on NGOs should assist the development of non-governmental organizations. According to data circulated during the discussion, there are around 3,000 NGOs in Kazakhstan, half of which are not functioning. Discussion participants drew up recommendations on the draft law for parliament, which is scheduled to start debate on the law in the near future. (khabar.kz)