Kazakhstan to issue new banknotes by yearend

ASTANA, April 5 (RIA Novosti) - The head of Kazakhstan's national bank said Wednesday the country will release new banknotes before the end of 2006.

Anvar Saydenov said work on designing the new banknotes was almost complete, and printing will begin after the bank approves the design.

The new notes will have no portraits, and will be printed within the Central Asian country. The old banknotes will be exchangeable at the national bank for ten years after the new bills are issued.