NEWS ARCHIVES 

 

Otunbaeva meets with UNICEF Regional Director

 

President Roza Otunbaeva met with Steven Allen, Regional Director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on July 26. The meeting was also attended by First Deputy Prime Minister Amangeldy Muraliev, Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev and Permanent UNICEF Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, Jonathan Veitch. During the meeting, S. Allen stressed the importance of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and UNICEF.

 

President Otunbaeva expressed the need to take urgent measures concerning education of children in the conflict zone. “We must do everything to prepare for the new academic year,” she said.

 

 

Otunbaeva joins most mentioned foreign figures in Russian press

 

President Roza Otunbaeva has been included in the list of the most mentioned foreign figures in the Russian press, News.ru informs with reference to the researches of the System for Complex Analysis of News and Media (SCAN).

 

According to the SCAN, over the period between July 19 and 25 her name was mentioned in Russian mass media 217 times, ranking 8 in the rating. The leaders of the list are still Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Premier Vladimir Putin. They were mentioned in the press 3,001 and 2,223 times respectively. Among leaders of the rating is also Mayor of Moscow city Yuri Luzhkov.

 

Among foreign figures, the rating of mentioning in Russian mass media is headed by President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovych (he was mentioned in 880 materials) and Premier Nikolai Azarov – 503 times. Further goes US President Barack Obama (534), Chief of the US Federal Reserve System Ben Bernanke (393), US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (339), Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (281), Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili (226), Venezuela President Hugo Chavez (189) and Prime-Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi (168).

 

In the beginning of July 2010 Roza Otunbaeva occupied the forth place among the most mentioned foreigners in the Russian press with the result of 490.

 

 

President voices new approaches to economic issues

 

The President Roza Otunbaeva has voiced new approaches and decisions of economic issues during the international donor conference in Bishkek. She noted that first of all they would combat the system of bribery. “We know that due to corruption, the progress of the country and trust of the investors cannot be achieved. In this connection we are going to reduce state’s groundless interference in business,” Roza Otunbaeva said.

 

One more new approach is monitoring of the work of controlling bodies and processes of the business registration as well. “We have witnessed as fled Prime Minister publicly defended interests of corporative business and not of the nation,” Roza Otunbaeva continued.

 

The fourth approach is providing transparent work of the power industry. “This area is the most profitable. That’s why, it was the most corrupted area during times of former rulers.”

 

The President requested the donor community to assist in implementing market elements into the power industry. Roza Otunbaeva specified one more trend of the economic development; this is creation of independent and efficient platform for dialogue between authorities and business.

 

Otunbaeva noted that all tasks mentioned above are impossible to solve without rising of competitive ability of the economy. In the conclusion, the President noted that the interim government together with the donor community has to make proposals concerning creation of practical development institutions.

 

 

OSCE approves deployment of police advisors to Kyrgyzstan

 

The 56 OSCE member states agreed the deployment of police advisors to Kyrgyzstan in a decision taken by the Permanent Council in Vienna.

 

According to the decision, the Police Advisory Group will assist Kyrgyzstan in reducing inter-ethnic tensions and strengthening the capacities of the territorial units of the Interior Ministry of the Kyrgyz Republic.

 

"The OSCE Chairmanship welcomes the decision of the member states to deploy without delay a Police Advisory Group and thus enhance the OSCE's continuing work with Kyrgyzstan to resolve the current crisis, prevent the spillover of tensions in the region and promote post conflict rehabilitation," said the Ambassador of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov. "The police advisors will play an important role in reassuring the people of Kyrgyzstan following the tragic events of recent months, and will further strengthen the capacities of the police and help in restoring public trust."

 

The initial deployment of the Police Advisory Group will be for four months from the start of the operation, and the mission could be extended with the agreement of Kyrgyzstan and the Permanent Council.

The agreement with Kyrgyzstan on the Police Advisory Group envisages sending an initial 52 international police officers to monitor and advise counterparts in the Kyrgyz police force, with a focus on southern Kyrgyzstan. They will be unarmed and have no executive police powers.

 

All 56 OSCE member states may nominate candidates for the Police Advisory Group.

 

 

OSCE Chairperson says presence of Police Advisory Group in Kyrgyzstan will facilitate strengthening trust, stability and order in country

 

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan's Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, praised the decision taken in Vienna by the OSCE Permanent Council to deploy a Police Advisory Group to Kyrgyzstan.

 

"From the onset Kazakhstan has been advocating for the OSCE's effective participation in the settlement of the situation in Kyrgyzstan, within the existing mandate of the organization. In view of this, we supported from the start the request of Kyrgyzstan's authorities to deploy a Police Advisory Group.

 

I sincerely welcome the fact that all 56 member states of the OSCE have demonstrated their wisdom and achieved consensus about the deployment of OSCE police advisers in Kyrgyzstan, which was formalized by the decision of the representatives of our countries in Vienna," Saudabayev said.

 

"The presence of the Police Advisory Group in the regions that were the site of violent clashes will facilitate strengthening trust, stability and order in the country. As President Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized during the informal ministerial meeting of OSCE foreign ministers in Almaty, Kazakhstan stands ready to continue supporting the brotherly people of Kyrgyzstan both as the OSCE Chair and on a bilateral level."

 

 

Scarcity of funds will be compensated by energy export

 

The scarcity of funds caused by decrease in tariffs for electrical energy will be compensated by energy export, Minister of Energy Osmonbek Artykbaev stated at the government session.

 

Reportedly, current scarcity of funds sums 1.5 billion soms. “Because of unprecedented water volume in Toktogul reservoir we are planning to provide regular energy supply to the country and to export it as well.

 

According to the agreement with Kazakhstan we will export 530 million kilowatt-hours. Besides, we have held tenders among several Kazakh companies for export over 2 billion 330 million kilowatt-hours. We are expecting to gain $57 million that will cover current deficit,” Osmonbek Artykbaev added.

 

 

New Government of the Kyrgyz Republic formed

 

On July 14, Roza Otunbaeva announced the members of the new government, which will work till the parliamentary elections, to be held in October 2010. The following is the list of the cabinet:

Amangeldy Muraliev - First Deputy Prime Minister

Jantoro Satybaldiev - Deputy Prime Minister

Alexander Kostyuk - Deputy Prime Minister

Uktomkhan Abdullayeva - Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Social Affairs

Aida Salyanova - Minister of Justice

Kubatbek Baibolov - Minister of Internal Affairs

Ruslan Kazakbaev - Minister of Foreign Affairs

Emil Umetaliev - Ministry of Economic Regulation

Chorobek Imashev - Minister of Finance

Sheraly Abdyldaev - Minister of State Property

Osmon Artykbaev - Minister of Energy

Mamatsharip Turdukulov - Minister of Agriculture

Kairat Jumaliev - Minister of Natural Resources

Sabirjan Abdikarimov - Minister of Health

Aigul Ryskulova - Minister of Labor, Employment and Migration

Duyshenkul Chotonov - Minister for Emergency Situations

Sadyk Sher-Niyaz - Minister of Culture and Information

Aliyasbek Alymkulov - Minister for Youth Affairs

Erkin Isakov - Minister of Transport and Communications

Kanat Sadykov - The Ministry of Education and Science

Baratali Koshmatov - State Committee for Water Resources and Land Reclamation

 

 

ADB to grant 40 million to support Kyrgyzstan’s budget

 

Asian Development Bank will allocate 40 million US dollars to Kyrgyzstan to support the country's budget, Lan Wu, director of the permanent mission of the Asian Development Bank in Kyrgyzstan, said at a meeting with journalists. He stated that the grant will ensure the government to pay the costs of protected expenditures (salaries to state employees, retirees).

 

Free surplus of turnover the government may use to restore the south of the country, said Lan Wu. According to him, the ADB is currently developing a program consisting of several projects that will support the southern cities of Kyrgyzstan, suffered during the riots.

 

 

United States ready to support Kyrgyzstan

 

My main mission in Kyrgyzstan is to explore additional ways for assistance that the United States of America can provide to the country with regard to developments in the south. We also stand ready to propose an initiative to include the OSCE police forces into the international forces to resolve the situation. It was said by Michael McFaul, Special Assistant to US President in charge of Russian and Eurasian Affairs in context of National Security.

 

According to him, the US is interested to study the causes of the tragic events in southern Kyrgyzstan and to collaborate with the Kyrgyz government and civil society in ways to prevent similar events in future. “Soon in Almaty (Kazakhstan) will be held informal conference of foreign ministers of OSCE, where among other issues the situation in Kyrgyzstan and the possible introduction of police forces into the country will be discussed,” said Michael McFaul. “I will join the US delegation that will participate in the conference.”

 

The second part of the mission, he said, is studying the process of “re” democratization in Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

Alteration to be introduced in parliamentary elections

 

Some alterations will be introduced in the parliamentary elections to be held in Kyrgyzstan, Omurbek Tekebaev, deputy chairman of the interim government, the leader of the Ata-Meken political party said at a press conference on July 13. According to the amendments to the Code, the day of announcement of elections cannot be 75 days prior to the elections, as it was before, but in a period of 90 days.

 

Thus, we will hold elections in October 2010, according to the schedule. This decision was upheld at a meeting of more than 40 parties, Tekebaev said. He also mentioned that it was also approved to lower the election fund from required 100 million soms to 50 million soms. 


In addition, he said, parties registered before the announcement date of the elections, would begiven the right to participate in parliamentary elections.

 

 

Japan intends to import gold from Kyrgyzstan

 

Delegation of Mirage Group industrial corporation, registered in UAE, headed by chairman of board of directors, businessman from Japan Ichiro Fukuda and a group of Japanese TV Tokyo company visited Kyrgyzstan on July 2-4.

 

The main purpose of the visit was to find out ways for investing in the development of gold mining and import of gold to Japan. The Japanese also made a documentary on the prospects of gold mining in Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

OSCE Center to help ensure security of energy infrastructure

 

The OSCE Center in Bishkek will help ensure security of energy infrastructure of Kyrgyzstan.

 

In this context, the center has provided CCTV system for Toktogul Hydro Power Plant, which is of great importance not only for Kyrgyzstan, but also for the whole Central Asia. “It will allow enhancing security of strategic locations of energy infrastructure of Kyrgyzstan.”

 

Head of the OSCE Center in Bishkek Andrew Tesoriere emphasized that the recent disorders in Kyrgyzstan force to pay attention to importance of protection of key national energy infrastructure from diversion or attack.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan assists Afghanistan to fight against smuggling

 

Kyrgyzstan assists Afghanistan to fight against smuggling, OSCE Centre in Bishkek informs. 


Reportedly, the OSCE Centre in cooperation with the State Customs Service of Kyrgyzstan organized six-week course for customs officers from Afghanistan.

 

“This project, implemented in Kyrgyzstan, with the support of the organization, is an example of more extensive regional relations in the fields of customs services,” the head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Andrew Tesoriere said. 


Training for Afghanistan customs officers will be held on regular basis.

 

 

Atambaev pays an official visit to Russia

 

On July 10-11 first deputy chairman of the Interim Government Almazbek Atambayev paid an official visit to Russian Federation.

 

During the trip, Almazbek Atambayev met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The both sides discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Russia.

 

Taking into consideration the situation in the country the Russian government has decided to allocate an additional grant to Kyrgyzstan in the amount of 10 million US dollars. In addition, humanitarian aid in the form of 20 thousand tons of diesel and 1.5 tons of wheat seeds will be sent to Kyrgyzstan in this month.

 

Also preliminary agreement was reached on abolishing duties on fuel supplies to Kyrgyzstan, which could significantly reduce the prices of petrol and diesel.

 

 

Roza Otunbaeva meets with representatives of int’l organizations

 

President Roza Otunbaeva met with representatives of international donor organizations on July 7.

International organizations were represented by the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

 

The head of the state was accompanied by Minister of Economic Regulation Emil Umetaliev, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruslan Kazakbaev, Director General of the state directorate for the restoration of Osh and Jalal-Abad Jantoro Satybaldiev. The main agenda of the meeting was the rehabilitation of the southern regions, which had suffered during the recent ethnic violence.

 

 

New Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan still relevant

 

The issue of creating a new Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan's south is still on the agenda, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry said. "No official negotiations are currently being held on the issue, but it remains relevant today," acting Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev said.

 

Russia already has a military base in Kant, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) outside the capital, Bishkek. The United States also has a facility, previously a military base and now a transit center for supplying troops in Afghanistan.

 

The both countries signed a memorandum in August 2009 on the opening of a Russian training center for Russian and Kyrgyz soldiers and the deployment of additional troops in Kyrgyzstan (up to 500 soldiers). The troops are to operate in Kyrgyzstan under the aegis of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

 

In line with the memorandum, Russia plans to unite all its military facilities in Kyrgyzstan into a United Russian Military Base. It would include the airbase in Kant, a new training center, and some smaller facilities.

 

On July 1, CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha said talks on the issue could be renewed following the June 27 referendum. The vote turned the country from a presidential to a parliamentary republic and made the interim prime minister, Roza Otunbaeva, the country's President for a transitional period until 2012.

 

Bordyuzha said the creation of the base was possible as the new Kyrgyz authorities had pledged to maintain the previous government's policies towards Russia. He said the decision would "depend on the stabilization of the situation in Kyrgyzstan" and could be made after the situation improved.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan to produce less white sugar in 2010

 

In 2010, mills in Kyrgyzstan will produce only 25 percent of total needs of population in white sugar, according to official sources. It is expected that farmers will collect around 180-200 thousand tons of sugar beet. Thus, sugar mills will produce around 25-27 thousand tons of white sugar. Such amount of production is not enough for domestic market, the officials say.

 

Kyrgyzstan needs about 110-120 tons of white sugar annually for its domestic market; the government intends to import the white sugar to meet the needs of the population.

 

 

OSCE Permanent Council reiterates offer to assist Kyrgyzstan

 

The OSCE Permanent Council issued a statement last week that expressed its readiness to assist Kyrgyzstan and called for a quick conclusion of negotiations with Kyrgyzstan's authorities.

 

The statement said the Permanent Council "expresses its readiness to consider the early deployment of a Police Task Force to Kyrgyzstan and calls for the swift conclusion of the negotiations with the competent Kyrgyzstani authorities so that the Permanent Council can take an appropriate decision."

 

The statement, adopted unanimously by representatives from the 56 OSCE member states, took note of an OSCE Needs Assessment Mission that recently visited Kyrgyzstan. It also recalled that the Permanent Council in June had offered "to assist Kyrgyzstan upon its request in resolving the current crisis, preventing the spillover of tensions in the region and in promoting post-conflict rehabilitation."

 

 

China supports Kyrgyzstan's efforts to maintain national stability

 

China has expressed congratulations on the inauguration of Kyrgyzstan President Roza Otunbaeva, vowing to further push forward healthy bilateral ties. "As a friendly neighbor of Kyrgyzstan, we applaud the smooth holding of national referendum and extend congratulations to the country's newly inaugurated President Roza Otunbaeva," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang at a regular press briefing.

 

China respects the choice of the Kyrgyz people, and supports the country's efforts to resume national stability and develop the economy, he said. "China is willing to make joint efforts with the country to further strengthen political trust and the traditional friendship, enhance cooperation in the areas of politics, trade, culture, transportation and security, and beef up cooperation in international and regional affairs," the spokesman added.

 

 

Indian aid flown to Kyrgyzstan

 

India on July 6 sent its first consignment of humanitarian aid for violence-torn Kyrgyzstan. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) IL-76 aircraft, carrying around 50 tons of food items, medicines and tents, left for Osh in Kyrgyzstan. A aircraft with another 50 tons of aid material will head for the southern Kyrgyz city, badly hit by ethnic violence that erupted last month, within a week.

 

The humanitarian dimension of the crisis hit home when over 100 Indian students were feared trapped at the height of the ethnic violence in mid-June in the southern Kyrgyz cities of Osh and Jalal-Abad. The Indian mission chartered a special plane to airlift them to safety.

 

 

 

Roza Otunbaeva inaugurated as Kyrgyz President

 

Kyrgyzstan's provisional leader Roza Otunbaeva was sworn in as President on July 3, making her the first female president in the history of Central Asia.

 

Her inauguration in a concert hall in Bishkek comes just days after the country overwhelmingly approved a new constitution. Over the course of her tenure as caretaker President, which lasts to the end of 2011, Otunbaeva will oversee the implementation of the new constitution and the establishment of the region's first parliamentary democracy.

 

"Today Kyrgyzstan is going through one of the most dramatic periods in its history," Otunbaeva said to a cheering audience in a packed Soviet-era concert hall in the capital Bishkek, in her inaugural speech. She expressed sorrow at the violence in the southern regions and promised a new political era for a country riddled with instability. "Unfortunately, we have seen tragic events in the Osh and Jalal-Abad regions, where dark forces were guilty of causing the blood of many innocent people to be spilt," she said. She also pledged that all those rendered homeless by the unrest would receive new housing by the onset of winter and urged the international community to help avoid a "humanitarian catastrophe."

 

Parliamentary elections are set for October 10.

 

Here, it is worth mentioning that in a landmark referendum, overwhelming 90.55 per cent voters in Kyrgyzstan backed a new constitution to transform the country a parliamentary democracy and strip the Presidential post of its wide ranging powers.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan intends to join the Customs Union

 

Kyrgyzstan intends to join the Customs Union, President of Kyrgyzstan for transition period Roza Otunbaeva said. "We intend to enter the Customs Union. We must correlate all conditions taking into consideration mutual benefit for all sides," she noted making a statement following the session of the EurAsEC Interstate Council held in Astana.

 

"Being a member of the WTO Kyrgyzstan has established an expert group for studying the terms of its accession to the Customs Union," Otunbaeva added.

 

 

Roza Otunbaeva meets with President Nursultan Nazarbayev

 

On the sidelines of the 27th meeting of inter-state council of Eurasian Economic Community in Astana, the Kazakh capital, President Roza Otunbaeva held a bilateral meeting with President of Kazakhstan Nursulatan Nazarbayev.

 

The Kazakh President congratulated Otunbaeva on her election as the President of Kyrgyzstan for the transition period and adoption of the new Constitution of the country. The Presidents of two states discussed the issues of development of bilateral relations.  

 

Roza Otunbaeva took part in the work of inter-state council of the Eurasian Economic Community. She also had a bilateral meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

 

The official delegation of Kyrgyzstan included of deputy chairman of Interim Government Temir Sariev, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruslan Kazakbaev, national coordinator for EurAsEC affairs Bazarbai Mambetov, Minister of Economic Development Emil Umetaliev, chairman of State Customs Service Kubanychbek Kulmatov, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan Janysh Rustenbekov and other officials.

 

 

Otunbaeva meets with Turkish President A. Gul

 

In Astana, President Roza Otunbaeva met with the Turkish President Abdullah Gul. The meeting was held behind closed doors. The Turkish leader arrived in Kazakh capital to take part in celebration of the Day of Astana and the 70th jubilee of President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.

 

 

Kyrgyz voters back parliamentary democracy

 

Kyrgyzstan has voted in a referendum to create Central Asia's first parliamentary democracy, after a wave of ethnic violence in which hundreds of its citizens were killed earlier this month. The constitutional changes were proposed by the interim government, led by former Foreign Minister Roza Otunbaeva, which took office after President Kurmanbek Bakiev was overthrown in a revolt in April.

 

With almost all votes counted, official results showed 90.6 percent of voters backed the new constitution. Just 8 percent voted against, according to preliminary data from 99.6 percent of polling stations. Following are some facts about the new constitution.

 

-- Like the Bakiev-designed constitution, the new version defines mainly-Muslim Kyrgyzstan as a secular state.

 

-- It declares Kyrgyzstan a parliamentary republic, meaning the Prime Minister would have more power than the President.

 

-- Parliamentary elections will be held every five years. The interim government plans to hold the first elections in October this year.

 

- The number of seats in parliament will be increased to 120 from 90. A proportional representation election system will be used. No single party will be allowed to control more than 65 seats.

 

-- The President is limited to a single six-year term. He or she must be no younger than 35 and no older than 70, fluent in Kyrgyz and have lived in the country for at least 15 years.

 

-- Otunbaeva will be acting President until December 31, 2011, after which she will not be entitled to run for President.

 

-- Kyrgyz citizens aged 18 and over will be entitled to vote.

 

-- Members of the armed forces, police and the judiciary are not allowed to join a political party.

 

-- No political party can be created on religious or ethnic grounds.

 

Source: Kyrgyz draft constitution published on the interim government's website, www.kyrgyz-el.kg, and the Central Election Commission's website, www.shailoo.gov.kg.

 

 

Parliamentary elections to be held on October 10

 

Supporters and opponents of the interim government came to a conclusion that the parliamentary elections should be held on October 10, Deputy Head of the interim government Omurbek Tekebaev announced after his meeting with leaders of political parties the other day.

 

“It has also been decided to cut down the fund for elections from 100 million to 50 million soms, so that all parties could participate in the elections on equal terms. The start of the race will be announced on July 10,” said Omurbek Tekebaev. He further noted that at the meeting the parties came to a conclusion that some amendments should be made to the Election Code with consideration of the outcome of the  referendum.

 

The Deputy Head of the interim government stated that such meeting of the reconcilable supporters of policy of the interim government, in particular, of holding the plebiscite, and the leaders of parties, who are now temporarily in power, had been held for the first time and laid the foundation of a new political tradition of dialogue.

 

“Today, Kamchibek Tashiev, leader of Ata-Jurt Party, opponent of those political organizations, presented in the interim government, has officially acknowledged the results of the nation-wide vote,” mentioned Omurbek Tekebaev.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan has undergone a planned attack – Bordyuzha

 

Kyrgyzstan underwent a planned attack to split off the southern regions of the country, told the Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Nikolai Bordyuzha, reported by RIA Novosti. "

 

National Security Service of Kyrgyzstan has evidence that foreign mercenaries were involved in provoking unrest and riots between the Uzbek and Kyrgyz communities ... We believe that these representatives of extremist organizations, i.e. mercenaries, arrived in Kyrgyzstan, and provoked citizens to illegal activities," said Bordyuzha.


According to him, "it was a well-planned attack, which was to split off from the Kyrgyz Republic south and creating a well-defined public education such as the caliphate." "I think that such plans still exist. It is likely that the caliphate has created mafia," considers CSTO Secretary General. "All the security services of Kyrgyzstan noted vastly increased the flow of drugs coming through the south," he explained. "Many local drug lords took part in the riots: a few days ago when they searched the house of one of the southern drug lords several Kamaz trucks, having a huge quantity of drugs were discovered," said Nikolai Bordyuzha.

 

According to him, also "found huge quantities of arms and explosives." "This confirms the fact that the drug mafia is interested in destabilizing the situation and its contribution to this has made," stressed the CSTO Secretary General.
 


Atambaev appeals world community to assist Kyrgyzstan

 

Voice of every citizen of Kyrgyzstan determines future of the country,” Almazbek Atambaev, deputy chairman of the Interim Government told during the meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Eric P. Schwartz.

 

Atambaev told that the referendum was participated by 90% of electors, who supported the decision of the Interim Government and President in Transition. Deputy chairman also hoped that countries with developed democracies, such as the USA and EU countries would help Kyrgyzstan to get on its feet as a new and democratic Kyrgyzstan. "Despite the blockade of borders, the country continues to develop, but, unfortunately, we cannot cope with the destroyed south on our own. We hope that with your help and support from donors, we will provide everybody with housing.” According to him, the problem of refugees in Kyrgyzstan is very serious: "the main task at present - is to restore the country's south.”

 

 

Special attention to be given to coal production

 

In Kyrgyzstan, 30 coal companies mine around 450,000 tons of coal that is several times below the potentials of the sector. The Interim Energy Minister Osmonbek Artykbaev stated at a press conference. According to him, it is now especially necessary to support domestic producers regardless of the form of their ownership.

 

The minister also informed that to further develop the coal sector, the Interim Government has adopted a special regulation in June, according to which Komur state enterprise, which earlier was under the Ministry of Natural Resources, now has been handed over to the Ministry of Energy.

 

According to Osmonbek Artykbaev, 650 million soms have been allocated for Kara-Keche state enterprise for development of the coal field. “This amount will allow increasing the coal production up to 250,000 tons by 2012,” said the minister. “Total coal reserves in the country to date are nearly 1.3 billion tons.” He informed to journalists.

 

 

US assures full cooperation for prosperity in Kyrgyzstan

 

The United States urges the interim government and all citizens of Kyrgyzstan to use the referendum as an opportunity for reconciliation,” the US Assistant Secretary of the State Philip Crowley said. It was informed by the American Embassy in Bishkek.

 

“The United States welcomes peaceful and orderly referendum held on June 27 in Kyrgyzstan, and notes the positive assessment of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which emphasized the merit of the interim government in organizing a peaceful voting process, which contributed to the high voter turnout,” said Philip Crowley.

 

“The United States urges the interim government and all citizens of Kyrgyzstan to use this opportunity for reconciliation and accountability of government to ensure inter-ethnic harmony and promote Kyrgyzstan on a path of stability, security, democracy and prosperity for all residents of the country,” Crowley emphasized.

 

The US in cooperation with the international community and partners will provide all necessary support and assistance to the people and the Government of Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

Minimum $1 billion required to restore south

 

According to our estimates, the restoration of infrastructure of the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan will require minimum $1 billion, well-known economist Zhumakadyr Akeneev told to 24.kg news agency. According to him, this figure has appeared as a result of approximate assessment of damage, caused to property during the unrest.

 

The estimates have been made by members of an independent expert group. “We have considered the data about how many houses, social and other facilities were burnt, destroyed and brought to emergency condition,” noted Zhumakadyr Akeneev. He also added that a billion dollars are the minimum amount, which will be required for construction of new houses and other facilities.

 

 

Catherine Ashton admires the holding of referendum

 

The referendum indicates the persistence of the citizens of Kyrgyzstan and their desire to jointly create a stable foundation for the sustainable development of their country, the Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton stated in Brussels. The European Union’s mission in Kyrgyzstan informs.

 

“I welcome the Kyrgyz Republic’s peaceful conduct of referendum on constitutional reform on June 27, which is an important step towards the restoration of constitutional order and the democratic process in the country,” she stated. “The European Union expresses readiness to provide support to the country within this process.”

 

The EU Representative called on Kyrgyz authorities to take “immediate and decisive action” to address the deficiencies noted by the OSCE / ODIHR in anticipation to the upcoming parliamentary elections in the republic.

 

 

OSCE Chairperson calls for large-scale assistance to Kyrgyzstan

 

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan's Secretary of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kanat Saudabayev, welcomed the successful holding of referendum in Kyrgyzstan, and called on international community for large-scale assistance to the country. The OSCE Center in Bishkek informs.

 

“The referendum is a decisive step towards political stability and the restoration of constitutional order and political legitimacy," Kanat Saudabayev stated. "The OSCE Chairmanship supports the preliminary assessment of the referendum by the mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. But holding the referendum is only the beginning of a hard path towards restoring the rule of law and furthering the democratic, social and economic development of Kyrgyzstan.”

 

“The OSCE is keenly interested in seeing the situation in Kyrgyzstan return to a constructive framework, and calls on all the participating states and international bodies to develop a plan of large-scale assistance for the country,” Saudabayev emphasized. “We believe timely, effective and coordinated actions by the international community will become an important factor in stabilizing the political situation, maintaining regional security and cooperation, ensuring sustainable economic development and fully protecting democratic foundations in Kyrgyzstan.”

 

 

Uzbek President congratulates Roza Otunbaeva

 

The press-service of interim government of Kyrgyz Republic informed that Uzbek President Islam Karimov congratulated Roza Otunbaeva with being granted the presidential power in Kyrgyzstan and underlined the common interests of Kyrgyz and Uzbek people.

 

"Please, accept my congratulations with being granted the presidential power in Kyrgyzstan for interim period, based on recent referendum results. I sincerely wish peace, stability, well-fare to the friendly nation of Kyrgyzstan," the message indicates.

 

The President of Uzbekistan hoped that unbiased and fair investigation of bloody events in Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces "…will confirm the common nature of interests of both Kyrgyz and Uzbek people that have been living in southern Kyrgyzstan for many years. At the same time it will identify the face of instigators from outside that were ready to sacrifice thousands of innocent people for the sake of their dirty goals.

 

" In conclusion, Uzbek President noted "I would like to assure the wisdom of Kyrgyz people will give energy to overcome today’s challenges."

 

 

Iran hails tranquility and peace in Kyrgyzstan

 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast hailed tranquility and peace in Kyrgyzstan, ISNA reported. He welcomed the referendum on constitution held on Sunday in Kyrgyzstan and appointment of Roza Otunbaeva as President of the country.

 

He also congratulated Kyrgyzstan on massive turn-out in the referendum.

 

Mehmanparast expressed hope the event could establish peace, security and progress in the country.

 

Final results showed that more than 90 percent of Kyrgyz people voted "yes" in Sunday's referendum.

 

 

Turkey welcomes approval of Kyrgyzstan's new constitution

 

Turkey welcomed the approval of Kyrgyzstan's new constitution in a referendum on June 27, Turkish Foreign Ministry said in an official statement. The statement said, "the referendum, which was held in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, undoubtedly constituted a significant step for development of a democracy and rule of law in Kyrgyzstan."

 

"Turkey as the current president of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), will continue extending full support to Kyrgyzstan's democratization and reform process. We are also determined to make any contribution to Kyrgyzstan to complete the parliamentary elections on Oct. 10 in a democratic atmosphere," it said.

 

The statement said that Turkish diplomat Fatih Ceylan held a series of talks with Kyrgyz authorities in Bishkek on June 15 and 18 as the special envoy of the Turkish government and informed them on an action plan that could be carried out by the chairmanship of CICA.

 

The statement added that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu would travel to Kyrgyzstan in the coming days.

 

 

Roza Otunbaeva: People have accepted the new Constitution

 

The referendum in Kyrgyzstan is accomplished, the new Constitution is adopted, despite the violent resistance of its opponents, President in Transition Roza Otunbaeva stated at a meeting with journalists.

 

According to her, more than a half of citizens of the country – 1,077,352 people (as of 8 p.m.) – have voted for the new draft of the Constitution and thereby put a end to the period of the authoritative government of two previous presidents. “We see that people have supported the new Constitution. Unseen activity of citizens was observed in Bishkek city. I was in Osh city and have voted there. The country is united, people are indivisible. We did not see any incident or case of violation of voting rules during the referendum,” she said.

 

She also expressed gratitude to all international observers from the CIS and the SCO, as well as to local observers.

 

 

Otunbaeva thanks Kazakhstan and President Nazarbayev for consistent support

 

The OSCE Chairman-in-office, Kazakh State Secretary - Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev held a telephone conversation with President of Kyrgyzstan in Transition Roza Otunbaeva June 28, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry reports. Saudabayev welcomed the successful holding of the referendum in Kyrgyzstan noting that the referendum symbolized an important step toward political stability, reconstruction of constitutional order and legitimacy of acting authorities. He also said that he supported the preliminary evaluations of the held plebiscite by the mission of the OSCE ODIHR.

 

Otunbaeva expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan and President Nursultan Nazarbayev for consistent support of Kyrgyzstan rendered on the bilateral basis. The interlocutors discussed the further measures on consolidation of achieved results and creation of conditions for stable social and economic development of Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan's authorities succeeded in organizing peaceful referendum - OSCE

 

Despite challenging circumstances, Kyrgyzstan's authorities succeeded in creating the necessary conditions for the conduct of a peaceful constitutional referendum, the observation mission deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) concluded in a statement issued on June 28. The statement also said that although there were evident shortcomings, the reported high turnout indicated citizens' resilience and desire to shape the future of their country.

 

"Considering the extremely difficult environment in which the referendum took place only weeks after the violence in Osh and Jalal-Abad, the provisional government and other authorities should be commended for organizing a remarkably peaceful process," said Ambassador Boris Frlec, head of the observation mission.

 

He added that immediate and resolute measures are required to build on the positive developments and remedy the observed flaws in the run-up to parliamentary elections scheduled for later this year.

 

"The citizens of Kyrgyzstan turned out in large numbers to vote for a new, democratic and peaceful future for their country. It is now up to all political forces to work together to improve the electoral framework ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections and build a democratic society based on respect for human rights and the rule of law," Frlec said.

 

As a result of the conflict, preparations for the referendum were temporarily disrupted in the south of the country. While many poll workers had been displaced, the authorities succeeded in staffing all polling stations and opening them on referendum day. Efforts were made to enfranchise internally displaced voters who often had no identification papers. The pervasive atmosphere of fear and intimidation in parts of the south, compounded by arrests of prominent public figures of the Uzbek community, may have dissuaded some voters from casting their ballots.

 

The observers reported that in polling stations visited, voting proceeded orderly, although voters were not always checked for ink, an important safeguard against multiple voting. The counting and tabulation were assessed less positively, with commissions at times not being aware of procedures or not respecting them. Overall, the election commissions administered the process in a largely transparent, collegiate and timely manner

 

 

Foreign Minister thanks SCO observer

 

The Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev met with representatives of the Mission of International Observers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which monitored a referendum on adoption of the new constitution of Kyrgyzstan.

 

The observers said the referendum was conducted in a transparent and remarkably peaceful manner.

 

They visited about 47 polling stations, located in Bishkek, Kant, Karabalta, Tokmok and other settlements of the Chui province. Kazakbaev expressed gratitude to the observers for monitoring the referendum.

 

 

Akun: The Kyrgyz citizens show the high consciousness

 

Visiting a polling station on the referendum day, I was surprised to see the large number of electors. This is a fact that the Kyrgyz citizens are worried about the country’s destiny,” said Ombudsman Tursunbek Akun at a press conference.

 

Another human rights defender Baret Ergaliev endorsed Akun’s statement and told about a monitoring that conducted by his center. The highs turnout of electors was registered in the Issyk-Kul and Chui provinces.

 

 

Nephew of former President Sanjar Bakiev detained

 

The Kyrgyz Interior Ministry on June 25 announced it has detained the nephew of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev, suspected of organizing riots in the south of the country earlier this month.

 

The capture of Sanjar Bakiev and the operation was successful and there had been no fatalities, the interior minister Bolot Sher said

 

 

Russia, US vow to support democracy in Kyrgyzstan

 

Russia and the United States pledged to continue their support to the economic development of Kyrgyzstan and will assist the Central Asian state in the fight against terrorism and drug-trafficking.

 

"We intend to continue our joint efforts with Kyrgyzstan, to combat threats from narcotics trafficking and terrorism and work together to promote economic development of a stable Kyrgyzstan," Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his US counterpart Barack Obama said in a joint statement following their meeting in Washington last week.

 

"The United States of America and the Russian Federation confirm their common interest in supporting the people of Kyrgyzstan in their efforts to restore democracy and stability after the April 7 events and tragic confrontations in the south of the country," the statement said. "We call for the use of nonviolent political methods of resolving the current problems, for a rapid restoration of public order, civic peace and interethnic understanding," the document said.

 

 

Interim Government alleges Bakiev’s links with Islamic militants

 

The head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Security Service, Keneshbek Duishebaev, said last week that relatives of former president Kurmanbek Bakiev conspired with Islamic militants to destabilize southern Kyrgyzstan.

 

According to Duishebaev, Maxim Bakiev, the son of ousted president, met with representatives of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) in Dubai, while the former president’s brother Janysh brokered deals with Afghan Taliban and Tajik fighters. “The transfer of militants to the south of the republic was made on the eve of the June events from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province via Tajikistan’s Khorog and Murghab districts.

 

Cooperation in transferring the militants was made by a former Tajik opposition commander and drug baron, whose contact was Janysh Bakiev,” Duishebaev said.

 

Taliban, Tajik, IMU, and Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) fighters were offered $30 million in payment, he added. In addition, Duishebaev endorsed statements by Uzbek President Islam Karimov, who asserted that a “third force” was involved in the violence, which left hundreds dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.

 

 

UN: Situation in Kyrgyzstan is improving

 

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that the situation in Kyrgyzstan was improving.

 

It said the situation in Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan has improved with many small shops and banks opening up, traffic in circulation and farmers from neighboring provinces bringing in products. However, food, shelter, non-food items and hygiene kits remain important needs, it said.

 

It is still tense and humanitarian workers are finding it difficult to reach all of those in need due to security concerns, OCHA noted.

 

A high-level UN delegation visited Osh and met with the local authorities, non-governmental organizations and UN agencies. OCHA said that in Osh, the interim government had registered a total of 2,200 tons of humanitarian relief, in addition to relief items that had not been registered by the authorities.

 

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that amid the mass returns from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan, its field officers had been visiting groups of returning refugees and displaced people near Osh and Jalal-Abad.

 

According to the Kyrgyz authorities, 70,000 refugees have returned so far.

 

UNHCR said that both refugees and internally displaced persons had expressed mixed feelings about going back; although they wanted to be reunited with their families, many were worried for their safety and about going back to destroyed, damaged or looted homes.

 

 

Roza Otunbaeva says referendum will pave the real way to development

 

Adoption of the new Constitution of Kyrgyzstan will mean people’s victory over authoritarianism and immorality of the previous two regimes, lay the foundation for fighting against corruption, lawlessness and judicial arbitrariness, President in Transition Roza Otunbaeva stated in her latest address to the nation.

 

According to her, “the Interim Government realizes that the referendum will be held at a difficult and dramatic time.” “Destructive forces do not want real changes and have tried to fire up a civil war. Certain forces are trying to frustrate the referendum nowadays too, in order to again come to power under other names and to continue looting people,” stated Roza Otunbaeva.

 

The President in Transition promised that “on June 26 the curfew will be withdrawn in the territories, where the state of emergency was declared,” noting that it will happen in case of improvement of the situation. Roza Otunbaeva appealed to all residents of the country, having the voting right, to come to polling stations on June 27 and to take part in the nationwide voting.

 

 

Foreign Ministry concerned over partial media coverage

 

The Foreign Ministry on June 24 issued a special statement to express concern over what it argues is subjective coverage of the on-going events in the country’s south. "The coverage of the situation in southern Kyrgyzstan has been subjective since the first days of the tragedy and geared to fomenting inter-ethnic intolerance between the Kyrgyz and Uzbek people," the Foreign Ministry said.

 

Bishkek considers as unacceptable the use of "one-sided facts of June events in the interests of this or that people” and their "widespread dissemination in the global information network.”

 

The Foreign Ministry believes that the centuries-old historical and cultural ties and neighborly relations between the two sister communities cannot be "undermined by information attacks from those forces who want to see Kyrgyzstan fragmented, unstable, and a weak link in international relations." "Only objective and unbiased information may help rehabilitate the situation around and inside of Kyrgyzstan," the Foreign Ministry said.

 

 

China sends delegation to Kyrgyzstan

 

China pays serious attention to the developments in Kyrgyzstan and has sent a delegation to the country, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang. On June 16, China has sent to Kyrgyzstan a delegation headed by Gao Yusheng, the former Ambassador of China to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine, the former SCO Deputy Secretary General.

 

Upon arrival at Bishkek Gao Uusheng held negotiations with heads of the Kyrgyz Interim Government, including the Foreign and Interior Ministers, head of the Security Council, people from all walks of life of the country, as well as diplomatic missions of Russia and the US in Kyrgyzstan.

 

Qin Gang stated that the Chinese government expressed hope for earliest restoration of stability in Kyrgyzstan, first of all in the southern cities of Osh and Jalal-Abad, emphasized seriousness of relations with Kyrgyzstan and readiness for intensification of cooperation in political, commercial and economic, humanitarian sectors, in the spheres of transport and security.

 

He further told China promised to continue to provide assistance to Kyrgyzstan, including humanitarian and material assistance, would maintain close communication and coordination of actions with interested parties to ensure and contribute to peace, stability and development of Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia as a whole.

 

 

Interior Ministry puzzled at “strange attitude of human right activists

 

The Interior Ministry is puzzled at “strange attitude of human right activists, reporting about facts of police officers marauding. It is stated in a recent statement issued by the law-enforcement department. Recently some leaders of the non-governmental organizations adopted strange attitude toward internal affairs officers.

 

They prevented mass disorders and assisted normalization of the situation in the emergency situation zone, the statement said.

 

According to the ministry, media outlets publish more and more often information that destabilizes the situation in the south regions, assault reputation and authority of the law-enforcement authorities. “Statements concerning marauding facts among police officers, food shortages do not correspond to the realty. The officers have been provided with ration,” the statement reads.

 

The government has allocated 6 million soms for accommodation, food, and special means for the officers.

 

The ministry provides financial assistance and hot meals for more than 900 officers.

 

 

Almazbek Atambaev meets with World Bank official

 

The interim government’s first deputy head Almazbek Atambaev met with the regional director of the World Bank for Central Asia Motu Konishi last week.

 

.Atambaev informed the guest about internal political situation in the country, preparation for a referendum on adoption of the new Constitution. He said the situation is stable, but very complicated. The interim government is making everything for soonest stabilization of the situation and restoring the order.

 

Motu Konishi informed about a report of the joint donor estimation of the economic situation in Kyrgyzstan.

 

He pointed out the necessity of introducing alterations and amendments into the report, taking into account the events in the Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces.

 

Issues of organizing a conference of donors and international community, scheduled for late July 2010 in Bishkek were also discussed at the meeting.

 

 

Otunbaeva says the referendum will prevent further conflict

 

The forthcoming referendum on the new Kyrgyz constitution may prevent further unrest in Kyrgyzstan, the Interim President Roza Otunbaeva said on June 21, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported. Despite protests from a number of senior politicians, Otunbaeva said the government would go ahead with the June 27 referendum.

 

"If you listen to them (those who oppose the referendum), the county will never get out of this whirlpool.

 

Then Kyrgyz won't just be fighting with the Uzbeks, but with each other as well," Otunbaeva told Russian newspaper Izvestia. "We must hold the referendum, or the country will remain in turmoil." Otunbaeva said the government was certain that the referendum was the only way to bring stability to the Central Asian republic. "There is no other way than forward. Any deviation... and we are done for," she said. Otunbaeva confirmed once again that she would not run for presidency. "I will head the government during the interim period; that's all. Other people will run for president. Such are the rules," she said.

 

Parliamentary polls in Kyrgyzstan are slated for October, 2011, with the new Kyrgyz leader expected to enter office the following January. If adopted, the new constitution will completely reform the Kyrgyz political system, giving greater power to the Prime Minister.

 

The interim government last week introduced amendments stating that the referendum could be canceled if the state of emergency in its south is not lifted. The state of emergency in Osh has been extended until June 25, while in Jalal-Abad, where the curfew has already been shortened, it is due to end on June 22.

 

 

Uzbek leader says events in Kyrgyzstan – not interethnic conflict

 

The events in south Kyrgyzstan are caused not by interethnic conflict, but by subversive activities, organized externally, stated Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Kyrgyzstan informs.

 

According to him, “neither Uzbeks, nor Kyrgyz are guilty” in the conflict in the south of Kyrgyzstan. “These are subversive activities, organized and managed externally,” emphasized Islam Karimov. “The forces that organized the subversion strived to involve Uzbekistan in this confrontation.”

 

The Uzbekistan President noted that in the current situation more than ever are important vigilance, endurance and ability to soberly estimate the situation, since “in the near and far-abroad countries there are those who claim to be our friends.” “Such a position is traced in regard to the events, happening in Kyrgyzstan,” considers Islam Karimov. “It is hard to talk about these events,” he emphasized. “Murder of innocent people, children, pregnant women – it is nothing else but barbarism, cruelty. I am sure that the roots of bloody crimes will be revealed, and they will be given legal assessment.”

 

The President of Uzbekistan cautioned fellow citizens against revenge in regard to residents of Kyrgyzstan. “I am not only against it, but I also consider that those thinking in such a manner are enemies of our people,” stated Islam Karimov. “Barbarism and cruelty never bring to good.

 

This should never be forgotten. We are great people, able to find common language with the Kyrgyz people, with whom we have been living side by side through millenniums and to solve our problems independently.”

 

 

Otunbaeva held telephone conservation with Hillary Clinton

 

The interim leader Roza Otunbaeva held telephone conservation with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on June 16. They discussed issues regarding the situation in the Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces. Clinton expressed condolences to the people of Kyrgyzstan and underlined that the United States would continue to render humanitarian assistance to the country in this difficult time.

 

 

Interim Government amends the decree on referendum

 

The Chairwoman of the Interim Government Roza Otunbaeva has signed a decree, changing the conditions of conducting a referendum in the country, its press service informs.

 

According to it, the amendments concern point 3 of the document, according to which “the referendum shall not be held in case of military situation or state of emergency, established in the whole territory of Kyrgyzstan. If the state of emergency is established in particular regions, then the referendum shall be held provided that the number of citizens, included in the list of participants of the referendum and residing in the territory of these regions, amounts to less than a half of citizens of Kyrgyzstan, included in the list of participants of the referendum.”

 

 

UN, OSCE, EU back interim government's efforts for stability

 

The United Nations, OSCE and European Union have issued a joint statement backing the Kyrgyz interim government's effort to restore stability in the country. The statement said the UN, the OSCE and the EU had worked out an emergency action plan with clear-cut moves for helping prevent an escalation of conflict and facilitating reconciliation and reconstruction.

 

The priority for the time being, the joint statement said, is to set up and secure a corridor for humanitarian aid supplies to the Osh and Jalal-Abad regions.

 

 

Life returns to normal in Osh

 

Life returns to normal in the ravaged city of Osh as the military continued to remove the remaining barricades from the streets on June 22, media reports say.

 

With most municipal services already operating in usual mode, a state of emergency has been extended until June 25 in Osh, where the situation remains tense, a police spokesman said.

 

He additionally cited simmering tensions in the Uzgen, Kara-Sui and Aravan districts, where he said a state of emergency is also in place.

 

In a statement on June 22, interim leader Roza Otunbaeva warned against overdramatizing the situation in southern Kyrgyzstan, urging the population not to yield to provocations. 

 

 

Enough will vote to legitimate the referendum

 

According to Asel Azemkulova, head of the non-governmental organization “Alternativa,” based on the results of interviews, 70 percent of Bishkek residents are ready to participate in referendum.

 

The survey reveals that in general people believe the future of the country depends on their expression of will. The people were asked, did they believe that the referendum would change the country’s future, the answer was - the Constitution is a key factor in preserving of statehood.

 

Though, three-quarters of respondents did not know what questions would be on the referendum, but almost every one said, “People want to live in stability. They are tired of turmoil.” They do not care what would be written in the bulletin, anyway they will vote.

 

When asked, whether the referendum would be legitimate, people were of the opinion that at least 50 percent of population resides in the north part of the country and all of them will vote, for the south, 15-20 percent of voter turnout will be enough for the successful and legitimate referendum.

 

 

Otunbaeva meets with US Assistant Secretary of State

 

The US will allocate more than $32 million for Kyrgyzstan to normalize the situation in the republic; the interim government quoted US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake as saying at a meeting with Interim President Roza Otunbaeva.

 

Robert Blake said the US would allocate assistance amounting to $32.267 million for humanitarian relief programs to ensure normal living conditions for the displaced persons who suffered during the events and normalize the situation.

 

Otunbaeva informed Blake about the outcomes of her trip to Osh on June 18.

 

 

Permanent Representative to the UN dismissed from the post

 

Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to United Nations Organization and to others international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan to the Swiss Confederation Muktar Jumaliyev has been dismissed from the post. The press service of the interim government informs. Reportedly, a correspondent decree was signed by the interim leader Roza Otunbaeva.

 

 

Turkish PM expresses condolences to the people of Kyrgyzstan

 

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Almazbek Atambaev, first deputy head of the interim government, by phone, Anadolu Agency reported. Both leaders exchanged views on incidents that took place in Kyrgyzstan. Erdogan told Atambaev Turkey hoped that stability and tranquility would soon take place in the country.

 

Almazbek Atambaev thanked the government of Turkey for supporting the interim government and told about works on regulations of the situation in the Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces.

 

 

The New York Times: Evidence of plans for Kyrgyz violence

 

Violence ebbed and people began emerging from their barricaded homes in Kyrgyzstan’s ethnically torn south, as evidence mounted that days of brutal bloodletting had been deliberately organized to ignite long-running tensions between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks.

 

As humanitarian aid began to flow into a south depleted of supplies, the office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights said its investigators believed that the conflict may have been touched off by five coordinated attacks by separate groups of armed men last Thursday night in different parts of Osh, the largest city in the south.

 

Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the commissioner, said the attacks - which left over 100 dead and 100,000 or more Uzbeks as refugees - were “orchestrated, targeted and well planned,” not a spontaneous outbreak of ethnic violence. He did not mention any names, but the interim government blamed the country’s deposed president, Kurmanbek Bakiev. Bakiev’s opponents contend that he provoked the conflict between majority Kyrgyz and minority Uzbek to destabilize the fragile interim government and try to return to office. Bakiev has denied any involvement.

 

The interim government has maintained that he has used his relatives in southern Kyrgyzstan to foment instability, but he said he was not speaking to them because he was worried about getting them into trouble. “My brothers and my children have gone underground,” he told reporters in Belarus.

 

At the same time, the detention in Britain on Sunday of Bakiev’s son, Maksim, seemed to deepen the speculation. The Kyrgyz authorities said they would ask London to extradite Maksim Bakiev “for crimes committed on Kyrgyz territory.” Maksim Bakiev himself said he would seek political asylum.

 

 

Interim Government creates Security Council

 

A Security Council under the President in Transition has been created in Kyrgyzstan. The decree has been signed by the Interim Leader Roza Otunbaeva. Colonel of secret services Alik Orozov has been appointed to the post of Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic by the decree of the Interim Leader.

 

Alik Orozov is a permanent officer of the Committee for State Security, earlier he worked in the structure of the Security Council. In April 2007 he resigned in protest against Kurmanbek Bakiev’s “authoritative country management policy.”

 

 

One of unrest initiators held in Jalal-Abad

 

One of the instigators of provocations that led to death of peaceful population, member of Ak Zhol Party Paizullabek Rakhmonov has been detained in Jalal-Abad province. The headquarters of the special representative for the south told the news agency 24.kg. According to the sources, Paizullabek Rakhmonov - closest friend of Bakiev family – was one of the main initiators of the mass disorders in April, May and June.”

 

“The former official is already giving confessionary statements and telling who prepared the scenario, including the latter one, stirred up by mercenaries of carnage in the south of the country,” notes the official.

The headquarters of the special representative for the south also underlined that apart from the evidences of the detained; there are enough proofs of implication of some very close friends of Kurmanbek Bakiev’s brothers, who all this time after 7 April 2010 have nurtured a plan of unleashing interethnic conflict.”

 

 

Kyrgyzstan to set up state company to supply fuel to US base

 

The government says it plan to create a state-owned company to provide a US air base with fuel, replacing a series of private intermediary firms set up under the previous government.

 

A decree signed by interim President Roza Otunbaeva orders the company to be formed over the next 10 days.

 

The prosecutors say that companies owned by a son of ex-president Kurmanbek Bakiyev avoided almost $80 million in taxes on aviation fuel sold to the Manas base. The base acts as a key refueling point for warplanes flying over Afghanistan and a major hub for combat troop movement.

 

 

Police in Osh institute 67 criminal proceedings, 22 arrested

 

The Prosecutor-General's Office has reported the initial results of the investigation of criminal cases, instituted for committing mass murders, turmoil in Osh and Jalal-Abad.

 

According to the report, as of June 18 a total of 195 bodies were recovered in the southern capital and in the region; 122 with gunshot wounds and 73 with trauma and burns. The interdepartmental investigative group has instituted 67 criminal cases and detained 22 people.

 

Reportedly, 13 criminal cases have been initiated on the fact of death through violence, mass disorders; 4 criminal cases on the basis of kidnapping and illegal deprivation of freedom, 1 criminal case is initiated on the fact of embezzlement of property. Besides, the police seized 4 units of shotgun from the illegal trafficking – 2 automatic weapons, 1 rifle-attached grenade launcher, 1 improvised weapon and 152 cartridges.

 

 

SCO urges restoring Kyrgyzstan's stability through dialogue


Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on June 11 called for restoring stability in Kyrgyzstan through dialogue, saying they were willing to provide necessary support to Bishkek. In a declaration issued at the end of the SCO summit in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, the SCO member countries reiterated their stance of supporting each other's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and opposing interference in the internal affairs of sovereign countries and actions that may trigger regional tensions.


Any difference should be settled through dialogue and consultations by political and diplomatic means, said the declaration of the SCO, which groups China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.


The member states emphasized that restoring Kyrgyzstan's political stability is significant to the entire region and they were willing to provide necessary support and assistance to Kyrgyzstan.


The Interior Ministry of the Kyrgyz interim government on June 11 declared a state of emergency in the southern city of Osh after hundreds of youths smashed windows, looted shops and set cars to fire in the city.

 

Roza Otunbaeva, leader of the interim government, declared a curfew in Osh and the surrounding region between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. local time.
 

 

No more vigilance on the opposition movements

 

Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan has abolished 9th department in accordance with decree of acting minister Bolot Sher. “From now onwards, agencies of the internal affairsministry are not to control opposition movements for analysis of political situation,” message of the minister reads.

 

The 9th department was formally established to combat religious extremism, information and ideological terrorism, and illegal immigration. In reality, however, its activities consisted of compiling lists of 'untrustworthy' politicians and opposition leaders, spying on them and bugging their telephone conversations.

 

The said department had vast powers for shadowing, wiretapping and intelligence surveillance. The events watchers and experts have called the step of the ministry “revolutionary.”

 

 

In Kyrgyzstan GDP increased by 9.7 in percentage points

 

In Kyrgyzstan GDP increased by 9.7 in percentage points comparing with 2009 as National Statistic Committee reports. According to it, the GDP increased by 5.5 in percentage points without consideration output of mining company Kumtor.

 

Output of industrial products was raised by 56.8 percent. Rates of growth of mining industry are 45.6 per cent, manufacturing industry - 67.8 per cent, energetic – 13.1 per cent respectively.

 

The GDP of agriculture, forestry and hunting was increased by 2.2 in percentage points. Rate of growth of construction sector remained 29.3 percent. Permanent investments raised by 13.1 percent.

 

Inflation comparing with 2009 is 2.8 per cent while average monthly earning increased by 13.7 per cent and amounts 6 thousand 424 soms. Number of jobless was decreased by 1.4 per cent. At present, the number of unemployed is 66.7 thousands in Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

People remember Chingiz Aitmatov

 

Not many know that in 1986 the world-famous writer of Kyrgyzstan Chingiz Aitmatov was awarded with the Children’s Smile Order, the award with an image of the smiling sun. The peculiarity of the award is that its knights are selected by children. In 1979, the United Nations entitled it with an international status. Till now, this award has been conferred on 903 persons in 45 countries.

 

On 10 June, 2010, it will be two years since the death of the writer, who stated that the present-day world is “on the threshold of a new height of consciousness,” which means understanding that the main mission of human and the mankind is “to win the Evil within.” Priceless heritage of his works and his memory have left deep roots of respect.

 

 

NATO Special Envoy informed about public security issues

 

NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Robert F. Simmons and the President in transition of Kyrgyzstan Roza Otunbaeva discussed public security issues last week.

 

According to sources, Otunbaeva informed to the guest about the reasons of April events, current socio-political and socioeconomic situation in the country, as well as about measures taken by her government on preparation for the upcoming referendum and parliament elections.

 

 

Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev arrives in Tashkent

 

The interim Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Ruslan Kazakbaev arrived in the capital of Uzbekistan on June 10 to participate in the annual session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will take place tomorrow in Tashkent. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bahtiyar Islamov received him at the Tashkent airport.

 

The SCO summit will be held under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan. The leaders are expected to consider issues of further development of SCO, improvement of activity of its bodies, political, economic and humanitarian cooperation of member states, strengthening SCO's ties with international and regional organizations, as well as problems related to security and other issues. 

 

 

Over 16 thousand Kyrgyz citizens live abroa

 

The head of the Central Election Commission Akylbek Sariev citing the data of the country’s foreign ministry told at a press conference that over 16 thousand Kyrgyz citizens live in foreign countries at the present moment.

 

He mentioned that the majority of them live in Russia and Kazakhstan: “With a purpose of carrying out the nation-wide referendum, three polling stations in Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk have been set-up. As for Kazakhstan, two polling stations will function in Almaty and Astana.”

 

In total, 29 polling stations have been set up in foreign countries, so that Kyrgyz people there can participate in the voting process.

 

 

Bishkek asks Moscow assist in coming days

 

Russian Presidential Representative Vladimir Rushailo and Kyrgyz interim President Rosa Otunbaeva met on June 10 to discuss humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan, Interfax reported citing a source at the Otunbaeva office.

 

"The negotiations held were focused on the current sociopolitical situation in the country and preparations for a constitutional referendum on June 27," the source said. "Otunbaeva asked Russia for rendering humanitarian aid to Jalal-Abad and Osh regions harmed by recent floods and mudslides," the source said.

 

Russian Central Election Commission Chairman Vladimir Churov, who also attended the meeting, told Otunbaeva that the commission was ready to assist the Kyrgyz constitutional referendum, in particular, with the opening of polling stations for Kyrgyz labor migrants in Russia.

 

Rushailo also met with interim Defense Minister Ismail Isakov. "Isakov informed the Russian presidential representative about stabilization efforts in the Jalal-Abad and Osh regions and preparations for the constitutional referendum," a source at the Kyrgyz Defense Ministry told Interfax.

 

 

CEC accredits 43 international observers

 

Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan has accredited 43 international observers from 23 countries from all over the world that will follow the course of referendum planned to be held on June 27, 2010. As of June 8, the CEC has also given accreditation to 18 more international observers. According to sources, they are 7 people from inter parliamentary assembly council of Commonwealth of Independent States; 5 - ODIHR/OSCE mission; 2 - the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); 3 from SCO secretariat and 1 from inter parliamentary assembly of EurAsEC.

 

 

US embassy says role of ethnic minorities in political life is crucial

 

The United States of America calls for sensitivity to ethnic issues and the inclusion of all ethnic groups in the development in the republic, the US Embassy in Bishkek informs. “Participation of ethnic minorities in political life is crucial for Kyrgyzstan, the message reads, The US Embassy has been following closely the issue of inter-ethnic relations in Kyrgyzstan.  Resolving the questions of participation and representation of minorities in public life is crucial to stability, governance, and freedom in Kyrgyzstan.

 

With the upcoming referendum on constitutional reform and the pre-October election period, we call for sensitivity to ethnic issues and the inclusion of all ethnic groups in the development of Kyrgyzstan into a fully democratic society, the statement said.

 

 

All nationalized objects to be sold - Roza Otunbaeva

 

All objects nationalized by the Interim Government will be sold for enhancement of state treasury. It was made clear by Roza Otunbaeva, the Interim President. According to her, at each session the Interim members have been taking decisions on nationalization of objects.

 

“There are already 30 such objects. I want to note that the process itself is not the best variant, especially under market conditions. But when the matter concerns the objects that belonged to Bakiev family, we must do it certainly, since they were seized either forcibly or bought for trifling sum. Everything that shined was in the hands of Bakievs. Analyzing the situation, I understand that Kyrgyzstan has been brought to the hammer. I remind about illegal sales of Kyrgyztelecom, Severelectro. The latter was sold for only $3 million to Chakan Company, which is an offshore enterprise of Bakiev family. For comparison, if to sell 27,000 kilometers of cables of the enterprise, then we could earn $50 million. I will not mention the buildings and enterprises of Severelectro,” said Roza Otunbaeva.

 

She noted that the nationalized objects will be further sold, and the money will go to treasury. “For this money, we will build schools, kindergartens and increase wages of public sector employees. Kyrgyzstan is not a poor country, and we do not ask alms from other states. Our citizens have always worked fruitfully,” added Roza Otunbaeva.

 

 

Integrated coal sector policy for Kyrgyzstan

 

The Energy Ministry is working out an integrated coal sector policy, which would improve the whole system as well. Reportedly, coal production continues to drop down in Kyrgyzstan. “So in 1990 this index was at the level 4, 5 million tons of coal, but in 2009 gross coal output fall down to 4,500 tons, the report issued by the Energy Minister said.

 

The coal production companies have also pleaded to the Energy Ministry to advise some government electricity companies to pay for the coal provided in heating period 2009-2010. This sum touches the figure of 56 million soms (1$=45 soms).

 

The report said that nevertheless fueling for boilers would be provided in the form of tender and priority will be given to local coal producers with a regard to price analysis on Kazakh and Kyrgyz coal.

 

 

Kazakhstan favors plan of international support to Kyrgyzstan

 

Kazakhstan has called upon the world community to develop an ambitious plan of international support to Kyrgyzstan. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has said it at the III CICA Summit in Istanbul on June 8.

 

The President has further added that for the proper use of aid this country needs effective system of governance. According to him, the main reason of the current situation in Kyrgyzstan lies in many unsolved socio-economic problems. "Difficult and unstable situation in Kyrgyzstan still exists.

 

Kazakhstan supports the measures taken by the Kyrgyz side on legitimization of power. In its turn Kazakhstan takes all necessary measures to stabilize the situation in Kyrgyzstan and prevent an economic collapse there," Nazarbayev emphasized.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan discusses accession to Customs Union

 

The Economic Regulation Ministry of Kyrgyzstan continues discussing the issue of Kyrgyzstan's possible accession to the Customs Union, Kazinform reported citing the press service of the ministry.

 

In this context, it should be noted that 40.9% of total foreign trade turnover of Kyrgyzstan is conducted with the countries, which are members of the union. (Russia - 28.5%; Kazakhstan - 10.7%; and Belarus - 1.7%) Export makes up 22.7% and import - 49.5%.

 

In accordance with the Governmental instruction as of February 26, 2010, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economic Development has conducted a preliminary analysis of the national legislation, the international treaties regulating foreign trade activity and their compliance with the CU contractual legal framework. As a result, 37 CU documents have been revised, 25 out of which only conform to the national legislation and the country's international treaties. 12 documents need corrections.

 

Besides, in case of Kyrgyzstan's accession to the Customs Union, the country will need to negotiate the issue regarding changing its commitments to the WTO on customs tariffs which differ from the CU single customs tariff with the organization's member countries.

 

 

Kazakhstan to keep on rendering assistance to Kyrgyzstan

 

Kazakhstan renders and will keep on rendering assistance to Kyrgyzstan at the bilateral level and as the OSCE chair country, OSCE Chairman-in-office, Kazakh Secretary of State - Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev said at the meeting with Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Ruslan Kazakbaev held in Istanbul within the framework of CICA meeting.

 

Saudabayev emphasized the importance of the referendum on new constitution of Kyrgyzstan scheduled for June 27 and coming into power of head of the interim government Roza Otumbaeva for a transitional period.

 

Kazakbaev on behalf of the Government and people of Kyrgyzstan expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for assistance provided during current situation.

 

 

Senior interim government official quits post, creates own party

 

The interim government's chief of staff says he has resigned from his post in order to establish a new political party ahead of parliamentary elections this fall, Radio Liberty reports.

 

Edil Baisalov told that the process set in motion by the ouster in April of President Kurmanbek Bakiev has begun to lose momentum and orientation. He said the new government has failed to change the way appointments are made to official posts, prompting him to establish his own party.

 

Baisalov said that while the country already has many political parties, they are now on equal footing and no single party has the command of resources enjoyed by the previous ruling party.

 

"That is the major guarantee that the parliamentary elections will be fair," Baisalov said.

 

He said the name of his party is still under discussion. Its provisional name is Generous Nation (Aikol El).

Baisalov becomes the senior most member of the interim government to have stepped down since it came to power in the wake of protester deaths on April 6-7 and Bakiev's subsequent flight into exile.

 

Baisalov is the former president of the Coalition for Civil Society and Democracy, a leading civic advocacy group in Kyrgyzstan. He played a key role in the so-called Tulip Revolution of March 2005 that toppled President Askar Akaev and ushered Bakiev into power.

 

A vocal critic of Bakiev's failure to crack down on organized crime, Baisalov survived an assassination attempt in April 2006. In December 2007, Baisalov left Kyrgyzstan for Sweden, fearing for his life and safety.

 

He returned to Kyrgyzstan on April 9 after the mass antigovernment protests that led to Bakiev's ouster. He then took the position of chief of staff of the interim government.

Parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan are scheduled for October 10.

 

 

Otunbaeva: Elections will be fair and transparent

 

The Interim Government in Kyrgyzstan has established a headquarters to help the Central Election Commission. The head of the headquarters, Omurbek Tekebaev (the leader of the Ata Meken Socialist Party and the deputy head of the interim government) gathered all the governors and discussed...the organizational issues regarding referendum recently. A lot of preparatory work will be carried out including putting banners and billboards about the referendum in cities, towns, villages (and) clarifying voter lists before the event. The country has about 3,155,000 voters according to the 2009 data, but it needs to be checked. The migration process has been high in Kyrgyzstan. Besides that, some voters might have gone to rural areas for the summer, and some to resort places with their children.

 

These words were said by the President in transition Roza Otunbaeva while granting an exclusive interview to Radio Liberty (Burulkan Sarygulova, acting Bishkek bureau chief) in Bishkek on June 4.

 

Otunbaeva further informed that once this work is done, the government would have objective conditions for a fair referendum. Many international observers are coming to Kyrgyzstan. The OSCE alone is sending about 300 observers. About six members of the Central Election Commission are coming with a UN mandate. It means there will be many observers, many different eyes watching the event.

 

In her view, the referendum would be held on June 27 and new amended constitution would be adopted. “It would be a great step forward for us.” Then many political parties are preparing themselves for the general elections by holding their congresses, and organizing blocs, and signing agreements. It’s said Kyrgyzstan has about 100 political parties, and more are always emerging.

 

Otunbaeva also clarified her position on not-contesting elections in future by herself. “The interests of my country and my nation are more important than my own personal ambitions. I would say of the opponents who are criticizing us from the sidelines - saying that we are trying to develop new terms of power - that they were serving ousted former Presidents Askar Akaev and Kurmanbek Bakiev.” “We are trying to get our nation out of a severe crisis. If they are eager to win the presidency, there will be an opportunity in a year and a half. I’m not offering my candidacy for the presidential elections. I am just a part of the transition scheme to transfer society from the old 2007 constitution to the new 2010 constitution,” she added.

 

 

No future without women’s support – official says

 

Kyrgyzstan would not have prosperity without support of the women. These are the views of  Omurbek Tekebaev, deputy head of the interim government, who was speaking at the National Conference “Women’s political participation in constitutional reform and parliamentary elections.” Tekebaev stated that the most powerful governments could not exclude women from political processes. “Kyrgyzstan is not an exception.

 

For example, in 90s in transition period the economy was built exactly by women. As the practice shows the politics they are representing – is noted by greater tolerance, social justice, human development, as well as mitigate politics,” Tekebaev added.

 

He said in the case of good results of referendum, Kyrgyzstan will set two precedents in Central Asia. “The first one is approval of new parliamentary government, second – the government would be headed by a woman. Roza Otunbaeva is already entrusted with enormous responsibility for country development. We hope she will ensure peaceful transition of power,” he concluded.

 

 

Roza Otunbaeva - women to occupy worthy place in new parliament

 

In Kyrgyzstan women must occupy worthy places in new parliament. Roza Otunbaeva, the President during transition period of Kyrgyzstan said at the National Conference “Women’s political participation in constitutional reform and parliamentary elections.” According to Otunbaeva, it will become a matrix for further advancement of women in power echelon. ”This is the moment to prepare women for upcoming elections. It should be noted that many developed countries are accustomed to women-politicians; they occupy high ranking positions, take portfolio and etc. We also have political active women and they are bearing all severities of the period, she added.

 

Roza Otunbaeva said women contributed to developments of 2005 and 2010 as well. “We already have an image of woman- picketer. This phenomenon was noted worldwide and as known women are more sensitive to current problems. They also cannot stand inequality and fight for equality of treatment. “Nevertheless, I suppose, that we shall abandon this practice – to use women as a defense tool,” she concluded.

 

 

Turkey to grant 21 million to Kyrgyzstan

 

Turkey will allocate $21 million for Kyrgyzstan. The agreement was reached during a working visit of the first deputy head of the interim government Almazbek Atambaev to Turkey last week.

 

According to the sources, the Prime Minister of Turkey Redjep Erdogan confirmed readiness of Turkish government to assist Kyrgyzstan in such responsible and troublesome time.

 

Almazbek Atambaev informed the official Ankara that new authorities of Kyrgyzstan require international support for stability of the region, especially during the period of elections. He also suggested Turkey to influence Organization of the Islamic Conference to render assistance for stabilization of business environment in Kyrgyzstan by means of Islamic Development Bank.

 

 

Five famous species included in the Red Book  

 

Five famous species in Kyrgyzstan have been included in the Red Book. These are:

 

Snow leopard (Uncia uncia Shreber, 1775) – In Kyrgyzstan, they are found in the mountains like Pskemsky, Chandalashsky, Talas, Kyrgyz, Suusamyr, Chatkal, Fergana, Fergana, Turkestan, Alay, as well as Kungey and Teskey Ala-Too, Naryn-Too, Moldo-Too, At-Bashi, Sary-Jaz and Kakshaal-Too. Over the last 10-12 years the population of snow leopard has decreased by 5-10 times and now still going on not exceeding 150-250 species. Hunting in the territory of Kyrgyzstan was forbidden since 1948 and from 1959 a legal liability was established for hunting and capturing of snow leopard without license. It is now included in the International Red Book and Amendment 1 of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Wildlife Species. Since 1975 it was included in the list of specially protected species of Kyrgyzstan.

 

Central Asian tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldi) – a representative of a monotypic variety is endangered in Kyrgyzstan due to the change of habitat and capture. Limiting factors are: anthropogenic impact – change (due to many years overgrazing) and loss of their habitat, poaching for expert. Currently neither species nor their habitats are protected. Until recent periodical export of tortoise has not been controlled (in 2005 illegal export of 1000 tortoise was stopped).

 

Aigul flower (Fritillaria eduardii Regel) - one of the three locally grown species in northern area displaced from its main area. As a highly decorative species with reducing area and number due to human factors it was included in a number of regional Red Books. Small as it is their number keeps decreasing today.

 

Issyk-Kul sheer osman (Diptychus dybowskii lansdelli Gunther) – is a lake form, very small in number now under threat of extinction. In the first half of 20th century the volume of trade was up to 700–800 centners per year, in the 60s – only 20 centners.

 

Brandt's Hedgehog (Hemiechinus (Paraechinus) hypomelas) - rare and vulnerable species can rarely be found in the south of Kyrgyzstan. Limiting factors are anthropogenic: virgin land cultivation, seeding and irrigation of agricultural lands.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan eager to recover economic relations with Belarus

 

Kyrgyzstan intends to recover the economic relations with Belarus in full and as soon as possible, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan to Belarus Ishenkul Boldzhurova told a press conference on June 3, Belta reported. “I hope that after the legitimization of the interim government our economic relations will be resumed in full,” she said.

 

The Ambassador added that the present situation has indeed negatively affected the cooperation between the two countries. “Nevertheless, things go on. We hope that we will reach good results again soon,” said Ishenkul Boldzhurova. She reminded that the dynamics of Belarusian-Kyrgyz relations is remarkable: in 2005 the bilateral trade stood at $10 million, in 2008 it reached $50 million, in 2009 it went up to $75 million. Kyrgyzstan demonstrates almost the fastest growth among Belarus’ trade partners, said the Ambassador.

 

Ishenkul Boldzhurova reminded that a session of the intergovernmental commission took place on April 12 2010. The commission was supposed to discuss the creation of new joint ventures, increase in the joint assembly of MTZ tractors, increase in sales of Belarusian products, in particular, lifts and municipal vehicles. There were joint plans to create an agro-town in Kyrgyzstan.

 

After recalling the Kyrgyz proverb “Governors come and go, but the nations stay,” the Ambassador remarked: “There are no contradictions between our nations. We have always supported each other in the international arena.”

 

The diplomat was pleased with a recent statement by Alexander Lukashenko about the great projects that Belarus plans to implement in Kyrgyzstan. “We sincerely hope for their implementation,” said Ishenkul Boldzhurova.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan keen on economic ties with Iran

 

The new government in Bishkek is resolved to reinvigorate its relations with Tehran in trade and economic fields, head of the office of Kyrgyzstan's interim government Emilbek Kaptagaev said on June 3. "In Kyrgyzstan's new political conditions, good facilities have been provided for strengthening economic cooperation with other countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we hope consultations between Tehran and Bishkek officials would result in the deepening and expansion of relations in all fields, especially in economic areas," Kaptagaev told Fars News Agency. He also stressed that following the collapse of Kurmanbek Bakiev's government in Kyrgyzstan a suitable atmosphere has been created for economic activities and investment since the interim government supports this sector as one of the main priorities in its economic and financial policy.

 

Describing the Iranian government's support for the establishment of stability and security in Kyrgyzstan as positive, Kaptagaev announced Bishkek's interest in the expansion of relations with Tehran. Meantime, Bishkek's ambassador to Tehran praised Iran's support for the Kyrgyz interim government during the recent political unrests in the Central Asian state, saying Tehran's support will ensure expansion of ties and cooperation between the two countries in future.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan offers tourism in the lap of nature

 

It will be interesting to know that Kyrgyzstan is not only a gifted mountainous country, but has also a rich flora and fauna. It has 10 conservation areas, 9 national parks and 68 wildlife sanctuaries. Besides, the authorities are considering the reorganization of Dashman state conservation area in Bazar-Korgon region of Jalal-Abad province. This will help to preserve unique nut plants.

 

Within nearly six months, a new conservation area covering a territory of 187,000 hectares will be declared in Sary-Djaz of Issyk-Kul province, which will have landscapes of unique trees and flower plants.

 

 

Hunters will get 60 permissions for shooting Marko Polo

 

In 2010, the authorities will issue 60 permissions for shooting Marko Polo sheep and wild goats, but organizers of such hunting tours demand to increase the limit up to 75 heads. On the other hand, authorities are considering setting a moratorium on hunting pheasants in state territories as birds of some species are becoming less year after year. In Kyrgyzstan, hunting is allowed in private territories.

 

The lovers of hunting can apply to authorized travel agents; their list is available with the consul department of the embassy.

 

 

Issyk-Kul offers reasonable prices for package tours

 

According to Mikhail Halitov, leader of tourism industry is Kyrgyzstan; the prices at resorts in Issyk-Kul are lower than in Turkey and Egypt. In addition, to lure more tourists, many resorts will not take payment for additional services, such as payment for lounges, sunshades and fridges in rooms.

 

Special leisure and pleasure activities will be organized and excursions will be offered, which are also included in the cost of trip ticket. This year resorts have invited creative managers, who will arrange such events for tourists.

 

The experts have also conducted homework before deciding the prices for relaxation this summer; the survey has found that in comparison to the resorts of Turkey, Egypt and Bulgaria, the prices are quite reasonable in Kyrgyzstan. For example, the cost of staying in a hotel, approximately corresponding to the level of two-three star ones, will be $25-35 per day per person; in hotels of higher level tourists will have to pay $60 per day. This price includes three-time meal and additional services. Thus, in summer 2010 a ten-day holiday in Issyk-Kul in such a hotel will cost about $270. If the level of hotel corresponds to 4-5 stars, then it will be $540.

 

 

Majority of Kyrgyz favors multilingualism

 

According to the results of a poll conducted by the news agency 24.kg, in Kyrgyzstan multilingualism must be sustained, one third of respondents (35.24 per cent) think. The internet polling with held with participation of 800 people. 28.24 per cent of respondents think that only basic languages (Kyrgyz, Russian and Uzbek) should be developed in the country while 9.13 per cent of respondents believe that multilingualism must be developed at all levels of government.

 

At the same time 11.25 per cent thinks that only Kyrgyz must be developed among other languages and 9.77 per cent stated “Everybody must speak only in Kyrgyz.”

 

3.18 per cent of respondents consider “there is no need to interfere in this process and time will show what happen in the language sphere.” 1.06 per cent thinks that multilingualism is concern of ethnic Diasporas while 1.27 per cent doesn’t understand need of multilingualism development. And only 0.85 per cent didn’t know what to answer.

 

On the other hand, 54.13 per cent of respondents are in favor of Russian as an official language while 10.12 per cent thinks Russian should be deprived of this status. It is quite interesting that 47.84 per cent of respondents are ready to support the idea to make Russian second state language. And 8.23 per cent doesn’t understand the necessity of such status for Russian.

 

Concerning discussions about making English official language 23.32 per cent supports this idea while 21.78 per cent thinks “What a silly idea.” And 10.31 per cent is totally against that.

 

 

Interim government creates advisory board for cooperation with public

 

Interim government of Kyrgyzstan has established advisory board for cooperation with public.

Earlier new authorities declared that “the board is created for supporting close connection and cooperation of the interim government with representatives of political parties, non-commercial organizations, public associations and movements.”

 

The advisory board will consider such issues defined by the head of the interim government and suggested by members of the board.

 

The board is headed by Roza Otunbaeva and consists of 22 persons including head of Uzbek national and cultural center Kadyrzhan Batyrov, head of the legal clinic “Adilet” Cholpon Zhakupova, director of human rights center “Civil Society against Corruption” Tolekan Ismailova, well-known lawyer and human right activist Dmitry Kabak, leader of Ar-Namys party Felix Kulov, ex-prime-minister Amangeldy Muraliev, leader El Armany party Miroslav Niyazov, president of Market and Trade Association Sergey Ponomarev.

All members of the advisory board will work pro bono.

 

 

A national program for democracy reversion

 

Kyrgyzstan has developed a national program for democracy reversion, which will last for one and half year.

 

The deputy head of the Interim Government Omurbek Tekebaev announced at the meeting with Manfred Grund, deputy head of Central Asian group of Bundestag (Germany). “We suggest new form of government – parliamentary. Only democrats can secure human rights and freedoms of citizens,” Omurbek Tekebaev noted. He said “it is supposed to form new political culture within framework of the national program and to reform security agencies, legal system and local government.”

 

 

Kyrgyzstan leads in industrial growth in CIS countries

 

According to the results of first quarter, Kyrgyzstan is leader in industrial growth among CIS countries, as reported by PRIME-TASS referring to data of CIS Interstate Statistic Committee.

 

According to its data the rate of industrial growth of Kyrgyzstan for January-April, 2010 is 61.3 per cent comparing with the same period of 2009. Such significant growth is explained by work of gold mining company “Kumtor” at full capacity.

 

Second and third places were occupied by Tajikistan (16 per cent) and Armenia (12.9 per cent). Ukrainian industrial growth increased by 12.6 per cent while in Kazakhstan it increased by 11.8 per cent; in Russia it has 6.9 percentage points.

 

In general, industrial growth of CIS countries increased by 8 per cents in comparison with 2009.

 

 

Civil society to monitor referendum on June 27 in Kyrgyzstan

 

The civil society will monitor independently referendum on June 27 in Kyrgyzstan. Last week, NGO coalition “For Democracy and Civil Society” declared beginning the campaign for independent monitoring referendum and pre-election processes. They said that “35 well-trained observers would monitor processes before the day of voting as well as would keep close watch on public and political situation in regions.”

 

The coalition will also hold trainings for one thousand of independent observers and will monitor 500 ballot stations throughout the country during referendum. Besides, together with Central Election Commission, the coalition intends to hold campaign for specification lists of electorate at 80 ballot stations.

 

 

Swiss to finance At-Bashy HPP rehabilitation project

 

The Swiss Coordination Bureau will finance the At-Bashy hydro power plant rehabilitation project in Kyrgyzstan. According to concerned officials, the work has already started, and the Swiss plan to allocate 15 million francs for its completion.

 

Though the consent from Kyrgyz authorities for completion of the project had been received back before the April events, however under the current conditions it is necessary to start a new process of coordination on key positions. In general, the Swiss organization supports the initiatives of Kyrgyzstan on ensuring transparency in the sphere of energy and considers that it is necessary to strengthen corporate governance in state enterprises, working in this sector.

 

Over 15 years of activity in Kyrgyzstan the Swiss Coordination Bureau has funded three projects in the sphere of energy for the amount of 30 million francs; the energy sector however will still remain among priorities of the organization.

 

 

Kyrgyz prove power belongs to people

 

The history has given us chance to change penal character of law enforcement system derived from USSR. It was stated by Erkin Alymbekov, member of the interim government, at the civil forum Right to the life; Time to go-ahead. According to him, for real reform a strong civil society is needed, otherwise any transformation will be impossible. Erkin Alymbekov believes that only under total transparency changes can take place.

 

“Public opinion must become key factor serving as watchdog for officials. People of Kyrgyzstan have demonstrated two times within last five years that power belongs only to people,” he noted.

 

Erkin Alymbekov said that he hoped penitentiary and justice systems would be humanized and power of law and enforcement bodies will be distinguished.

 

 

Americans to taste Kyrgyz vodka

 

An American Company Silhouette, which has been in touch with the Kyrgyz Company Ayu for the last four years, will buy informal alcoholic liquor from the latter. This time, the Kyrgyz Company will supply hooch – originally Russian drink made by special technology.

 

It is notable here that Ayu Company is a pioneer in export of informal alcoholic drinks; its products are not available in markets or supermarkets, but are sold only in bars and restaurants.

 

The Director General of Silhouette Company Albert Edwards is excited with the cooperation of his company with the Kyrgyz one. “The Shpilka ladies’ vodka has an exceptional aroma. As for the hooch, then one of our best tasters Dick Frost states that it is the best drink of all he had ever tasted. I think Americans will like it.

 

They like qualitative and strong drinks,” underlines Albert Edwards.

 

 

Third of Kyrgyzstan’s population aged 14 to 28

 

The third of Kyrgyzstan’s population are young people aged from 14 to 28. Coordinator of the Interim Government for social sector, public relations and mass media Elmira Ibraimova stated at the presentation of the national report 2009-2010 on human development.

 

According to her, the report is dedicated to the young people, who were a moving force of the revolution on April 7. “The main idea of the report is to teach the youth to express their interests in a democratic manner, on the basis of dialogue. Young people are the future leaders of our country. We plan to pay more attention to their problems,” noted Elmira Ibraimova.

 

 

Japan to assist Kyrgyzstan

 

Japan is considering a possibility of assisting Kyrgyzstan in different socio-economic sectors. In particular, the assistance will be provided for carrying out a referendum and elections and restoring National TV channel, damaged after April developments. It was informed by the resident representative of Japanese International Cooperation Agency in Kyrgyzstan, Hideaki Maruyama to deputy head of the Interim Government Omurbek Tekebaev. They also discussed issue on introduction of electronic voting system in the country. According to JICA, the Japanese stand ready to provide adequate support in organizing campaign of the upcoming referendum and elections.

 

 

Constitutional amendments ready for referendum

 

The final draft of the Constitution is ready for the referendum to be held on June 27 2010; simultaneously with the draft, a law has been prepared to bring into force the amended Constitution of Kyrgyzstan, which will partially take effect from the day of official publication of results of the referendum. Among exclusions, which will start having effect from the day of the first session of newly elected parliament (October 2010), there are a number of regulations of section 3, chapters 2 and 3 of section 4, sections 5-6. Regulations of part 2 of article 30 will be effective starting from January 1 2011.

 

Election of members of parliament (October 2010) shall be held in accordance with the requirements, specified by article 70 of the Constitution. Judges of the Supreme Court and local courts shall preserve their authorities till the election and appointment of new judges will be made in accordance with the new basic law.

Members of local councils preserve their authorities till the end of their term, for which they were elected. Mayors of cities and towns, heads of city administrative boards and village administrations preserve their authorities till the election of appropriate officials of executive bodies of local government.

 

Along with the Constitution, a decree “On President of Kyrgyz Republic for transition period” will be put to the referendum. It specifies that the term of powers of the Transition President is established till December 31 2011, and also that the powers of President “for the transition period are given to the Chairwoman of the Interim Government Roza Otunbaeva.”

 

Till the first session of new parliament, the President will execute powers of the head of the country, specified by the Constitution dated October 23 2007. From the day of the first session of the new parliament, Roza Otunbaeva will execute powers, specified in the Basic law, which is supposed to be approved at the referendum.

 

Here it is worth mentioning that “The President of Kyrgyz Republic for the transition period is not entitled to be involved in any political party, shall observe political neutrality and refrain from any actions, connected with support of any political parties,” reads the decree. “The President shall ensure conducting of free, honest and transparent elections of President and members of Parliament.”

 

 

US official assures support to democratic development

 

Washington will continue assisting Kyrgyzstan in democratic development, ensuring press freedom and introduction of free market economy, George A. Krol, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs has stated at the press conference.

 

He said he came with a message from Barack Obama administration that Washington follows Kyrgyzstan developments with interest and “support your country’s intention to preserve democracy, transparency as well as economic growth. “Our aim is to continue work in Kyrgyzstan and we shall make every effort to cooperate with Kyrgyz people,” the US official added.

 

George A. Krol also mentioned that he found the situation in Kyrgyzstan as stable, but the interim government must be on “caution and attention.”

 

 

Land reforms attract 17.876 million soms of investments

 

In Kyrgyzstan, 17.876 million soms of investments have been attracted within the USAID Project. Senior Lawyer of the Project Gulzat Namatbekova stated at the concluding conference on land reform and land market development held recently.

 

According to her, peasants need solution of the problem of atomism of land plots and improvement of economic stability of local communities. The pilot program on voluntary consolidation of lands has contributed to it. “In three village administrations 396.98 hectares of land (928 plots) have been consolidated and 17.876 million soms of investments have been attracted to these land plots,” said Gulzat Namatbekova.

 

Besides, she noted that within this project about 12.5 thousand people received information materials. (24.kg)

 

 

Draft Constitution of Kyrgyzstan in Uzbek

 

The draft Constitution of Kyrgyzstan is now available in Uzbek language. Reportedly, in the nearest future, it will be published in Uzbek media outlets. The amended constitution has been translated in order to facilitate understanding of suggested reforms by Uzbek community living in Kyrgyzstan. Here it is worth mentioning that the Uzbeks represent the second ethnic nation in Kyrgyzstan followed by Russians, who are the third largest.

 

 

Minister of Energy discusses energy sector with donors

 

At a last week meeting with the representatives of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, EBRD and UNDP, the Interim Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan Osmonbek Artykbaev touched the vital issues concerning situation with energy sector in the country. He particularly emphasized on the issue of hectic privatization and tariff hike created by the previous government and subsequent withdrawal of the price hike by the Interim Government.  “Our main task is to return the trust of donors that is equal to zero nowadays,” admitted by the minister.

 

The minister however noted that the situation in energy sector is stable, but the question is of financing and collection of payments, as revenue from consumers has decreased sharply. He further informed that collection of payments in April 2010 was only 63.3 percent; there are arrears of organizations, funded from the government stands at 516.3 million soms as of 1 April 2010; at the same time, the problems of repairs and technical modernization of the sector, ensuring energy security of the country still remain relevant.

 

Osmonbek Artykbaev noted that in connection with withdrawal of tariff hike, the Energy Ministry needed approximately 2.5 billion soms for repair of energy equipment. Therefore, the government looks to the donor organizations to compensate the deficit.

 

The Head of the World Bank Program for Energy in Central Asia Sunil Khosla noted that after studying of the impact of taken decisions on energy sector and identifying of priorities and needs, the energy sector will receive appropriate assistance. In this context, the working group of the ministry and missions of donors have started negotiations in order to sort out the problem.

 

 

OSCE Commissioner explains reasons of nationalism’s wave in Kyrgyzstan

 

Knut Vollebaek, OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities said wave of nationalism in Kyrgyzstan was a foregone conclusion of the political course of Bakiev’s administration, where members of the parliament explicitly followed xenophobia guidelines. Knut Vollebaek expressed concern over current situation in interethnic attitude. He said national minorities became more vulnerable that testified last clashes in village of Maeyvka and Tokmak town. OSCE, as he said, must help Kyrgyzstan to preserve its human diversity. OSCE High Commissioner has made a report summarizing the results of his trip to Kyrgyzstan.

 

“I was impressed by the intention of the interim government of KR to protect and encourage human rights, said Vollebaek. I suppose this intention is real and we should support it as much as we can.”

 

Reportedly, the US delegation in OSCE after the report of High Commissioner has stated that Kyrgyz problems are not limited to issues of ethnic minorities. Spanish delegation on behalf of European Union expressed concern over growth of nationalism, interethnic conflicts and welcomed intention of the interim government in observing its obligations in the sphere of human rights. Russian delegation condemned more frequent manifestations of nationalism in Kyrgyzstan and called on the interim leaders to take strict measures for their constraint. At the same time the delegation noted with satisfaction preservation of the Russian language in the project of new constitution as an official. (24.kg)

 

 

Anticorruption Center opens at Bishkek Airport

 

The international airport of Kyrgyzstan – Manas airport (Bishkek) now has a consulting center of the Anticorruption Business Council. Any passenger, if he or she encounters difficulties with customs clearance or passing the border, can address the center for help. Operators (6 persons) work in the center 24 hours a day and can readily suggest your further appropriate action in this or another situation, what the passenger’s rights are, whether pretention of border guard is correct or not, to what extent it is reasonable.

 

It is not a secret that both foreigners and locals face troubles during passing the customs and border control; sometimes police officials do not behave too politely. At the same time, it is noticed that very often passengers themselves violate the rules: for example, they try to take extra bottle of alcohol or do not declare the amount exceeding $3000.

 

The second such center will soon be opened at Ak-Jol checkpoint, bordering Kazakhstan.

 

The OSCE has funded the opening of the center.

 

 

Russia continues to assist Kyrgyz border guards

 

May 28 is the Day of Border Guards in Kyrgyzstan. Since the same day is also celebrated in Russia, we wish to elaborate the significance of the day and cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Russia in protecting the borders. Traditionally on May 28 veterans of border forces of the erstwhile USSR, Kyrgyz and Russian border guards gather in order to remember everybody who had devoted his life to the main national border in Tien-Shan as well as to look through the pages of its history. Kyrgyzstan and Russia have a common history in this context.

 

Between Kyrgyzstan and Russia there is an agreement on cooperation on border issues dated July 17, 1999, under which the Border Force of the Russian Federal Security Service operates in the country.

 

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, under the bilateral agreement of 1992 between Russian Federation and Kyrgyz Republic there was joint defense of external borders of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

 

The cooperation, defending the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, detained hundreds of violators, confiscated more than one and a half tons of narcotics, hundreds of tons of various smuggled goods and got failed numerous attempts of export of unique species of animals and birds.

 

In 1999 a new agreement on border cooperation was signed, on the basis of which defense of external borders of CIS, passing along Kyrgyz Republic, was transferred to Kyrgyzstan. Moreover, an operative border group of the Federal Security Service (FSS) of Russia was created. Its advisory administration is in Bishkek, Osh, Naryn and Karakol cities to the present day. Every five years the agreement extends, as a rule, automatically. Under the agreement, Russian Border Guards assist their Kyrgyz counterparts in routine matters and provide them with professional training. Besides they also coordinate in fight against drug trafficking, terrorism, religious extremism and illegal migration. Indeed, fighting such kind of crimes has the international character.

 

The Operative Border Groups of Russia in Kyrgyzstan is the very interlink between the managements of border services of the two countries. Here it is noteworthy that from September 10 ill September 20 2009 alone, within the framework of “Meken Chegi-2009,” officers of the State Border Service of Kyrgyz Republic detained 148 violators of border, 96 illegal migrants from Afghanistan; confiscated 609 kilograms 298 grams of narcotics; destroyed 1,468 bushes and 2 hectares of hemp.

 

Russian border guards have been drawing combat duty in Kyrgyzstan for the last 18 years.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan is rich in biodiversity

 

More than 1 per cent of world biodiversity belongs to Kyrgyzstan; the country has eleven bi-systems. The most important of them is walnut forests in Jalal-Abad region from which walnut and walnut wood is exported to almost all European countries. Besides, there are 4 thousand 300 sorts of plants in Kyrgyzstan; among them are 300 rare plants, 380 endemic species and around 200 herbs. However, medicinal features of some herbs are not examined yet. There are also some disappearing and extinct species.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan awaits you this summer for holidays

 

The tourist season in Kyrgyzstan is, in the eyes of locals as well as citizens of mainly Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, is confined to only three months of the year – June, July and August. So, only few days are left for this summer season. Unfortunately, as it happened in 2005, this time too, foreign media outlets and some people with vested interests project such a situation in context of recent April uprising, mainly to frighten potential tourists. However, the tour operators in Kyrgyzstan are ready to welcome all kinds of tourists from all corners of the world.

 

In this context, a Coordination Center has been established to sort out all kinds of issues concerning tourism and tourist season.

 

Here it is necessary to remind that resorts and hotels in Colpon-Ata, the town which hosts the priceless and beautiful lake Issyk-Kul, have not suffered from marauding and retain their operational integrity. These resorts and hotels and motels are ready for tourists and undertake additional safety measures.

 

There is also a list of affiliated companies and people should know it. The list includes 400 enterprises and 126 individuals. Special banners and bill-boards are being installed on the main roads leading to Cholpon-Ata in order to assist tourists.

 

The tourists from India can spend their summer vacations in Issyk-Kul.

 

For visa and other related information, Indian citizens are advised to contact the Embassy of Kyrgyz Republic in India, New Delhi or their travel agents.

 

 

Roza Otunbaeva leaves Social-Democratic Party

 

The Interim Prime Minister Roza Otunbaeva has quitted his membership of the Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan, which she has been representing during all these years. According to Roza Otunbaeva, she has taken this decision in connection with a decree on “President for transition period” and necessity of ensuring of free, honest and transparent elections of the head of the country and members of Parliament, that, in turn, entrusts her with a responsibility “to observe political neutrality and to refrain from any actions, connected with support of any party.”

 

“I will work for all people of Kyrgyzstan, ensuring equal conditions and opportunities for millions of our citizens: women and men, regardless of their political and other opinions, as well as ethnic background,” emphasized Roza Otunbaeva.

 

 

Kazakhstan reopens border with Kyrgyzstan

 

Kazakhstan has reopened its border with Kyrgyzstan on May 20, 2010, after sealing because of the populist uprising against Kurmanbek Bakiev’s government.

 

The reopening came after numerous pleas from citizens of both countries and a rise in food prices in southern Kazakhstan.

 

At the moment, all checkpoints are working normally; Kyrgyz citizens have to show only their internal passport. There are no restrictions on freight.

 

Southern Kazakhstan suffered from the closed borders, too. The prices on some groceries rose 50%.

It is noteworthy that Kyrgyzstan exports huge quantities of meat and meat products like sausages to Kazakhstan, besides cream, beans, apples and potatoes.

 

The traders from neighboring countries have waited more than a month for the chance to visit Dordoi, Central Asia’s largest wholesale market.

 

As people in the region are aware of that Dordoi has cheap merchandise. Moreover, half of Kazakhstan wears clothes from Dordoi; goods from Dordoi are exported to Russia too.

 

According to unbiased reports, to some, it appeared that Kazakh authorities were not allowing vehicles with cargo to cross the border. But a Kazakh border guard said that was not the case. "Customs enforcement was stepped up; every vehicle was thoroughly inspected; this creates the impression that they were not allowing anything through.

 

 

Roza Utunbaeva to stay as President in transition

 

Six months is a long time for a government to last without a legitimate leader, caretaker authorities in Bishkek appear to have realized. Therefore, initial reports suggest Roza Otunbaeva would stand unopposed for an 18-month term and then be barred from running for President again at a June 27 nationwide referendum.

 

According to a unanimous decision of the Interim Government, "Roza Otunbaeva has been named President of the Kyrgyz republic during the transition period through December 31, 2011.”In October, only parliament elections will be held," Ishenbai Kadyrbekov, a member of the commission, charged with drafting the new constitution, said recently.

 

The interim government, which took power after the ousting of President Kurmanbek Bakiev in an April uprising, had earlier said it would hold presidential polls in October.

 

 

Brief Profile of Roza Utunbaeva

 

Roza Otunbaeva, 59, has a reputation of "Ms. Clean." She's considered an articulate, moderate and pragmatic politician. Some journalists describe Otunbaeva as "one of the most experienced Kyrgyz politicians" and that "she might actually be the most experienced politician in Kyrgyzstan today. By Kyrgyz standards, she certainly has huge international experience."

 

The former career diplomat speaks several languages - English, French, and German, in addition to Kyrgyz and Russian - and her lifestyle is considered "Westernized."

 

Otunbaeva served as the country's first post independence foreign minister in 1991. She again held the post in the mid-1990s and served as acting foreign minister in 2005 after "Tulip" revolution.

 

She joined the opposition in January 2006, becoming the co-chairwoman of the Asaba political party. The party's key demands included constitutional reforms that would transform the presidential system into one that afforded the parliament greater power.

 

In an interview with Radio Liberty in March 2006, she said, "People have to feel something new. If the government stamped out corruption, then there would be a lot of money available for reform."

 

On the foreign-policy front, Otunbaeva's experience in dealing with diplomatic issues and her pragmatism lead some observers to predict that she would follow a more consistent line when it comes to relations with Russia, China, and the United States.

 

Born on August 23, 1950, in the southern city of Osh, Otunbaeva studied in Moscow, graduating in 1972 from the philosophy faculty of Moscow State University, where she subsequently completed graduate studies.

 

Otunbaeva returned to the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) in 1975 and taught for six years at Kirghiz State University before transferring to full-time work as a functionary for the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in the republic's capital, Frunze (now Bishkek). In 1986, she was appointed deputy chairwoman of the Kirghiz SSR Council of Ministers, and foreign minister. From 1989 to 1991, she worked at the Soviet Foreign Ministry in Moscow, before returning to Kyrgyzstan in late 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

 

In the 1990s, Otunbaeva alternated spells as foreign minister with diplomatic postings as an ambassador - first to the United States and Canada (1992-94) and then to the United Kingdom and Ireland (1997). Between 2002 and 2004, she worked for the United Nations in Georgia.

 

 

OSCE Centre supports conference on legislative framework for police activities in Kyrgyzstan

 

05/12/2009

 

A conference organized by the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry and supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek on the new draft police law was held in Bishkek today.

 

More than 50 international and local participants discussed the draft law elaborated by the Interior Ministry and provided recommendations to bring the draft in line with international standards.

 

"The conference is expected to stimulate wider public discussion and raise awareness of best international practices with regard to legal regulation of police activities. The OSCE Centre hopes that the ensuing recommendations will be taken on board by the Ministry of Interior," said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

 

Sabyrbek Kurmanaliev, the Deputy Interior Minister, added: "The improvement of the legislative framework for policing will lead to better protection of the interests of citizens, society and state, better working conditions and social protection for police officers and increased public trust in the police service.

 

"The Interior Ministry will consider the conference's recommendations and post the resulting new draft law on the Government's website for further public discussion."


Representatives of the Government, Parliament and the judiciary, as well as officials from the Ombudsman's office, civil society and the UN Development Programme took part in the event.

 

D.Kenzhebaev: The Ministry of Agriculture is making every effort to renew meat export

 

04/12/2009

 

“We are making every effort to renew meat export to neighbor countries. Deputy Agriculture Minister of Kyrgyzstan Diykanbai Kenzhebaev told yesterday during presentation of a trademark “Kyrgyz Beef”.

 

At the present moment, the borders of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Russia are closed for Kyrgyz meat. But, the work on solution of this issue is continuing: “Minister of Agriculture Iskenderbek Aidaraliev had negotiations with his Russian and Kazakh counterparts recently. Later, veterinaries of these neighbor countries came to Kyrgyzstan to study epizootic situation. The preliminary reports were positive”, - said D.Kenzhebaev.


He added the vaccination of animals conduct in time. The government purchases all necessary medicines.

 

France to open embassy in Kyrgyzstan

 

04/12/2009

 

France is going to open an embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic to reinforce bilateral relations and economic exchange, the French foreign ministry announced on Thursday.

 

Since 2004, it has been the French embassy in Kazakhstan that deals with diplomatic affairs related to Kyrgyzstan. With an ambassador to Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, "France as well as Germany will become the first European countries that have diplomatic net in Central Asia," ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said.

The ministry confirmed French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner had discussed the issue with Kyrgyz State Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev in Greece, where the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe held the latest foreign ministerial meeting a few days ago.

 

"This decision shows France's hope to develop the relation with Central Asia to a higher level in line with its strategic status," the ministry said.

 

Delegation of the Jogorku Kenesh participated in the work of inter-parliamentary institutions of CIS, EurAsEC and CSTO

 

04/12/2009

 

The Kyrgyz parliament’s delegation led by speaker Aytibai Tagaev pays a working visit to Saint Petersburg starting from December 1, 2009. The visit will last till December 4, Nurbek Satvaldiev, the envoy of the Jogorku Kenesh in the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of CIS (IPA CIS) reported.

 

The Kyrgyz deputies participated in the 33rd plenary meeting of IPA CIS. Representatives of the delegation delivered speeches at the 3rd plenary meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and session of permanent commissions of IPA EurAsEC.


This year Saint Petersburg marks the 220th anniversary of Tauride Palace – historical building of the Russian State Duma. Here, speaker A.Tagaev delivered a welcoming speech at the solemn meeting on December 3.

 

Parliament approves N.Tursunkulov’s candidacy for the post of prosecutor general

 

03/12/2009

 

Deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh has approved Nurlan Tursunkulov’s candidacy for the post of prosecutor general of Kyrgyzstan.

 

This issue was submitted for consideration of parliamentarians by the president’s envoy in the Jogorku Kenesh Dosaly Esenaliev.

 

N.Tursunkulov before appointing to this post headed the country’s justice ministry and closely cooperated with the Jogorku Kenesh.

 

 

17th meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of OSCE state-members started in Athens

 

December 1, 2009 17th meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of OSCE state-members started in Athens. The official delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic was headed by the State Minister of Foreign Affairs K. Sarbaev.

 

K. Sarbaev noted key issues of interaction with OSCE, announced the position of Kyrgyzstan on priority directions of cooperation in the frame of OSCE including the rehabilitation of Afghanistan, attracted attention of OSCE state-participants to "Bishkek Initiative", which was suggested by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic K. Bakiev, during the appearance at the plenary session.


K. Sarbaev emphasized that "Bishkek Initiative" could be permanent active platform for consolidation of confronting groups in Afghanistan, solutions of tasks of strengthening regional security and stability in Central Asian region.


The meeting of the State Minister of Foreign Affairs K. Sarbaev with OSCE General Secretary Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, the Foreign Minister of Hungary Péter Balázs, the Foreign Minister of France Bernard Kouchner, the Foreign Minister of Slovakia Miroslav Lajcak, Assistant of US Deputy Secretary of State J. Kroll took place in the frame of OSCE Foreign Ministers meeting.


During the meetings, the issues of cooperation in bilateral as well as multilateral format were discussed.
The meetings with OSCE Acting Chairman, Prime Minister of Greece G. Papandreou and other Heads of foreign states delegations are planning on December 2, 2009.

 

 

The Ambassador at-large - Adviser of the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic A. Bakiev visited United Arabic Emirates with working visit

 

During 3-5 November 2009, the working visit of Kyrgyz delegation led by the Ambassador at-large - Adviser of the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic A. Bakiev to United Arabic Emirates took place.

 

The meetings with the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of United Arabic Emirates, Doctor Muhammad Anvar Gargash, the Minister of Energy Mohammed bin Dha'en Al Hamili, "Abu-Dhabi Group" Executive Director Bashir Ahmad Tahir and Arab businessmen took place during the visit. The Head of Kyrgyz delegation informed Emirates side about basic foreign political priorities of the Kyrgyz Republic.

 

A. Bakiev emphasized that the leadership of Kyrgyzstan attaches higher importance to develop multilateral relations with UAE and other Arabic states. The agriculture, hydro energy, telecommunication, mining industry, tourism and hotel business was noted as perspective spheres of trade-economic cooperation.


In his turn, Emirates side greeted the intension of the Kyrgyz Republic in establishing political dialogue and developing trade-economic cooperation with United Arabic Emirates.


The officials noted positive dynamic, transparency and confidence in bilateral relations and also real perspectives of its development.

 

 

Time for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to make decisions on many issues: Kyrgyz PM

 

01/12/2009

 

"It is time for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to make decisions on many issues", Kyrgyz Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov has said today at the enlarged session of Heads of the Governments of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
"It is time to make decisions on many issues commissioned by the Heads of our States now. Those technical deficiencies that we have now are not principal and don't interfere us in making decisions", D.Usenov said.


As Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov noted, the relations between two countries always were close and warm.


"The issues considered by two Governments are very important for us. These are issues in the field of energy, water transport, and mutual trade. I believe, we will discuss them today in details and reach particular decisions.

 

 

Bakir uulu Tursunbai handed over credentials to the King of Malaysia

 

 

01/12/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan’s Ambassador to Malaysia Bakir uulu Tursunbai handed over his credentials to the 13th King of Malaysia Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin on November 26 at the Istana Negera Royal Palace in Kula-Lumpur.


T.Bakir uulu conveyed the warmest greetings and invitation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to visit Kyrgyzstan.


The parties pointed out progressive development of bilateral relations and expressed further intention in expanding cooperation in all fields: political, economic, cultural and humanitarian.


The King of Malaysia asked the ambassador to convey his sincere welcoming and best wishes to the president and people of Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

The number of population as of October 1 made up 5 mln.356 thousand people

 

01/12/2009

 

The number of population as of October 1, 2009 in Kyrgyzstan has made up 5 mln.356 thousand people. The national statistic committee of Kyrgyzstan reported it.


The number of the republic’s population for January-September 2009 has increased by 52.1 thousand people or 1%.


For January-September 2009 it was born 101.3 thousand children. 26/7 thousand people died.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan clubbed with DPR Korea in the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup

 

01/12/2009

 

The final draw for the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup took place on Monday at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A source in the football federation told it.


The third edition of this biennial tournament which is contested among the emerging countries of Asia, will be held in Sri Lanka between 16th and 27th February.


Kyrgyzstan’s Dordoi-Dynamo has been placed in the Group B together with DPR Korea, Turkmenistan and India.


The draw put Tajikistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and hosts Sri Lanka in Group A.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan is started to prefer taxi services to public transport

 

01/12/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan is started to prefer taxi services to public transport. The national statistic committee reported it.
In comparison with the corresponding period of 2008, the volume of conveyance of passengers by all kinds of transport has increased by 7.3% for January-October 2009. At the same time, the conveyance of passengers by trolleybus has reduced by a quarter, air transport – by 4%.


In the country, the number of people, who prefers taxi services, has increased by 14%. For January-October 2008, the quantity of clients of taxi has made up 9197.6 thousand people, this year it reached 10484.l thousand people.

 

AUB Charity Foundation: Ask a Child of its Dreams…

01/12/2009

 

Following The Alpine Path of Dreams Photo Exhibition was opened on November 18 and will continue until December 16, 2009 by CAMP Alatoo Public Foundation jointly with UNICEF-Kyrgyzstan and AUB Charity Foundation. The main idea behind this event is to sketch current life and perspectives in mountainous regions of Central Asia as perceived by children.


The event is organized as multiple exhibitions held simultaneously in various public venues, such as UNDP Bishkek Office, American University in Central Asia, Kyrgyz-Slavic University, Seitek National Center for Children, Youth, Kyrgyz Graphics Art Museum named after G. Aityiev, VEFA Department Store and Koldo Art Gallery.


In 2009 a group of photographers-researchers visited remote mountainous localities of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan to learn about life of children in highlands. Over 600 children from 35 alpine villages and townships, including orphans and students of boarding schools, have been surveyed during visits.

 

Central Asian highlands revealed the research team a whole diversity and complexity of life in mountains where oftentimes material poverty neighbors spiritual riches and pride for motherland makes routine difficulties of mountainous areas so special to local folks.


Researchers produced an outstanding set of 10 000 pictures and collected dreams of children expressed through paintings and compositions reflecting an attitude to motherland, nature, culture, traditions, education, family, labor, health, sport and relationships among ethnicities.


After returning to Bishkek researches decided to share the unique material with society and organized the photo exhibition to give everyone a personal journey to alpine lands of Central Asian. The pictures, paintings and compositions open a path to the future that had been sketched, described and predicted by children from remote mountainous areas. And that future seems to be bright and warm, where people live in deep harmony with nature and guard family and spiritual values, as well as seek tolerance to other ethnicities.


“When a person comes to this world it brings a dream along. Life without a dream becomes murky and pointless, because it is achievement of the dream that makes the person happy”, Lisa Usonolieva, the thirteen year-old teen form Naryn Province of Kyrgyzstan, said.


“God gave everyone a heart that lets people feel and dream. I wish every good dream would come true and people would keep dreaming”, Khamidoza Avloyer, resident of Elok village, Tajikistan, added.

 

At the opening ceremony on November 18 in Koldo Art Gallery dreams were shared not only by kids, but also by partners of this unique project. Tim Shaefer, Head of UNICEF Office in Kyrgyzstan, noted that he had two dreams, namely help people and travel a lot. Both dreams became a reality and now Tim works for the international organization which task is to make childhood happy and healthy.

 

Ulan Sarbanov, CEO of AUB Charity, said that his dream was to play basketball professionally and the dream was fulfilled, although in part only. “I believe that children should have bright and optimistic dreams and we need to put all efforts to make it happen”, said Mr. Sarbanov.


Pictures and other pieces reflecting dreams of alpine children from three countries can be found at: www.photo.kg and www.photoasia.ru

 

Credit for education – contribution to future

 

01/12/2009

 

A conference “Credits for education” with the participation of representatives of educational establishments, private sector, credit organizations and students will be held on December 4 at Hayatt Regency hotel.

 

The conference will be held in frames of USAID program Credits for education, realized by the Eurasia Fund of Central Asia with the partnership of Academy of High Education and Bishkek Business Club.

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev congratulates people of Kyrgyzstan on Kurman-ait holiday

 

26/11/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has congratulated people of Kyrgyzstan on Kurman-ait holiday.


In his congratulations, the head of state, pointed out values of this holiday, particularly the generosity and charity, mercifulness and decency, tolerance and other values.


He wished successful pilgrimage to those people, who are in Saudi Arabia, performing the Hajj and safely return to the motherland.


President K.Bakiyev wished everybody family happiness and peace, prosperity and well-being.

 

2 mln.500 hundred facemasks to be delivered to Kyrgyzstan

 

17/11/2009

 

Head of the department of drug provision and medicinal technique under the Healthcare Ministry of Kyrgyzstan Rustam Kurmanov and its collaborators gave a press conference at the 24.kg news agency dedicated to the swine flu.


According to him, it is expected to import 2 million 500 thousand facemasks to the republic within a month. The agiotage with purchase of facemasks are reducing.


Besides, six local firms are producing gauze bandage and delivering to drugstores.

 

Regular meeting of the Council of SCO Prime Ministers to take place in Kyrgyzstan in 2010

17/11/2009

 

KABAR, November 16. Kyrgyzstan’s State Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev in his interview to the Chinese Xinhua News Agency and Kyrgyz National News Agency “Kabar” told that the Kyrgyz side during the Kyrgyz Prime Minister’s official visit to China on October 13-15 had confirmed its readiness to conduct a regular meeting of the Council of Prime Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan in 2010.


During the visit it was also signed an agreement on receiving 200 million US dollars lax credit for rehabilitation of the Bishkek-Naryn-Torugart highway.


The main attention was paid to a project on construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.
It was also agreed to conduct joint events in 2012 dedicated to the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and China.

 

Mars Sakkaraev appointed the akim of Alamedin region

04/11/2009

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a decree to appoint Sakkaraev Mars Namarbekovich as head of the state administration – akim of the Alamedin region of the Chui oblast of Kyrgyzstan.


According to the president’s another resolution, Birimkulov Temirlan is dismissed from the post of akim of the Alamedin region.


The presidential press service reported it.

 

Deputies of the Ak Zhol fraction to visit Kambarata-2 hydroelectric power station

29/10/2009

 

KABAR, October 29. A trip of the Ak Zhol deputy fraction to the Kambarata-2 hydroelectric power station in order to meet with builders will take place on October 31. It was disclosed during the fraction’s meeting in September 2009, when was discussed issues of constructing the Kambarata-2 hydroelectric power station.


The Kambarata hydroelectric power stations’ exploitation will solve issues of energy balance in Kyrgyzstan, problems of water-energetic regulation in the Central Asian region, increase energy export to other states and provide energetic safety of the country.

 

D.Krol: USA interested in establishing close cooperation with Osh

27/10/2009

 

The field of economy, social sphere and healthcare”. Assistant of the US Secretary of State for Southern and Central Asian Affairs George Krol told during a meeting with the southern capital’s mayor Melisbek Myrzakmatov.


According to G.Krol, this is his familiarizing visit to Osh. “We are glad to visit this ancient city. We know the city’s economic potential and we heard a lot about you. Hope, the cooperation with Osh will expand after our visit”, - said G.Krol.


In his turn, M.Myrzakmatov offered to develop interaction in the fields of agrobusiness and healthcare.

 

 

President K.Bakiyev handed over keys of motor vehicles to Heroes of the Socialistic Labor

27/10/2009

 

KABAR, October 27. President Kurmanbek Bakiyev participated in solemn events devoted to the Naryn oblast’s 70th anniversary within the framework of his working visit to the region.


The head of state congratulated the region’s residents on the jubilee and handed over keys of four motor vehicles (VAZ-2107) to Heroes of the Socialistic Labor – Bilal Zhusupov (resident of the Kochkor region’s Ortok village), Kuttubai Abdraev (resident of the Kochkor region’s Kok-Zhar village), Kasymbek Zhunushev (resident of the Kochkor region’s Cholpon village) and Orozakun Mambetakunov (resident of the At-Bashy region’s Acha-Kayindy village).


The head of state thanked the veterans for their contributions in the region’s development and said these motor vehicles are his personal present to them.


K.Bakiyev also awarded the Dank medal to residents of the Naryn oblast Askarbek Abdarsulov and Zholdoshbek Musaev.

 

K.Bakiyev had telephone conversations with Tajik President E.Rahmon

27/10/2009

 

President of Kyrgyzstan had telephone conversation with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon on Monday October 26.


They discussed the state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan as well as a number of regional and international issues, Asia-Plus reported citing to the presidential press service of Tajikistan.


The same day, Emomali Rahmon had a telephone conversation with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. The two considered a broad range of issues related to bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Pakistan as well as the process of implementation of regional projects with participation of a number of neighboring countries. Rahmon and Zardari also discussed a number of regional and international issues being of mutual interest.

 

K.Sarbaev received the US delegation

27/10/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs K.Sarbaev received the American delegation, headed by Assistant of the US Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs George Krol.


The parties discussed issues of further development of bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation within the framework of activities of the Kyrgyz-American Development Fund, which is setting up currently.


K.Sarbaev informed the guests about internal political situation in the republic and about goals and tasks of the president’s state management reforms.


The parties agreed to conduct the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in December 2009.

 

President Bakiyev to make working tour to Naryn oblast

26/10/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev will make a working tour to the Naryn oblast starting from today.


During the tour the President will take part in solemn events devoted to the 70th anniversary of formation of the oblast.

 

Oksana Malevanaya met with George Krol

26/10/2009

 

Head of the Kyrgyz President’s Secretariat Oksana Malevanaya and Assistant of the US Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs George Krol discussed issues of reforming the state management system in the Kyrgyz Republic and aspects of bilateral cooperation.


O.Malevanaya said the main attention in the new system will be paid to improvement on quality of accepting decisions.


In his turn, G.Krol said the American side is watching closely the reforms in Kyrgyzstan and believe in successfulness of the reforms. “We are also interested in expanding dialogue in the field of socio-economic development”.


The parties exchanged opinions on further strengthening cooperation between the two states.

 

Acting chairman of Frontier Service dismissed

26/10/2009

 

By the decree of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, acting chairman of Frontier Service Mamytov Toktokuchuk Boltbekovich is dismissed from his office.

 

CIS Foreign Ministerial consultations to be held in Bishkek

26/10/2009

 

Inter-ministerial consultations of CIS Foreign Ministers will be held in Bishkek on October 28-29 to discuss problematic issues of stay and activity of Commonwealth citizens in the territory of CIS states-members.

 

The second round of Two Stars project to be held in Bishkek

25/10/2009

 

The second round of the project "Two Stars" of Kyrgyz National TV Company will be held next week in Bishkek at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic building, public relations manager of the Philharmonic building Svetlana Sitolenko told the correspondent of the Kabar Agency.


At the second round of the project famous statesmen, deputies of Parliament, businessmen will sing together with stars of local variety.

 

V. Putin congratulated D. Usenov on his new appointment

24/10/2009

 

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin congratulated Daniar Usenov on his appointment to the post of Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic and wished him success in his new activity, the governmental press service reports.

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to visit the Jalalabad oblast

22/10/2009

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev will pay a working visit to the Jalalabad oblast on October 23-24, the presidential press service reported.


The head of state is expected to visit numerous industrial enterprises and will participate in the festivities devoted to the 90th anniversary of the Suzak region

 

Parliament approves the government’s new structure

22/10/2009

 

Deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh have approved a new structure of the government of Kyrgyzstan during today’s session. It will head by the Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister – head of the prime minister’s office.


It will gave 14 ministries, whose heads will be members of the government, and seven agencies, six state services and two funds – the fund of obligatory medical insurance and the fund of state material reserves.

 

Foreign ambassadors presented credentials to K.Bakiyev

22/10/2009

 

Ambassadors of Iran Manuchehr Moradi, Canada Steven Millar, Armenia Vasily Kazaryan, Belgium Daniel Bretran, Norway Dag Malmer Halvorsen and Turkey Nejat Akcal handed over their credentials to President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


The diplomats of six states conveyed warm wishes of their presidents and expressed hope for further strengthening bilateral cooperation.


K.Bakiyev welcomed intentions of these states to develop and deepen interstate relations.

 

Kyrgyz delegation participates in Tashkent International Tourist Fair

21/10/2009

 

The 15th Tashkent International Tourist Fair "Tourism on Silk Road -2009" has opened today in Uzbek capital. Representatives of more than 150 companies from 130 countries of the world are taking part in it.


According to its organizers, this forum is aimed to further expansion of business partnership, establishment of new contacts.


The delegation of Kyrgyzstan under the chairmanship of stats-secretary of Tourism Agency A. Jigitov is taking part in the fair, which will last till October 23.

 

Customs Union Commission to coordinate projects of decisions of EurAsEc Inter-state Council

21/10/2009

 

The Customs Union Commission will coordinate the projects of decisions of the EurAsEc Inter-state Council on October 21 in Moscow, Kazakhstan Today reports citing BELTA news agency.


"The Customs Union Commission of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan plans to coordinate the projects of decisions of the EurAsEc Inter-state Council at the level of the heads of states, which will be signed on November 27."


According to the agency, the projects of decisions concern the Customs Code, uniform non-tariff and customs-tariff regulation, organization of the work of the Customs Union Commission, and some other questions.


The decision on creation of the Customs Union was made by the Presidents of the EurAsEC countries on October 6, 2007. In October, 2008, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan created the Customs Union Commission.

 

Prime Minister Igor Chudinov resigns

20/10/2009

 

Prime Minister Igor Chudinov has resigned today during a governmental meeting with the participation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


In his turn, the head of state has accepted I.Chudinov’s application and thanked the current members of the government for their works.


“I’m signing a decree today that all members of the government will fulfill their duties until formation of the new cabinet”, - said K.Bakiyev.

 

Kyrgyz President disbands staff in first administrative reform

20/10/2009

 

Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has launched an administrative reform and the first thing he did was to disband his staff, which is to be replaced by the Institute of the President.


"The first step in the reform of the authority lies through a reform of the institute of the president," K.Bakiyev told a conference on Tuesday.


"The presidential staff will be disbanded and it will be replaced by the Institute of the President," K.Bakiyev said after he announced a large-scale administrative reform and cuts in the administrative staff.


The Institution of the President will have the following agencies, reporting directly to the president: the presidential office, secretariat and central agency for development and investment," he said.


The Institute of the President will also include the president's state advisor for defense, security, law and order, who will be in charge of coordinating the law enforcement ministries and make recommendations on defense, security, law and order.


The institution of this post will be followed by the disbandment of the Security Council as a separate constitutional body. Its functions will be partially handed over to the state advisor for defense, law and order.
The Institute of the President will also include state minister for foreign affairs, who will have a special status outside the government. His functions will be strengthened.


The next innovation is the president's Conference with the following permanent members: the president, parliamentary speaker, prime minister, and state minister for foreign affairs. "The president will make all strategic decisions on foreign and domestic policy following a discussion with the Conference," K.Bakiyev said.


The reform aims to cut the presidential staff by 40%, he said.


The new lineup is based on a legal groundwork, K.Bakiyev said. The relevant decrees will be signed, instructions issued and appointments announced soon, he said.

 

K.Bakiyev announces the government’s new structure

20/10/2009

 

All state committees in the country are abolishing. President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told it during a republican conference with the participation of deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, members of the government, chairmen of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, heads of central and local authorities, administrative departments, state enterprises and representatives of mass media.


The government’s new structure, except the prime minister’s office, will consist of the following ministries:


The Ministry of Finance;
The Ministry of Justice;
The Ministry of Defense;
The Ministry of Interior Affairs;
The Ministry of Emergency Situations;
The Ministry of Energy;
The Ministry of Economic Regulation;
The Ministry of Agriculture;
The Ministry of Natural Resources;
The Ministry of Transport and Communication;
The Ministry of State Properties;
The Ministry of Healthcare;
The Ministry of Education and Science;
The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Migration.
There will be seven agencies under the government:
The Agency of Antimonopoly Regulation;
The Agency of Protection of Environment and Forestry;
The Agency of Social Protection;
The Agency of Communication;
The Agency of Physical Training and Sport;
The Agency of Architecture and Transport;
The Agency of Culture.
Besides, there will be six services under the government:
The service of execution of punishment;
The service of financial intelligence;
The boundary service;
The tax service;
The customs service;
The service of supervision and regulation of financial market.


There will be funds: the fund of state material reserve and the fund of obligatory medicinal insurance.
All state committees are abolishing.


The State Committee of National Security is reorganizing into the State National Security Service and removes from the government’s structure.

 

K.Bakiyev: The Security Council is abolishing

20/10/2009

The Security Council, which is the separate constitutional body, is abolishing. President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told it during a republican conference with the participation of deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, members of the government, chairmen of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, heads of central and local authorities, administrative departments, state enterprises and representatives of mass media.


The next agency of the President’s Institute is the Presidential Secretariat.


It aimed to organize events with the participation of the President, inform about activities of the head of state and all agencies of the President’s Institute.


One more agency of the President’s Institute is the Central Agency of Kyrgyzstan on Development, Investments and Innovations. It will support business and entrepreneurship, attract investments and others.

 

K.Bakiyev: The Presidential Administration reorganizes into the President’s Office

19/10/2009

 

The main task of the President’s Office is organizational and administrative provision of the head of state’s activities. President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told it during a republican conference with the participation of deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, members of the government, chairmen of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, heads of central and local authorities, administrative departments, state enterprises and representatives of mass media.


The President’s Institute will include the following state agencies: the President’s Office, the Presidential Secretariat, the Central Agency on Development, Investments and Innovations as well as the State Adviser of the President for Defense, Security, Law and Order, the State Foreign Minister.

 

President K.Bakiyev to promulgate a program of reforming the state management system

19/10/2009

 

A republican conference of the heads of state run public authorities with participation of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev will take place on October 20 in the Government House.


The head of state is expected to promulgate a program of further transformations in the system of state management.


Heads of the presidential administration and secretariat, deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, chairmen of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, members of the government, heads of central and local authorities, administrative departments, state enterprises and others are invited to the conference.


The conference will be broadcasted through the National TV/Radio Corporation.

 

Kyrgyz Deputy FM participated in a consultative meeting in Ashgabat

19/10/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Baktygul Kalambekova participated in a first consultative meeting of State Parties to the Treaty on Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in Central Asia, which took place on October 15 in Ashgabat.


The meeting was the first concrete step in implementing the Treaty, which was signed by all Central Asian states in Semipalatinsk in September 2006 and supported by the international community through the United Nations. The meeting identified further joint efforts of Central Asian countries aimed at fulfilling the obligations set forth in the document and cooperation with international bodies on disarmament issues. A number of procedural issues of interaction were also discussed.


The next consultative meeting will take place in Uzbekistan.

 

China grants 400 million soms to Kyrgyzstan

16/10/2009

 

China will grant 400 million soms (80 million yuan) to Kyrgyzstan. Prime Minister Igor Chudinov of Kyrgyzstan told journalists in Beijing.


According to him, about 200 million soms will be directed to modernize roads of the capital and Osh. The rest of them will be directed to purchase buses.


Besides, Kyrgyzstan will get lax credit for reconstruction of the Torugart-Naryn-Bishkek highway.

 

China, Kyrgyzstan pledge to expand transportation cooperation

15/10/2009

 

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao vowed on Thursday to expand cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in transportation, a significant step to boost bilateral ties.


This was stated in a joint communique signed by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov.


Both sides agreed to build an international transportation road connecting China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. China and Kyrgyzstan will take active measures to accelerate the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. A joint discussion will be carried out on the funding of the three-country railway construction in Kyrgyzstan.


Both countries will tap the potential for cross-border transportation and offer mutual convenience in railway, aviation and road transportation.


China will also deepen the cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in customs, border check, etc. to jointly prevent and strike cross-border crimes to ensure the security and stability of the border areas of the two countries.

 

China's top legislator meets Kyrgyz PM

15/10/2009

 

Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo on Thursday vowed to enhance parliamentary cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in a meeting with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov.


Chudinov paid official visit to China and attended a regular prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, which was held on Wednesday.


"We are ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to increase friendly cooperation between the two governments, parliaments and political parties," said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.


"China and Kyrgyzstan should also expand pragmatic cooperation in areas like economy, trade and culture," Wu said.


Wu also expressed the willingness to work with Kyrgyzstan to jointly fight "East Turkistan" forces and the "three forces" of separatism, terrorism and extremism.


"This would help the comprehensive development of China-Kyrgyzstan good-neighborly friendship," he noted.
Hailing the smooth growth of China-Kyrgyzstan ties since forging diplomatic ties 17 years ago, Wu said the two nations had solved the boundary issue left by the history, and signed good-neighborly treaty of friendship.


Wu said the two countries have enjoyed mutual understanding and support in major issues concerning each other's concern, made pragmatic cooperation in various areas, and maintained close coordination within the framework of the United Nations and the SCO, he noted.


"To advance China-Kyrgyzstan ties accords with fundamental interests of the two nations and the two peoples, and is conducive to regional stability and prosperity," he said.


Chudinov congratulated China on the 60th anniversary of the founding the People's Republic of China, saying the achievements China has made in the past 60 years proved the country's right choice of the development path.


Chudinov reiterated that his country firmly adheres to the one-China policy and support China's measures to safeguard stability of the far western Xinjiang region.


The prime minister said Kyrgyzstan would work with China to fight the "three forces" and enhance cooperation in security areas.

 

I. Chudinov suggests SCO businessmen cooperation in the sphere of tourism

15/10/2009

 

"We have big reserves for interaction and profitable investment into tourism industry", Prime Minister Igor Chudinov told today in Beijing during the meeting of heads of governments of Shanghai Cooperation Organization states-members.
Kyrgyzstan can suggest cooperation in various spheres of tourism, such as eco-tourism, mountaineering and others. Rich deposits of mineral and thermal water, therapeutic muds, unique Issyk-Kul lake, relic nuciferous reserve Arslanbob with natural climate conditions create successful basis for realization of joint projects.
I. Chudinov told that these are just a part of priority directions, in frames of which foreign investors can arrange mutually beneficial contacts with our country.

 

Igor Chudinov meets with Wen Jiabao

15/10/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Igor Chudinov has met with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao within the framework of his official visit to the People’s Republic of China.


I.Chudinov congratulated all Chinese friends on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening up.


The Kyrgyz PM expressed satisfaction on development of bilateral relations and noted that China is important political and economic partner of Kyrgyzstan.


I.Chudnov added that there are no principle and disputable issues, which hamper the further development of relations between the two states.

 

Air-companies, which carry pilgrims from Kyrgyzstan, could not land in Saudi Arabia

15/10/2009

 

Deputy Parhat Tulendybaev during today’s session of the parliament said the air-companies - “Kyrgyzstan Trans Avia” and “Air Manas”, which carry pilgrims from Kyrgyzstan, have not yet received permission to land in Saudi Arabia.


According to him, it may repeat the last year’s conflicts, when people did not get Saudi Arabia to make pilgrimage.


Parliamentarian Begaly Nargozuev expressed anxiety on organizing pilgrimage this year and asked to consider it soon.


Speaker Ayitbai Tagaev offered to discuss it at a meeting of the corresponding parliamentary committee and submit for consideration of the parliament tomorrow.

 

I.Chudinov met with Kazakh PM and Chinese Minister of Railways in Beijing

15/10/2009

 

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov had a meeting in Beijing yesterday with Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov. They discussed issues of energetic safety.


Later, the Kyrgyz PM had a meeting with Minister of Railways Liu Zhijun and discussed issues of implementing a project on construction of transboundary trunk-railway.

 

Session of SCO Prime Ministers comes to the end in Beijing

14/10/2009

 

Session of SCO Prime Ministers ended in Beijing. A number of final documents were signed today following the results of the session of the Council of SCO Prime Ministers. On the results of the forum the joint initiative on activization of multilateral economic cooperation in overcoming of the consequences of the world financial economic crisis and maintenance of further economic development of the SCO member states was accepted today.


The SCO prime ministers accepted the joint statement on struggle against infectious diseases and the joint communique, following the results of the session of the Council of SCO Prime Ministers.


The prime ministers approved the report of the SCO Secretariat on the course of realization of the program of multilateral trade and economic cooperation of the SCO member states, SCO financial report on execution of the budget of the organization for 2008 and the SCO budget for 2010.


"Following the results of the session, the protocol between customs services of the SCO member states of cooperation in preparation and improvement of professional skills of the customs service officials was signed in the presence of the SCO prime ministers.


SCO is a permanently operating regional international organization founded in June, 2001 by the leaders of Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.


Premier Wen Jiabao stressed that the session was successful, constructive dialogues and talks were held, the results of cooperation in frames of SCO were summed up.

 

I. Chudinov met with K. Masimov

14/10/2009

 

Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov met with Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov in Beijing.


During the talks the issues of energy security were discussed. The sides discussed agreements, concluded in Bishkek during the recent visit of K. Masimov to Bishkek.

 

SCO Prime Ministers signed final documents

14/10/2009

 

Prime Minister Igor Chudinov took part in signing Joint Communiqué on the results of a meeting of Prime Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the governmental press service reports.


Prime Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization six member countries have concluded their meeting with a joint communiqué.


They have also signed a number of agreements, including the budget for 2010 fiscal year. Premier Wen Jiabao chaired this year's one-day meeting. Attending were his counterparts from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives from the SCO observer nations and Afghanistan.


The focus was on deepening economic and cultural cooperation amid international and regional challenges.

 

The participants reviewed progress in the area since meeting last year in the Kazakh capital Astana.

 

Switzerland to assist Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in water management improvement

13/10/2009

 

Switzerland will assist Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to raise effectiveness of water distribution and use, 24.kg reported citing the head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Micheline Calmy-Rey.


The foreign official says the water problem in Central Asia is obvious and Switzerland would like to contribute to its solution.


"There are regional projects elaborated especially for effective distribution of water between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. We are going to continue working in this direction, but it does not mean that we promise to settle all water-related issues. Problematic water use in Central Asia has to do with human rights, security and environment. Switzerland is ready to assist the region in organizing discussions and dialogs between the parties," Micheline Calmy-Rey said.

 

Chudinov’s official visit to China kicks off

13/10/2009

 

Prime Minister Igor Chudinov has left for the People’s Republic of China to participate in the session of the Council of Prime Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will take place tomorrow in Beijing. I.Chudinov will also visit the trade-industrial forum of SCO.


The Kyrgyz PM will meet with President of China Hu Jintao, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, Minister of Railways Liu Zhijun and president of the China Road Company.

 

The 35th session of UNESCO General Conference continues in Paris

13/10/2009

 

The 35th session of the UNESCO General Conference takes place in Paris at the UNESCO Headquarters. It started on October 6 and will last till October 23, 2009, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported.


UNESCO budget and program for 2010-2011, as well as approval of new Director General are on agenda. UNESCO Executive Council nominated Irina Bokova of Bulgaria to the post of UNESCO Director General. She will be first woman to lead UNESCO.


The main topics on the agenda of the conference refer the reports on the UNESCO activity in 2006-07 and 2008-09, the UNESCO medium-term revised strategy for 2008-13, the draft programmes and budgets for 2010-11 and 2012-13 as well as some aspects related to the UNESCO general policy for its activity and to the UNESCO working methods or to the judicial, administrative and financial components of the organization.


Permanent Representative to the UNESCO J.Azylov represents Kyrgyzstan at the Conference.

 

K.Bakiyev meets with His Highness the Aga Khan

13/10/2009

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has met with His Highness the Aga Khan, the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).


On behalf of himself and Kyrgyzstan’s people, the head of state expressed gratitude for those works, carrying out in the country by the AKDN: “Kyrgyzstan is mountainous country and the population’s life in remote regions have not economically developed. We welcome those works, carrying out by the AKDN and support”.


His Highness the Aga Khan also thanked the President of Kyrgyzstan and government for supporting projects of the AKDN. “I hope these projects will enter a new phase soon”.


The head of state told about upcoming reforms in the country in the field of education.


The meeting’s participants discussed issues related to perspective projects of the AKDN in Kyrgyzstan, in particular, it was noted the importance of projects in the field of tourism and aviation.

 

Prime Minister I. Chudinov arrived in Beijing

12/10/2009

 

The Kyrgyz delegation headed by Prime Minister Igor Chudinov arrived in Beijing. The delegation was met at the airport by Kyrgyz Ambassador to China J. Kulubaev, deputy minister of foreign affairs of China Van Guan and Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Van Kaiven.    During Chudinov's China visit, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, and Vice Premier Li Keqiang will meet with him. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will hold talks with him.


Chudinov will also attend the eighth prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states slated for Wednesday.


The SCO groups China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Mongolia, India, Iran and Pakistan are observers of the regional organization.

 

Kyrgyz-Swiss cooperation develops

12/10/2009

 

The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Micheline Calmy-Rey visited Kyrgyzstan on October 9. She was received by Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Igor Chudinov and subsequently met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baktygul Kalambekova.


The meetings were an opportunity for reviewing the development of bilateral relations in the framework of a technical cooperation partnership which Switzerland established with the Kyrgyz Republic 15 years ago. They also discussed the question of water management in the region.


The Kyrgyz Republic is one of the first countries of the former Soviet Union with which Switzerland has signed economic and trade agreements as well as for the protection of investments and in relation to double taxation. It is the only Central Asian nation that belongs to the World Trade Organization.


In the opinion of the two Ministers prospects are currently favourable for the further development of economic and trade relations. Another important aspect of the consultations, cooperation in the framework of the Bretton Woods voting group headed by Switzerland which includes Kyrgyzstan, was satisfactory to both sides.

 

CIS foreign ministerial consultations to be held in Bishkek

11/10/2009

 

Consultations between representatives of Ministries of Foreign Affairs of CIS countries will be held in Bishkek on October 28-29.


Discussion of visiting and activity of citizens on the territory of Commonwealth states-members is planned during consultations.

 

CIS states decided to create system of collective security on external borders

10/10/2009

 

The leaders of the CIS states at the session in Kishinev decided to create the system of collective security on their external borders, Kazakhstan Today reports citing daily information-analytical newspaper The Moscow Post.

According to the newspaper, the system assumes cooperation in ensuring security of external borders, coordination of efforts in the field of struggle against organized crime, illegal migration, trafficking of people, smuggling of goods, and drug trafficking.

 

CSTO members to support system of equal security for all Eurasian states

10/10/2009

 

The statement of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as the official document of the 64th session of the UN General Assembly, directed at support of the Russian initiative on signing the Contract on the European Security was made in the UN headquarters in New York, Kazakhstan Today reports citing the UN press service.

 

The statement informs of an intention of the CSTO member states to support this initiative in various international formats.

 

The Minister of the CSTO member states declared that they support the system of uniform, equal and indivisible safety "for all states of the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian states, having underlined the necessity of strict observance of the obligations of the states undertaken at the highest level not to strengthen their security at the expense of safety of other countries.

 

President K.Bakiyev meets with acting president of Moldova M.Ghimpu

09/10/2009

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s bilateral meeting with acting president of the Republic of Moldova, speaker of the parliament Mihai Ghimpu took place in Chisinau.

 

President K.Bakiyev congratulated M.Ghimpu on election as the speaker of Moldova’s parliament and thanked for invitation to participate in the summit of the CIS Presidents.

 

He said the bilateral cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Moldova is developing stably. The both sides cooperate within the framework of international and regional organizations such as the UN, OSCE, CIS and WTO. These efforts aimed to carry out achieved agreements and deepen bilateral cooperation in trade-economic, scientific-technical, cultural and humanitarian fields.

 

Speaker of Moldova’s parliament Mihai Ghimpu said that Kyrgyzstan and Moldova have good potential for expanding trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian relations, expressed hope for further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two states.

 

The parties discussed some issues of activating the Kyrgyz-Moldavian relations.

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev will return to Bishkek today.

 

Kyrgyzstan, Switzerland expand cooperation

09/10/2009

 

Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov received Foreign Minister of Switzerland Micheline Calmy-Rey in Bishkek.

 

The PM expressed gratitude to the Swiss Foreign Ministry for organizing successful visit of the Kyrgyz delegation to Berne in June 2009.

 

I.Chudinov told Micheline Calmy-Rey about the latest political and socio-economic transformations in the country, particularly about Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s initiative on reforming the state management system, about tasks of the government in conditions of the world economic financial crisis’s influence on economy of Kyrgyzstan. I.Chudinov informed about measures, which are accepting in the country on upcoming autumn-winter period.

 

During discussion of an issue on using water resources in the Central Asian region, the PM emphasized the importance of working out mutually acceptable economic mechanism, which will take into account the interests of all sides.

 

I.Chudinov expressed gratitude to the Swiss government for intention to solve issues of formalizing visa for citizens of Kyrgyzstan to enter the Swiss Confederation. He positively appreciated the Swiss side’s readiness to hold the regular meeting of bilateral intergovernmental trade-economic commission in 2010.

 

Issues of constructing Kyrgyz-Chinese railway to be discussed

09/10/2009

 

First Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Omurbek Babanov will meet with President of the “Sinohydro” Corporation Fan Jixiang. The parties are expected to discuss issues of this company’s participation in construction of Kyrgyz-Chinese railway.

 

I.Chudinov to meet with Swiss FM Micheline Calmy-Rey

09/10/2009

 

A meeting of Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov with Foreign Minister of the Switzerland Micheline Calmy-Rey will take place today in the Government House. The governmental press service reported it.

 

Swiss FM arrives in Bishkek

08/10/2009

 

Foreign Minister of Switzerland Micheline Calmy-Rey will pay a working visit to Kyrgyzstan tomorrow.


During the visit, she intends to meet with the country’s officials, particularly Prime Minister Igor Chudinov and Deputy Foreign Minister Baktygul Kalambekova.


The parties will discuss issues of activating economic cooperation between Switzerland and Kyrgyzstan.

 

I.Chudinov congratulated V.Putin on birthday

08/10/2009

 

Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov had congratulated his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who turned 57 yesterday.


I.Chudinov’s congratulatory message says: “I’m sure that your rich professional experience will assist in further prosperity of Russia, strengthening its authority at the international scene.


Using the chance, I want to express my since gratitude to you for paying constant attention to strengthening Kyrgyz-Russian cooperation. The government of Kyrgyzstan will make every effort on further strengthening relations, friendship, alliance and partnership with the Russian Federation”.

 

K.Sarbaev met with General J.Johnson

08/10/2009

 

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister had a meeting yesterday with adviser of the US President for National Security General James Johnson within the framework of his working visit to the United States of America.


The parties discussed issues of bilateral and regional cooperation, including the current situation in Afghanistan. On behalf of the US President B.Obama, J.Johnson expressed gratitude to President K.Bakiyev for his personal contribution in development of the Kyrgyz-American relations and strengthening regional security.


The FM confirmed Kyrgyzstan’s readiness to assist in achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan and Central Asia within the framework of Kyrgyz President K.Bakiyev’s “Bishkek Initiative”.
The parties considered issues of carrying out contacts at the high level.

 

 

R.Kazakbaev to attend a session of CIS Foreign Ministers’ Council

 

08/10/2009

 

A regular session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will take place in Chisinau on October 9, 2009.


First Deputy Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev will represent Kyrgyzstan at the session.


About 20 various multilateral cooperation issues are on the session’s agenda, including those concerning further cooperation in "enhancing security and increasing the efficiency of joint border protection policies.


The ministers would also focus on migration issues and coordinate forthcoming top-level CIS events and meetings.

 

R.Gates expresses gratitude to Kyrgyzstan for contributions in fighting with terrorism

08/10/2009 

 

A meeting of Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev with US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates took place in Washington yesterday within the framework of K.Sarbaev’s working visit to the United States of America.


The parties discussed issues of developing military and military-technical cooperation between the two states.


The parties confirmed intention to strengthen mutually beneficial contacts in fighting with terrorism, drug trafficking and strengthening security of borders.


R.Gates expressed gratitude to Kyrgyzstan for contributions in fighting with international terrorism and for cooperation on stabilizing situation in Afghanistan, underlining Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s personal role.

 

K.Sarbaev met with J.Steinberg

08/10/2009 

 

A meeting of Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev with US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg took place yesterday within the framework of K.Sarbaev’s working visit to the United States of America.


The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, including plans of setting up join economic development fund. They confirmed mutual interests in bringing out bilateral relations to a new level, strengthening mutually beneficial relations in political, economic, military, cultural and humanitarian fields.


The parties also discussed joint actions in the field of regional cooperation and international security.

 

Russian Ambassador V.Vlasov visits Batken

07/10/2009

 

Ambassador of Russia to Kyrgyzstan Valentin Vlasov pays two-day working visit to the Batken oblast. Russia’s consul general to Osh Muhamadzhan Ziganshin accompanies him.


V.Vlasov is expected to meet with governors of the regions to discuss issues of developing regional bilateral relations. Besides, meetings with the akim of the Batken region and mayor of the Batken town are expected.


Ambassador V.Vlasov will meet with students of the University and pupils of the local school with the Russian language teaching. He will visit a plant on processing agricultural products, located in the Batlen oblast.

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev received Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov

07/10/2009

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev on October 7 received Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Masimov, who arrived in Bishkek with one-day working visit. The presidential press service reported it.
During the meeting K.Masimov informed the President of Kyrgyzstan about results of the negotiations with the Kyrgyz side. In his words, it were discussed numerous issues regarding to bilateral cooperation in the field of trade-economic, water-energetic, cultural, humanitarian relations.

 

Sessions of CIS Foreign Ministers and Presidents to take place in Chisinau

07/10/2009

 

In Chisinau, sessions of the Council of Foreign Ministers and the Council of Heads of States of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will take place on October 8-9, 2009. The Foreign Ministry of Kyrgyzstan reported it.


The session of CIS Foreign Ministers is expected to consider 22 issues related to activation of cooperation between the member-states in humanitarian field, in the sphere of providing security and other priority directions of the Commonwealth.


The session of the CIS Council of Heads of States will consider some 20 documents, including a more intensive joint response to the world financial crisis, deeper humanitarian and security integration and preparations for the 65th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.


It is also expected to discuss documents aimed to further optimizing the procedure of activities of the CIS institutions.


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev will participate in the session of the CIS Council of Heads of States.

 

K.Sarbaev delivered speech at the Carnegie Endowment

07/10/2009

 

A roundtable entitled “Kyrgyzstan and Regional Security” took place yesterday in the building of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington. Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev’s attended the roundtable and delivered speech before representatives of governmental structures of USA, American expert community and accredited diplomatic corps.


Answering to numerous questions of the meeting’s participants, K.Sarbaev stated Kyrgyzstan’s position on current problems of regional security, particularly, the situation in Afghanistan and related Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s “Bishkek Initiative”.

 

Issues of energetic security discussed

07/10/2009

 

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev had a meeting in Washington with U.S. Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Richard Morningstar on October 6, 2009.


According to the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry, the parties discussed issues of bilateral and regional cooperation in the field of national and regional energetic security.


The FM offered concrete proposals of Kyrgyzstan’s government to the American side about solution of problems in this field, existing in the republic and needing joint coordinated actions.

 

Secretary of Security Council met with Ambassador of Kazakhstan

06/10/2009

 

Secretary of Kyrgyzstan’s Security Council A.Madumarov has met with Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan B.Isabaev. The presidential press service reported it.


Issues of Kyrgyz-Kazakh mutual relations and perspectives of their development were discussed at the meeting. Besides, the parties talked about preparations for upcoming exercises of the member-states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization “Interaction-2009”, which will take place in Kazakhstan.


The Secretary of Kyrgyzstan’s Security Council has been informed on intentions of the Kazakh Embassy to shoot a documentary film about friendship of brotherly Kyrgyz and Kazakh peoples.

 

A new mechanism of Kyrgyz-American cooperation is setting up

06/10/2009

 

The Kyrgyz-American political consultations took place yesterday within the framework of Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev’s working visit to USA. At the consultations, the parties exchanged opinions on wide range of issues and discussed perspectives of cooperation between the two states.


According to the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry, during K.Sarbaev’s meeting with Assistant of the US Secretary of State Robert Blake, who headed the American delegations at the consultations, it was talked plans on strengthening political, trade-economic and military-technical cooperation.


The parties agreed to set up a mechanism of contacts such as the Kyrgyz-American commission and agreed to hold its first meeting in December 2009 in Bishkek.

 

Issues of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and USA discussed

06/10/2009

 

Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev had a meeting yesterday with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns within the framework of his working visit to USA. Issues of developing bilateral relations were discussed during the meeting and the parties confirmed intentions to strengthen mutually beneficial contacts. The Foreign Ministry of Kyrgyzstan reported it.


The parties discussed joint actions in the field of regional cooperation and international security.


K.Sarbaev noted Kyrgyzstan’s readiness to assist in strengthening security and stability in Afghanistan and Central Asia within the framework of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s proposed “Bishkek Initiative”.


The American side had showed interest in carrying out the Initiative and expressed thanks to President K.Bakiyev for his personal contribution in developing the Kyrgyz-American relations and strengthening regional security.

 

 

 

Issues of cooperation with USAID discussed

 

06/10/2009

 

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev, within the framework of his working visit to the United States of America, had a meeting yesterday with USAID Deputy Administrator James Michael and discussed issues of implementing USAID programs and projects in the Kyrgyz Republic. The Kyrgyz side emphasized the importance of further cooperation with the Agency on priority directions, reflected in Kyrgyzstan’s Development Strategy.

 

J.Michael highly appreciated the Kyrgyz government’s efforts, congratulated with achieved progress in the World Bank Rating “Doing Business” and expressed readiness to continue cooperation within the framework of actual projects for Kyrgyzstan.

 

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Masimov arrives in Kyrgyzstan

05/10/2009

 

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Masimov arrives in Kyrgyzstan today on a working visit, the governmental press service reported.


It is expected that the high guest will meet and conduct negotiations with Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov.


The parties are expected to discuss problems of energetic security and issues of trade economic cooperation.

 

Russian presidential administration chief arrives in Kyrgyzstan

05/10/2009

 

Russian Presidential Administration Chief Sergei Naryshkin arrives in Kyrgyzstan today, a source in the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan told it.


Sergei Naryshkin is scheduled to meet with Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, the source said.

 

K.Sarbaev leaves for Washington

05/10/2009

 

Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev has left for Washington today on a working visit at the invitation of the American side. According to the Foreign Ministry, the two-day visit’s goal is to discuss the current condition and perspectives of bilateral Kyrgyz-American cooperation. K.Sarbaev is expected to meet with top leadership of the US State Department, Defense Ministry and hold meeting in the US Congress, the Council of National Security.


K.Sarbaev will also deliver a speech at the Carnegie Center on a topic of regional security in Central Asia.

 

X Summit of the Heads of the Turkic Speaking States to be held in Kyrgyzstan

05/10/2009

 

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Kurmanbek Bakiev and President of the Republic of Turkey Abdullah Gul participated at the IX Summit of the Heads of the Turkic Speaking States held on 2-3 October 2009 in Nakhchivan city, Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Heads of States,

Noting the importance of the existing high level contacts and cooperation in all spheres, based on affinity of history, language and culture, equality and mutual benefit,

Affirming the advantage of Summits of the Heads of Turkic Speaking States and the provisions of declarations adopted at the previous Summits, including the Antalya Declaration, adopted at the Summit in the Republic of Turkey in 2006,

Being convinced that strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations and existing solidarity among Turkic speaking states deepens the cooperation in Eurasian region,

Noting with satisfaction the signing of “Nakhchivan Agreement on the Establishment of the Council of cooperation of Turkic Speaking States” at the IX Summit of the Heads of the Turkic Speaking States held on 2-3 October 2009 in Nakhchivan city,

Noting the leading role of economy and trade in contemporary international relations,

Expressing their adherence to the purposes and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, to the documents of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and above all to the Helsinki Final Act,

Aiming at strengthening political and economic security of the states on the basis of principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, non-interference into domestic affairs of each-other, non-use and non-threat of the use of force,

1. Noted that the IX Summit of the Heads of the Turkic Speaking States held in Nakhchivan city shall contribute to further development and deepening of multilateral and bilateral relations and cooperation among Turkic speaking states in various fields,

2. Expressed their intention to develop, on the basis of mutual interests, relations and solidarity implying from commonness of history, affinity of language and culture among Turkic Speaking States,

3. Reaffirmed their adherence to the principles of democracy, respect for human rights and development of market economy, rule of law and good governance,

4. Expressed their intention to develop mutual relations in the field of trade and economy, and to enlarge cooperation, in particular, in the fields of industry, agriculture, transport, communication and in other fields on the basis of principles of equality and mutual benefit,

5. Emphasizing that dynamically developing economies of Turkic speaking states create conditions for cooperation in various fields, noted the necessity of adopting additional measures aiming at increasing the level of trade-economic, scientific-technical and humanitarian cooperation among Turkic speaking states in accordance with their potential,

6. Confirmed the increasing role of the energy resources of Caspian region ensuring the energy security of Europe, expressed the assurance that the strategic Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum natural gas pipelines serve for global energy security and sustainable economic development countries of the region. In this context, they highlighted the importance of increase of pipe capacity of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and emphasized the importance of the connection between the Aktau port and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

7. Noted that the establishment of the new railway connection Baku-Tbilisi-Kars which is one of the integral parts of the East-West corridor and directed to increase freight volumes between Europe and Asia, shall significantly contribute to expansion of international transport-communication links and economic development, security and stability of the region.

8.Emphasized that they shall attach much more importance to deepening relations among Turkic speaking states and with this aim shall contribute to organization of mutual visits, exchange of experience and cooperation. Expressed their support to enhancing contacts among parliaments, central and local authorities, mass media, which will serve to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as development of links among peoples of the Turkic Speaking States,

9. Affirming mutual interest in broadening relations in the spheres of science, education, culture, art, tourism, sports, and in other spheres, expressed their adherence to support and strengthen spiritual and humanitarian contacts among Turkic speaking peoples,

10. Expressed support to the contacts between scientific organizations and scientists, as well as to the concrete projects in the relevant spheres, and reaffirmed the necessity of cooperation in the field of education,

11. Confirmed the necessity of further promotion of political consultations directed to the strengthening of regional and global security, development of interaction in all spheres of cooperation, close contacts and joint action. Expressed their intention to promote strengthening the confidence and mutual understanding among Turkic speaking states.

12. The Parties stated for continuation of further interaction on the reconstruction and peaceful reestablishment of Afghanistan and welcome the elections held in Afghanistan on 20 August 2009, which were serious challenge on the part of the Afghan authorities given the situation in the country.

13. The Parties expressed the intention to jointly take part in aid programs of international community for Afghanistan, and in realization of joint projects on reconstruction of its economy. In this connection the Parties solute all initiatives of Turkic Speaking States on the Afghan solution, in particular “Bishkek initiatives” of the Kyrgyz Republic.

14. Drew attention to the necessity of preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and guaranteeing the rights and liberties of the Turkic origined community which is an integral part of the whole Iraqi society.

15. Underlined the importance of the contribution of the Conference on Interaction and Conference Building Measures in Asia-CICA to the development of the dialogue and cooperation on security matters in Asia and stressed that during the Kazakh chairmanship CICA has made important progress in the way of institutionalization, emphasized full support to the CICA Chairmanship of Turkey during June 2010-2012.

16. Noted with satisfaction the progress Turkey has achieved in the EU accession process whereas Turkey is significant state of the Eurasian area whose membership in the EU will create political, economic and social momentum for the development of region as a whole.

17. Expressing their expectation for a settlement of the Cyprus problem within the framework of a new Partnership to be established on the basis of UN parameters. Expressed their support for the ongoing comprehensive settlement negotiations between the two sides in Cyprus as well as UN Secretary-General’s calls and OIC resolutions concerning the lifting without delay of the isolations upon the Turkish Cypriots.

18. The Parties underlined importance of joint efforts for strengthening multilateral cooperation within the structure of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC)in order to increase effectiveness of OIC and welcomed the foreseen chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2011 in the CMFA of OIC.

19. Affirmed their position on inadmissibility of forcible change of the borders, declared that consolidation of efforts of the international community against acts of aggression, endangering international peace and stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, is a main factor in providing the global security.

20. Noted that they pay special attention to strengthening the role of the UN in solving global and strategic issues to achieve international security, sustainable development, as well as the purposes enshrined in the UN Charter. They mentioned that the reforms being carried out in the UN should be directed to strengthening of central role of UN in international issues, the fast and effective use of its potential against new threats and challenges to international legal order.

21. Confirmed intention in serious manner to consider candidature of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kyrgyz Republic to the non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for a period of 2012-2013 at the election to this body to be held in the course of the 66th session of the UN GA in 2011.

22. Affirmed the concern over the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its severe consequences and noted the importance of peaceful resolution of the afore-mentioned conflict, which is one of the obstacles for stability and regional cooperation, on the basis of the principle of territorial integrity, inviolability of borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan and norms of the international law; reaffirmed their conviction that resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be a significant progress in providing peace, stability and prosperity in Eurasian area.

23. Noted with satisfaction the contribution of the Alliance of Civilizations – UN initiative as well as the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions – initiative of the Resident of Kazakhstan H.E.Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, aiming at encouraging greater cross-cultural mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect to the promotion of peace, harmony and mutual understanding amongst world different cultures.

24. Confirmed that the cooperation of the Turkic speaking States within the ECO will continue with a view of contributing to strengthening of organization and establishing economic stability and increase of welfare in the region.

25. Expressed the support for the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic Speaking States, the activity of which is aimed at deepening the cooperation amongst Parliaments representing the brotherly peoples.

26. Emphasized the significance of cooperation and joint action in fight against terrorism, human trafficking, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, crime, including illicit arm trade, as well as other threats and challenges endangering international security. Reaffirmed their intention to interact with each other and with international organizations and forums for further strengthening the cooperation in this field.

27. Noted that Council of Cooperation of Turkic Speaking States established on the basis of the Nakhchivan Agreement on establishment of Council of Cooperation of Turkic Speaking States signed at the IX Summit of the Heads of Turkic Speaking States, defines the new stage in strengthening the interaction amongst the Turkic Speaking States.


28. Expressed that the high level contacts between Turkic speaking states based on historical roots are in the spirit of friendship and good neighbourhood, meeting the interests of Turkic speaking states. The Parties will make efforts in order to develop close cooperation in protection of common cultural heritage, passing this heritage to future generations and promote its propaganda in an international arena.

29. Emphasized that TURKSOY plays an important role in identification, development, expansion and popularization of the common values of Turkic world in international level, as well as appreciated its contribution to the deepening of cultural relations among Turkic speaking countries. In this regard, they noted the significance of the TURKSOY in further strengthening the links and cooperation based on common language, culture and spiritual values of the peoples of Turkic speaking countries.

30. Unanimously supported the initiative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the establishment of the TURKSOY Fund for the preservation and maintenance of the rich Turkic cultural heritage which significantly contributed to the development of the world civilization. The Governments of the States of Parties are charged to work over organizational matters related to the establishment and activity of the TURKSOY Fund.

31. Made a decision to hold X Summit of the Heads of Turkic Speaking states in Kyrgyzstan.

32. The guests expressed their satisfaction with the result of Summit and pronounced their gratitude to the People of Azerbaijan and to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for the warm welcome and hospitality.

Signed on 3 October 2009, in Nakhchivan city in the Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Turkish languages.

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev took part in Summit of Turkic-Speaking countries

03/10/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev took part in 9th Summit of heads of Turkic-Speaking countries in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan.


During the Summit Kurmanbek Bakiyev made a speech on condition and perspectives of cooperation of states-participants.


On the results of the Summit Nakhchivan Declaration is signed and an agreement to set up a Council of Cooperation of Turkic-Speaking countries.


President Bakiyev returned Bishkek the same day.

 

President Bakiyev met with Kazakh leader N. Nazarbaev

03/10/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev met with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev in frames of Summit of heads of Turkic-Speaking countries in Nahichevani, Azerbaijan.


During the meeting the two leaders discussed perspectives and condition of mutually beneficial cooperation between the states. In particular, they achieved an agreement that Kazakhstan will advance $25 million as a payment for power supply.

 

Parliamentary delegation of Russia visited airbase in Kant

28/09/2009

 

Parliamentary delegation of Russia, which arrived today in Bishkek at the head of chairman of the Inter-parliamentary Assembly on Cooperation between Jogorku Kenesh and Federal Assembly of Russia Michail Zalihanov became acquainted with activity of Russian airbase in Kant. The delegation is accompanied by a group of Kyrgyz parliamentarians, the press service of Jogorku Kenesh reports.

 

The delegation visited headquarters, caserns, gymnasium and secondary school, where children of officers study.

 

I. Chudinov met with Hilary Clinton

28/09/2009

 

In frames his working visit to USA Prime Minister Igor Chudinov met with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. The governmental press service reports.

During the meeting the sides discussed a wide circle of issues concerning bilateral relations in the sphere of political, trade

 

Delegation of Russian parliamentarians arrived in Kyrgyzstan

28/09/2009

 

Delegation of Russian parliamentarians arrived in Bishkek to participate in a work of the second meeting of Inter-parliamentary commission on Cooperation between Jogorku Kenesh and Federal Assembly of Russia on September 29 in Cholpon Ata.

 

Deputies of the Kyrgyz Parliament Maksat Kunakunov, Yury Danilov, Abdireim Kulbaev met the Russian delegation at the Manas airport.

 

Today the delegation will visit the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavonic University named after B. Yeltzin and Russian aviation subdivision in Kant.

 

On September 29 in Cholpon-Ata parliamentarians will discuss fulfillment of agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Russia, perspectives of joint scientific researches in the sphere of high technologies and tourism development in the republic.

 

Kyrgyzstan is bidding for a non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2011-2013

27/09/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan is bidding for a non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2011-2013, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov said Saturday at a 64th session of UN General Assembly.

 

"I would like to confirm that my country is for the first time nominating itself as a candidate to become one of the non-permanent members of the Security Council for the period of 2012-2013," Chudinov told.

 

"The Kyrgyz Republic located in the heart of Central Asia is taking an active part in maintaining peace and security and environmental stability at both global and regional levels," he said.

 

"We are ready to contribute as much as we can to the work of this key body of the United Nations," he said.

 

Delegation of Kyrgyz Parliament arrived in Baku

27/09/2009

 

Delegation of Jogorku Kenesh headed by chairman of the Kyrgyz Parliament Aitibai Tagaev arrived in Baku to participate in a summit of Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-speaking countries.

 

At the international airport named after G. Aliev the Kyrgyz delegation was met by deputy chairman of Milli Medlis Bahar Muradov and Valeh Aleskerov. Answering questions of journalists at the airport the Kyrgyz Speaker stressed the importance of this event in intimacy of Turkic-speaking countries.

 

Chudinov met in Washington with US Senator S. Brownback

25/09/2009

 

Prime Minister Igor Chudinov met with US Senator Sam Brownback in Washington in frames of his visit to USA.

 

During the meeting I. Chudinov expressed gratitude to the Senator for his support in developing Kyrgyz-American cooperation. The head of the Kyrgyz Government emphasized the important role of USA in developing democracy in Kyrgyzstan.

 

In his turn, Sam Brownback told that he intends to support Kyrgyzstan further.

 

11 session of Coordination Council of Chairmen of Tax Investigation Institutions to be held in Kyrgyzstan

09/09/2009

 

The 11th session of Coordination Council of Chairmen of Tax Investigation Institutions of the CIS member states will be held on September 9-10 in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Today reports citing Financial Police Service of Kyrgyzstan. The agenda of the forum, which will be held in Issyk Kul, includes cooperation of tax (financial) investigation bodies of the CIS memebr states in counteraction to threats in the sphere of economic safety and minimization of negative consequences of the world financial crisis, the role of these structures in counteraction to corruption criminality, and cooperation in the questions of improvement of professional skills of staff and others. The chairmen of tax investigation bodies of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Russia are taking part in the session.

 

Session on counteraction to drug trafficking of CSTO member states to be held in Kyrgyzstan

09/09/2009

 

The session of the Coordination Council of chairmen of competent bodies for counteraction drug trafficking of the member states of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will be held on September 10, 2009 in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Today - reports citing the CSTO Secretariat press service.

 

"The session participants will discuss the questions of putting into operation of the uniform databank concerning circulation of drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors and counteraction to illegal drug circulation; preparation of joint events against transnational criminal drug-related groups and their leaders during the operation Channel, and coordination of the mechanism of participation of divisions of financial investigation of the member states of the Eurasian group on counteraction to financing of terrorism and legalization (money laundering) of the income received in criminal way," CSTO Assistant Secretary General, Valery Semerikov, informed.

 

Parliamentarian asks to speed up delivering roofing slates to remote regions

03/09/2009

 

Parliamentarian Roza Otunbaeva at the parliament’s session has asked to draw attention to the Jalalabad oblast’s Toguztoro village, where destroyed roofing slates of many houses after last month’s strong winds.


“The damage from this natural disaster has amounted to over 700 thousand soms”, - she said.


The parliamentarian asked leadership of corresponding ministries and departments to take it under their control and speed up delivering roofing slates to the scene.

 

K.Bakiyev: Duplicating duties in the state management system to be reduced

31/08/2009

 

The parliament’s session has started its work today with the participation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
The head of state, delivering a speech here, said the duplicating duties in the presidential administration, prime minister’s office, ministries and departments will be reduced. It is expected to strengthen the role of the state agency on affairs of state employees, which is aimed to provide training, retraining and transferring personnel, reforms of the state management system.


On the first phase of reforms, it is expected to reform the government. The government’s main work should become creation of conditions for development of small and medium business, development of culture and increase the population’s living standard.

 

Jogorku Kenesh’s session begins with the participation of K.Bakiyev

31/08/2009

 

The third session of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) has started its work today. The session of the parliament’s fourth convocation takes place with the participation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


K.Bakiyev is delivering a speech in the parliament at the present moment.

 

Kyrgyzstan marked the Independence Day

31/08/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan marked the 18th anniversary of its independence on August 31.


At a ceremony in Bishkek’s Kyrgyz Philharmonic Society, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told the assembled crowd that the country had “big tasks” ahead of it.


“The most important of those tasks are to further develop our national heritage, preserve the diverse cultures, ensure private property rights, establish the rule of law, and to build a state governed by the rule of law,” he said.


K.Bakiyev also said the nation had put its trust in him for another presidential term, and that this gave him additional energy for the work ahead.


The festive events held in all settlements of the country. The main celebrations, which attended by leaders of the state, held in the central square of the Kyrgyz capital. Mass gatherings were took place in the square.

 

President K.Bakiyev participates in opening of the Manap-biy’s monument

28/08/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev visited Tokmok within the framework of his working visit to the Chui oblast, where participated in opening of the Manap-biy’s monument.

 

The head of state in his speech, here, said Manap-biy was historical figure, who fought for freedom and independence of his land. “This monument is erected in honor of our ancestry that fought for freedom and bright future of our people. In XVI century, Manap-biy played a special role in fighting united Kyrgyz and Kazakh tribes for maintaining independent native land”, - said K.Bakiyev.

 

The head of state expressed thanks to sculptor Duishen Zholchuev, builder Zhumabek Toktogaziev, and those people, who rendered assistance in the monument’s erection.

 

Separate ministries and departments to be united or closed

27/08/2009

 

The reforms in the state management system will be carried out without fail. First deputy chairman of the Ak-Zhol people’s party Tabyldy Orozaliev told at a press conference at the “Kabar” News Agency, answering to questions of journalists.

 

“Those structures, which duplicate each other, should be united and those structures, which are not effective, should be eliminated”, - said T.Orozaliev.

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev conducted a meeting yesterday on issues of reforms in the state management.

 

The head of state will deliver a speech at the parliament on September 1 and inform the people about expecting reforms in the state management.

 

According to T.Orozaliev, the documents are ready. “Everything will be clear on September 1”, - he added.

 

President K.Bakiyev received the Kyrgyzpatent’s head Ulan Melisbek

26/08/2009

 

A working meeting of the State Patent Service’s head Ulan Melisbek with President Kurmanbek Bakiyev took place yesterday. The head of state had shown interest in situation in the field of domain administration “KG”. U.Melisbek informed him about processes in the field of administration and upcoming transformations.

 

According to the Kyrgyzpatent’s press service, the parties discussed upcoming visits of U.Melisbek to events of international level.

 

U.Melisbek informed the head of state about those issues, which will be discussed at a joint meeting of the Interstate council on issues of protecting industrial property, which will take place in Yerevan on September 9-10 and numerous meetings of the WIPO that will take place between September 22 and October 1 in Geneva.

 

President K.Bakiyev to deliver a speech at the parliament’s opening autumn session

26/08/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev received speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) Aytibai Tagaev, who informed the head of state about starting of the regular parliament’s session and plans for September. The presidential press service reported it.


A.Tagaev told the Jogorku Kenesh received 15 bills from the government and 7 of them are economic bills. He informed about the parliament’s readiness and intention to closely cooperate with all institutions of authorities and civil society.


K.Bakiyev pointed out the importance of the parliament’s consolidated works with other branches of authorities, especially in connection with upcoming reforms in the state management system.


The head of state told that he intends to deliver a speech at the parliament’s opening autumn session on September 1.

 

K.Bakiyev orders to finish rebuilding the Nura village in time

25/08/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev received Prime Minister Igor Chudinov, who informed the head of state about restorations works in the Nura village of the Osh oblast that suffered from an earthquake on October 5, 2008. The presidential press service reported it.


According to I.Chudinov, the earthquake destroyed 134 houses. The Chinese company, which won a contest for the right of building houses, is constructing 151 houses now. These houses will resist a quake of magnitude 9 on the Richter scale and will be provided with heating using the coal.


460 people involved in the construction works. Presently, it is completed 46 houses. By September 7 it is expected to finish construction of other houses and put into commission a new sports complex, bath and other social buildings.


I.Chudinov told that it is also expected to open a memorial complex for victims of the earthquake by the end of September 2009.


I.Chudinov informed the head of state about situations in the field of industry, particularly activities of big industrial enterprises such as the Maily-Suu electric-bulb plant, the Tashkumyr silicon productions, the Karabalta mining plant, the Kyzylkiya cement works and others. The PM also informed about accepting measures on preparations for the upcoming winter period.


K.Bakiyev pointed out the necessity of rebuilding houses for residents of the Nura village in time.


The head of state ordered to solve issues of restoring the Kurmentyiskiy cement works within September and take control providing the Heating Power Station with necessary fuel.

 

K.Bakiyev: The current reform must change the system of state management radically

25/08/2009

 

“The reforms, carried out in the state management till today, represented only reorganization. Some structures were united, liquidated and created. The current reform must change the system of state management radically”, - said President Kurmanbek Bakiyev during a meeting with the participation of Secretary of State Dosbol Nur uulu, head of the Presidential Administration Daniyar Usenov, heads of the Presidential Secretariat Oksana Malevanaya, secretary of the Security Council Adahan Madumarov, heads of departments of the Presidential Administration.


The head of state said the state machinery must be compact, mobile, capable to operatively and adequately react to demands of the times.


The head of state pointed out the necessity of effectively using the budgetary funds.


President K.Bakiyev told that he intends to partake in a plenary session of the Jogorku Kenesh in early September.

 

Kamchybek Tashiev visited America

21/08/2009

 

Minister of Emergency Situations Kamchybek Tashiev had paid official visit to Helene, Montana between August 9 and 16. K.Tashiev met with Commander of the National Guard of Montana John Walsh. The parties discussed issues of cooperation between the Emergency Situations Ministry and the National Guard in the field of liquidating and warning extreme situations.


Minister K.Tashiev had addressed to partners to render assistance in equipping the Emergency Situations Ministry with special technique and equipment.


Besides, it was discussed issues of attracting representatives of the parties for participation in workshops, scientific-technical conferences, meetings on issues of civil protection and emergency situations, radiation and industrial safety.

 

K.Bakiyev sends message of condolences over the former Korean president’s death

20/08/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev sent a message of condolences addressed to President of Korea Lee Myung-bakon in connection with the former Korean president’s death.


On behalf of Kyrgyzstan’s people and personally himself, the head of state in his message expressed deep grief over the death of Kim Dae-jung to the Korean people and relatives of the former president.

 

K.Bakiyev sends message of condolences to D.Medvedev over terrorism act in Nazran and accident at Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP

20/08/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev sent a message of condolences addressed to President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev in connection with terrorism act in Nazran, the capital of Ingushetia and accident at Sayano-Shushenskaya hydropower plant in Khakassia.


The message says:


“Dear Dmitry Anatolievich,


It was with deep shock and sadness that I learned about the explosion in Nazran and the accident at Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP, which occurred on August 17 and claimed lives of many civilians.


On behalf of Kyrgyzstan’s people and personally me, convey our deepest sympathy to the people of Russia, and in particular, to those who were directly affected by these tragedies”.

 

Kyrgyz FM meets with chief of the US Central Command

18/08/2009

 

A meeting of Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev with commander of the US Central Command David Petreus took place in Bishkek on August 17.

 

Issues of bilateral cooperation, issues of interaction in the field of regional security, including the fight with terrorism, drug trafficking and situation in Afghanistan were discussed at the meeting.

 

K.Sarbaev said that Kyrgyzstan attaches a great importance to development of the Kyrgyz-American relations and expressed hope for further constructive partnership between two states.

 

In his turn, D.Petreus asked K.Sarbaev to convey his greetings to President Kurmanbek Bakiyev on occasion of re-election as the President of Kyrgyzstan and 60-year jubilee, expressed thanks for decision to deploy the Transit Center.

 

Ombudsman meets with head of the state patent service U.Melisbek

18/08/2009

 

A meeting of Ombudsman Tursunbek Akun with head of the state patent service Ulan Melisbek took place in the Ombudsman’s Office.

 

T.Akun and U.Melisbek discussed numerous issues. The state patent service’s head offered to meet with members of the council of human rights defenders under the Ombudsman in order to discuss issues regarding to the Ombudsman’s internet-site in detail.

 

A meeting on preparations for autumn-winter period to take place today

18/08/2009

 

A meeting on preparations of the republic for autumn-winter period will take place today under the First Deputy Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov. The governmental press service reported it.


Heads of regional state administrations, heads of profile republican ministries and departments, representatives of interested structures of fuel and energy complex will participate in the meeting.

 

K.Bakiyev signs a law on youth policy

10/08/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev signs a law on basis of state youth policy.

 

The presidential press service informs the law determines foundations of creating legal, economic, social and other conditions that aimed to carry out the rights and interests of young citizens, youth organizations, their potential in interests of the state and society.

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev takes a short leave

09/08/2009

 

Starting from August 10, 2009 President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev takes a short leave of absence for the period between March 28, 2006 and March 28, 2007. The presidential press service reported it.


The head of state intends to spend his vocation in Kyrgyzstan together with his family.

 

Robert Gates thanks Kurmanbek Bakiyev

07/08/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev received a letter of thanks from U.S Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. The Kyrgyz president’s press service says, in the letter, the U.S. Secretary of Defense thanked Kurmanbek Bakiyev for opening the Transit Center at the Manas International Airport.


R.Gates thanked K.Bakiyev for his leading role in allowing the United States to open the Transit Center at Manas. The Transit Center will play an important role in the operations providing support to Afghanistan.


The decision by the Kyrgyz government is a substantial contribution to the international efforts to organize stability in Afghanistan where we are faced with a common enemy and share a common interest in achieving success, the letter said.


The agreements between the U.S. and Kyrgyz governments regarding the transit center opening and cooperation will enable the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan to continue their highly productive military relations created earlier, as well as cooperation in fighting against the threats of terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, the document said.

 

Tajik President E.Rahmon and Kyrgyz FM K.Sarbayev discussed cooperation issues

07/08/2009

 

State and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were the focus of a meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbayev that was held in Dushanbe yesterday afternoon, Asia-Plus reported.


Speaking to reporters after the meeting with President E.Rahmon, Kyrgyz minister said that he had informed the Tajik leader of the results of the first session of the council of foreign ministers of the two countries. He, in particular, told President E.Rahmon that the agenda of the upcoming first session of the High Interstate Coordination Council of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan had been prepared.


“We discussed where the first session of the High Interstate Council will be held,” said K.Sarbayev, “The meeting is expected to take place this year.”


According to him, during the first session of the council of foreign ministers of the two countries they reached an agreement to hold the next ninth session of the Tajik-Kyrgyz economic commission in the Kyrgyz city of Osh from September 29-30 this year.


Asked whether the border delineation issues were discussed at the session, Kyrgyz minister said that those issues had not been discussed. “Working groups are continuing to work and there are no any political aspects that would require discussion at any higher level,” K.Sarbayev said.

 

Tajik, Kyrgyz foreign ministers sign four cooperation documents

06/08/2009

 

The first session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan that was held in Dushanbe on August 6 resulted in signing of four cooperation documents, Asia-Plus reported.

 

Speaking to reporters after the session, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi said that they had considered a number of issues related to further expansion of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

 

“We reached mutual understanding practically on all issues that were discussed,” Tajik minister said, expressing hope that the session that had been organized on the instructions of the leaders of both states would open a new page in history of relations between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

 

Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi and Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbayev, signed the protocol of the session, the program of cooperation between MFAs of the two countries for 2009-2010, the protocol on exchange of notes on ratification of the agreement on military cooperation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and the protocol on exchange of notes on ratification of the agreement on the procedure for stay of and interaction between officers of the law enforcement and special agencies in the territories of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

 

T.Akun: President K.Bakiyev proved himself the worthy leader

06/08/2009

 

Newly elected president of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev proved himself the worthy leader. Ombudsman Tursunbek Akun told journalists at a press conference at the “Kabar” News Agency.

 

“As against leaders of opposition, he stood up to the last degree and proved himself the real leader. We conducted monitoring and it showed that the elections took place fairly. The people have chosen K.Bakiyev, so, we should respect him”, - said T.Akun.

 

According to him, the authorities are ready for negotiations with opposition. It is necessary to sit for negotiations and solve all problems through dialogs and negotiations.

 

K. Sarbaev will visit Tajikistan

06/08/2009

 

Today Minister of Foreign Affairs Kadyrbek Sarbaev will start his working visit to Tajikistan. Within the framework of the visit, the first session of Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of two states will be held. The Council of Ministers is the coordination body of high inter-state coordination Council of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, formed in May, 2008.

 

Besides, K. Sarbaev plans to meet with Tajik leaders to discuss Kyrgyz-Tajik bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade and economic, water, power, transport and communication, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

 

M.Kongantiev met with representatives of China’s Public Safety

05/08/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan’s Interior Minister Moldomusa Kongantiev received adviser of the Chinese Ambassador Ihn Gohai, first secretary of the Embassy Dai Suikiu and third secretary Wan Sinyan yesterday.

 

The parties discussed issues of developing cooperation and interaction between the Ministry of Public Safety of China and the Ministry of Interior Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. The meeting took place in warm and friendly atmosphere.

 

Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Turkey held telephone conservation

04/08/2009

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev held a telephone conservation with President of Turkey Abdullah Gul. The Turkish President congratulated Kurmanbek Bakiyev on his 60 years jubilee and re-election to the country’s high post, wished the strong health and successes. He assured the Kyrgyz leader that the Turkish side will make every effort in order carry out those agreements in full that reached in the course of his official visit to Kyrgyzstan in May 2009.


In his turn, Kurmanbek Bakiyev noted the agreements have started to implement, in particular, signing of a partnership agreement between air-companies “Kyrgyzstan” and “Pegasus” testifies it. He expressed confidence in strengthening and expanding the Kyrgyz-Turkish relations in the future.


The Kyrgyz President’s press service informs the telephone conservation took place on the initiative of the Turkish side.

 

President K.Bakiyev conducted first meeting

03/08/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev conducted a meeting with the participation of Secretary of State Dosbol Nur uulu, head of the Presidential Administration Daniyar Usenov, head of the President’s Secretariat Oksana Malevanaya, secretary of the Security Council Adahan Madumarov, heads of the Presidential Administration’s structural departments.


The head of state informed the meeting’s participants about results of the informal summit of the
Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) that took place on July 31 and August 1, 2009 in Issykkul’s Cholponata.


The President has been informed about preliminary figures of the republic’s socio-economic development for January-July 2009. It was noted that the GDP has made up 94.1 billion soms and increased by 1.1 percent in comparison with the last year’s similar period. The volume of external commodity circulation has made up 1 billion 905 million soms.


Revenues of the country’s state budget for January-July 2009 has made 30 billion 24 million soms, including receipts from tax bodies – 11 billion 819 million soms, from customs bodies – 7 billion 94 million soms. In comparison with the last year’s similar period, revenues of the state budget has increased 5 billion 914 million soms or 24 percent.


There are no debts on pensions and allowances as of July 1, 2009.

 

President K.Bakiyev meets with D.Medvedev

01/08/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev had bilateral meetings with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev within the framework of the informal summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Cholponata.


The Kyrgyz leader thanked D.Medvedev for his active participation in the summit’s work. “The summit was successful. Important issues of cooperation were discussed. I think, the leaders of CSTO states will draw corresponding conclusions on further improvement of the Organization’s activities”, - said K.Bakiyev.


In his turn, D.Medvedev, congratulated the head of state on his birthday and wished success. He noted the summit’s participants discussed the current situation in the CSTO, perspectives of its further development and determined plans for the future. The Russian leader expressed thanks for invitation to visit Issykkul. This is his first visit to Issykkul.


The leaders of two states signed a memorandum on intentions of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation on further development and improvement of bilateral treaty and legal base, regulating the Russian military presence in Kyrgyzstan and deployment of the additional Russian military contingent in the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

Inauguration ceremony of Kyrgyzstan's President K.Bakiyev took place (video)

 

01/08/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan's newly re-elected leader, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, was sworn in as president on Sunday.

 

The inauguration took place at the government building in Bishkek, and was attended by lawmakers, diplomats and the president of the neighboring Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

 

The Kyrgyz Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that the July 23 presidential election was carried out in line with the country's constitution. However, opposition parties and European monitors said the vote was flawed.

 

In his inauguration speech, Bakiyev said he managed to ensure peace and stability in Kyrgyzstan over the course of his first term.

 

He also called for national unity and described his re-election as a “win for everybody.” ”Most importantly, the very principle of democracy and the ideals of tolerant society were victorious,” he said.

 

The inauguration ceremony lasted around 40 minutes.

 

Several days ago, K.Bakiyev made a televised address to the nations assuring the people that he would fulfil all his pre-election promises. He intends first of all to conduct the reform of the state government bodies and modernisation of the national education system.

 

Russia, Kyrgyzstan sign military memorandum

31/07/2009

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev and President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev signed a memorandum on Russian military presence in Kyrgyzstan.


Kyrgyzstan already hosts a Russian airbase in Kant and four other Russian military facilities.
The airbase in Kant, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) outside the capital, Bishkek, was opened in 2003.
Some 250 Russian officers and 150 enlisted personnel from Russia's 5th Air Army are deployed at the base, as well as Su-25 Frogfoot strike aircraft and Mi-8 transport helicopters.


In line with the memorandum, the republic will also host an additional Russian military contingent the size of up to a battalion and a training center for both countries' servicemen.


The memorandum noted "the expediency of working out and signing by November 1, 2009 of a Russian-Kyrgyz agreement on the status and terms of stay of a united Russian military base on the territory of the Kyrgyz republic."


The agreement will be valid for 49 years and could be automatically extended for 25-year periods.
D.Medvedev arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Friday for an informal regional security treaty organization summit in Issykkul.


Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists on Saturday that the training center, to be hosted by Kyrgyzstan, will be open for all CSTO members.

 

CSTO leaders agree to create information security center

31/07/2009

 

Leaders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization agreed Friday to create an information security center in Moscow.
Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, whose country is hosting a two-day CSTO summit in Cholponata on Saturday and Sunday, said the center will help member states exchange information on Internet security and their experiences with combating cyber crime.


A center for youth education will also be established in Cholponata, K.Bakiyev said.

 

Situation in zone of CSTO responsibility is knotty – K.Bakiyev

31/07/2009

 

Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev considers the situation that is developing in the zone of responsibility of the CSTO member states as knotty.


In the opening remarks at an informal summit of the heads of state of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, K.Bakiyev noted that he first of all implied “issues of security and issues connected with international terrorism”.


Focusing on them, he mentioned the events in the Caucasus and in Kyrgyzstan “Two groups of gunmen were destroyed within June, and 18 people were arrested. They are all connected with international terrorism. This is an important issue, and it concerns everybody,” K.Bakiyev noted.

 

CSTO summit kicks off in Cholponata

31/07/2009

 

An informal summit of the member-countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has kicked off in Cholponata at the Ruh-Ordo complex.


Presidents of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev, Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev, Russia Dmitry Medvedev, Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Uzbekistan Islam Karimov are attending the summit.


The CSTO leader will hear the report on approaches and practical measures of formation of the coordinated information policy of the CSTO states. The leaders of the states will discuss the question of construction on the bank of the lake Issykkul of the international youth military-sports centre of the organization.


The meeting will come to an end with a working dinner on behalf of the President of Kyrgyzstan in honor of the honored guests. During the summit, the leaders of the CSTO states will hold a number of bilateral negotiations.


As informed earlier, the informal summit of the CSTO state leaders will be held on July 31 - August 1 in Cholponata. According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, during the informal summit, the heads of the CSTO member states will discuss the questions of international security and activities of the organization.

 

CSTO informal summit to open in Kyrgyzstan today

31/07/2009

 

The informal summit of the heads of the states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will open today in Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan reported.


According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the summit will start its work in the evening in the state residence №2 in the city Cholpon-Ata. President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev will personally meet his counterparts.


After the heads of the states and CSTO Secretary General gather in the cultural-ethnographic centre Ruh Ordo, they will hear the report on approaches and practical measures of formation of the coordinated information policy of the CSTO states. The leaders of the states will discuss the question of construction on the bank of the lake Issyk Kul of the international youth military-sports centre of the organization.


The meeting will come to an end with a working dinner on behalf of the President of Kyrgyzstan in honor of the honored guests. During the summit, the leaders of the CSTO states will hold a number of bilateral negotiations.


As informed earlier, the informal summit of the CSTO state leaders will be held on July 31 - August 1 in Cholpon-Ata. According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, during the informal summit, the heads of the CSTO member states will discuss the questions of international security and activities of the organization.

 

Kyrgyz Constitutional Court recognized results of presidential elections legitimate

30/07/2009

 

The Constitutional Court of Kyrgyzstan has recognized the presidential elections legitimate and having been held in conformity with the Constitution of the country, the press service of the Constitutional Court of Kyrgyzstan reported.


The Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan directed on July 27th the results of the presidential elections of Kyrgyzstan to the Constitutional Court. According to the Code on Elections, the court must confirm the results not later than seven days after the last election day.


Today, the Constitutional Court recognized the presidential elections of the country legitimate. According to the legislation, the elected leader of the state will take the oath to the people of Kyrgyzstan in the presence of deputies of Parliament within 30 days.


The inauguration is planned for August 2, 2009.

 

CEC registered K.Bakiyev as the head of state for second-term

30/07/2009

 

Members of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kyrgyzstan have adopted a resolution on registering Kurmanbek Bakiyev as the head of state for second-term.


Head of the CEC’s organizational legal department Amankul Moldaliev told K.Bakiyev, assuming the office of the president, will get a certification on election him as the country’s president, breastplate and the president’s color,


He told the CEC is obliged to publish today’s resolution on “Kyrgyz Tuusu”, “Erkin Too” and “Slovo Kyrgyzstan” newspapers within three days.

 

OSCE/ODIHR praises progress of democracy at presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan

29/07/2009

 

The mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) has reported about the progress in human rights protection and democracy in preparation and holding of the presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan to Belarus Ishenkul Boldzhurova told BelTA on 28 July. According to her, the mission praised the activity of the non-governmental sector during the election campaign and the equal TV exposure opportunities created for all candidates.

 

According to the latest data of the Kyrgyz Central Election Commission, the turnout was around 80%. There were 2330 polling stations including 49 polling stations abroad. Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was re-elected with 77% of the vote. Six candidates for Presidency took part in the elections in Kyrgyzstan. Some 516 international observers and around 20,000 national observers monitored the presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan. The presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and other countries congratulated the newly-elected Kyrgyz President on his reelection. This is the first press conference that Ishenkul Boldzhurova has given in the capacity of the Kyrgyz Ambassador. The new Ambassador has a Doctor Decree (History and Pedagogic Science). She held the posts of Education Minister of Kyrgyzstan (twice), Culture Minister and Science Minister.

 

I.Boldzhurova: Kyrgyzstan chooses stability and development

28/07/2009

 

The people voted for stability and development at the presidential elections that were held in Kyrgyzstan on 23 July, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan to the Republic of Belarus Ishenkul Boldzhurova told reporters on 28 July, BelTa reported.“In Kyrgyzstan Kurmanber Bakiyev is seen as a guarantor of the country’s social, economic and political growth, increasing prestige of the country in the international arena, the diplomat said.Ishenkul Boldzhurova also informed that Kurmanbek Bakiyev attaches special attention to cooperation with Belarus. Since his first election to the post of the president, the political and especially economic relations with Belarus have raised to a brand new level. Minsk will soon play host to the fifth session of the Belarusian-Kyrgyz intergovernmental commission, the Ambassador reminded.Kyrgyzstan welcomes direct business contacts between the two countries.

 

“I hope that the cooperation between our economies will open up big prospects for the goods, especially the goods made by joint companies, in the markets of China, Central Asia, Middle East and other regions,” said the Ambassadress. Kyrgyzstan is a WTO member, she reminded.She also pointed to the rapid development of cultural cooperation. In October 2008 Belarus held its Days of Culture in Kyrgyzstan. This year the Days of Culture of Kyrgyzstan will be organized in Belarus.Kyrgyzstan, as Belarus, will celebrate the 65th anniversary of Great Victory on a big scale. Around 200,000 Kyrgyz citizens died during the Great Patriotic War. The population of the republic was around 1 million then, she reminded.

 

President K.Bakiyev to address to the nation

28/07/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev will make TV address today, a source in the president’s administration told.The address to the nation will be broadcasted through local channels. The First National Channel will broadcast it at 21:00 in Russian and at 22:00 in Kyrgyz.Yesterday the Central Election Commission (CEC) approved results of the presidential elections that carried out on July 23.K.Bakiyev collected 1 million 779 thousand 447 hundred votes or 76.43 percent of whole electors’ votes. 2 328 069 people or 79.13 percent of electors participated in the voting.

 

CEC approved newly elected President of Kyrgyzstan

27/07/2009

 

The Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan approved the newly elected President of the country Kurmanbek Bakiyev. Counting of votes has finished.


Kurmanbek Bakiyev collected 1 million 779 thousand 447 votes or 76,43%.
Almazbek Atambaev – 195 thousand 291 votes (8,39%)
Temir Sariev – 149 thousand 650 votes (6,43%)
Toktaim Umetalieva – 25 thousand 96 (1,08)
Nurlan Motuev – 21 thousand 754 (0,93%)
Jenishbek Nazaraliev – 19 thousand 198 (0,82%)
4,625 of electors voted against all or 107 thousand 317 people.
In total 79,13% of voters or 2 million 328 thousand 69 people took part in voting.

 

 

 

Bishkek prepares for international kickboxing tournament


15/07/2009


An international kickboxing tournament for the Cup of Kyrgyzstan’s President will take place on July 17 in Bishkek’s Kojomkul Sports Palace. The state agency on physical training and sport, youth affairs and protection of children reported it.


Sportsmen from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan and Armenia in the weight up to 76 kg will attend the tournament. The champion of Asia and Eurasia, the world’s bronze prizewinner Kumar Zhaliev will represent Kyrgyzstan.


The tournament will be conducted for the third time. In previous tournaments, Kyrgyz kick boxers Ruslan Abasov and Alen Ofoyo won the Cup.

 


K.Bakiyev: We should all work in order to live better


15/07/2009


Presidential candidate Kurmanbek Bakiyev met with electors of Nookat region yesterday. During his meeting with electors in Jany-Nookat village, K.Bakiyev said that he knows problems and shortcomings of rural area and he will make every effort in order to develop rural infrastructure. He added that it is necessary to attract investments, improve the living standard of peoples.


The region’s residents support policy of incumbent president K.Bakiyev and ready to vote for the worthy candidate.


The candidate also met with residents of Kyzylkiya town. He pointed out the country’s economic development. “The standing plants resumed their works again, it is creating new working places in the republic. If the country’s economy will be developed than the people will live better. On this occasion, we should all work”, - said K.Bakiyev.

 


All religious organizations passed registration after adoption of new law


14/07/2009

 

All religious organizations passed registration after adoption of the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations in the Kyrgyz Republic. Director of the state agency on religion under the government of Kyrgyzstan Kanybek Osmonaliev told at a press conference at the “Kabar” News Agency.


K.Osmonaliev told the Law was adopted in 2008 and came into effect on January 2009. 60 percents of religious organizations out of 2 thousand, which exists in the republic, passed registration after its adoption.


The Law requires that a religious organization should have no less than 200 members-citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic living in the country (the previous law required only 10 such members). Religious associations should include no less than 10 religious organizations. Children are not allowed in religious organizations.

 


The volume of investments amounts to over 12 billion soms for six months


14/07/2009


The volume of investments for the current year’s six months has made up 12 billion 31 million soms or 135.2 percents against the last year. Director of the state agency on architecture and construction Kanybek Narbaev told at a press conference at the “Kabar” News Agency.


The home investment has made up 9 billion 204 million soms, the external – 2 billion 828 million soms. “I can say with confidence that the investments in the field of construction has increased. For example, in 2005 the volume of investments was 10 billion 632 million soms, in 2006 – 14 billion 330 million soms, in 2007 – 24 billion 87 million soms, in 2008 – 29 billion 208 million soms”, - said K.Narbaev.

 


Letter-Agreement between Kyrgyzstan and IDA ratified


14/07/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a law on ratifying the letter-agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the International Development Association (IDA) on the grant for preparing a project on development of ecosystem of Tian-Shan (Grant GEF PPG № TF 091930), signed on December 30, 2008 in Bishkek. The presidential press service reported it.

 


K.Bakiyev: Launching of the southern Kyrgyz cement works is very important for Kyrgyzstan’s economy


14/07/2009


“The southern Kyrgyz cement works has a great future and its launching is very important for development of the whole republic’s economy”, - President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told during the plant’s launching in Kyzylkiya town of Batken oblast. The presidential press service reported it.


The head of state inspected the plant’s workshops and familiarized with process of their works.
The plant will produce about one million tons of high-quality cement a year and cover the region’s whole needs. Besides, it will be used for construction of hydroelectric power stations.


The plant is equipped with modern international technologies. The plant’s launching will assist in solution of numerous social problems and development of separate branches of economy. 3-4 thousand people will be provided with jobs.


The head of state expressed thanks to builders for their qualitative works. “I’m glad that we have such professional builders. I’m sure your children and grandchildren will take proud of yours participation in the large-scaled production’s construction”, - said K.Bakiyev.


The president wished the strong health and success to the event’s participants and handed over state prizes to the best builders of the cement works.

 


About 5 thousand militiamen to keep order during the elections


14/07/2009


About 5 thousand militiamen would keep order during the upcoming presidential elections, which will take place on July 23. Deputy interior minister Sabyrbek Kurmanaliev told at a press conference in Bishkek.
Besides, 7 thousand militiamen will be in reserve. These measures are undertaking in order to provide transparent and fair elections.


S.Kurmanaliev told the local population expressed desire to join the people’s militia units.

 


IFC and the MEDT signed Memorandum of understanding on private sector growth


14/07/2009


IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade signed a Memorandum of Understanding and an Action Plan for 2009-2010. The IFC business Enabling environment project is partnership with the government of Switzerland, will work with the Kyrgyz government to identify and remove regulatory and administrative barriers to business.


The Memorandum and the Action Plan highlight a strategy for collaboration between the Kyrgyz government and ifc for streamlining inspections practices and SME taxation. Through the project, IFC monitors changes to the business environment in the Kyrgyz Republic by conducting nationwide surveys of the private sector.

 

Other efforts include helping increase entrepreneurs’ awareness of the their legal rights and foster dialogue between the government and private sector.

 


Presidential candidate Bakiyev to visit southern regions


14/07/2009


Presidential candidate, incumbent President Kurmanbek Bakiyev will visit today southern region of the country. He will meet with electors of Kadamjai, Nookat, Karasuu, Aravan regions and Kyzyl-Kiya town.


During the trip the candidate will participate in opening of the Southern-Kyrgyz cement works.

 


CEC registered about 400 observers


13/07/2009


The Central Election Commission registered 206 international observers. CEC member K. Mamatkerimov told Kabar Agency.


According to his words, the CEC received 206 applications for accreditation of international observers. The most of the observers are registered from ODIHR/OSCE – 186 observers, 4 from international Republican Institute, 3 from CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly, SCO Observation Mission and others.
At present the total sum of international observers made 400 people.

 


W. Burns: Cooperation with USA should work for Kyrgyzstan’s prosperity (video)


13/07/2009


Under Secretary of United States for Political Affairs William J. Burns told at a meeting with journalists in Bishkek, that his visit to Kyrgyzstan was fruitful, he met with President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, Prime Minister Igor Chudinov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kadyrbek Sarbaev and representatives of civil society.


According to his words, creation of transi center in Kyrgyzstan is the important step in strengthening cooperation between USA and Kyrgyzstan, besides, the issues of bilateral cooperation in political and economic spheres as well as aspects of joint efforts on providing security in the region and fighting terrorism and drug trafficking were discussed at meetings.


He also told that the Kyrgyz and American sides will make all efforts in order to the activity of the center was transparent.

 


President of Kyrgyzstan believes in EurAsEC


10/07/2009


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev in his interview to the Russian “Isvetiya” newspaper, which is published today, named Russia as a key strategic partner of Kyrgyzstan, including in security issues. “A document was signed recently with the Russian side on extending the Russian military base’s presence for 49-years. We are an active partner of Russia within the framework of CSTO, EurAsEC and SCO…The aspiration to find common concord, understanding of mutual dependence and responsibility for our countries’ future unite us.


According to K.Bakiyev, Kyrgyzstan pins hopes on the Eurasian Economic Community’s future. During the Community’s summit in Moscow, it was accepted unprecedented decision in the history of EurAsEC to establish the EurAsEC Joint Fund with a capital of 10 billion dollars. Of course, this fund is set up to minimize consequences of the world crisis for the member-states of EurAsEC. The fund may also serve as effective tool in counteracting to negative consequences in the economy and finances of EurAsEC.

 


K. Bakiyev: Two brands Aitmatov and Issyk-Kul made Kyrgyzstan famous


10/07/2009


“Our pearl Issyk-kul and well-known writer made our country famous to the world”, presidential candidate, incumbent President Kurmanbek Bakiyev at a meeting with electors in Issyk-Kul oblast.


The meeting was held in cultural-memorial complex Aalam-Ordo, which was the last point of pre-election trip of the candidate to Issyk-Kul oblast. He also called his electors to cherish Issyk-Kul lake –giant of tourist industry in Central Asia like the apple of one’s eye.

 


Presidential candidate Bakiyev met with electors of Issyk-Kul oblast


09/07/2009


Presidential candidate Kurmanbek Bakiyev met with electors of Issyk-Kul oblast.


At the meeting the candidate briefed the residents of Tyup, Ak-Suu, Jety-Oguz regions and Karakol city with his election program and stressed the importance of achievements in economic sphere for the last years. He also emphasized the importance of development of agriculture.


On the second half of the day the candidate plans to meet with electors of western part of the Jeti-Oguz, Ton regions and Balykchy city.


On July 10 K. Bakiyev will met with electors of Naryn oblast.

 


President K.Bakiyev signed a law on pre-school education


08/07/2009


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a law on pre-school education, the presidential press service reported.


The law determines main principles of state policy in the field of pre-school education and development of children, legal, organizational and financial foundations of functioning system of pre-school education in Kyrgyzstan.

 


CEC started to deliver ballot-papers throughout the country


08/07/2009


In Bishkek, it is started to ship and send ballot-papers of upcoming presidential elections throughout the country. Head of the Central Election Commission’s information and analytic department Bakytbek Jumagulov told it.


Today ballot-papers will be sent to Osh, Jalalabad and Batken oblasts. These ballot-papers will be delivered by the state enterprise “Special Communication”, whose workers provided with all necessary equipments to deliver it safely to the destination point.


“Collaborators of the state committee on national security, the ministry of interior affairs and members of the CEC will accompany the state enterprise”, - said B.Jumagulov.


He noted the CEC has also handed over ballot-papers to the foreign affairs ministry in order to deliver to 23 states, where lives Kyrgyz. Over 2 million 800 thousand ballot-papers issued.

 


Agreement on transit transportation center ratified


07/07/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev signed the Law “On ratification of the agreement on cooperation between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Unite States of America, signed on June 22, 2009 in Bishkek and the Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Unite States of America concerning transit transportation center at Manas International airport, signed on June 22, 2009 in Bishkek”. The presidential press service reports.


The Law comes into force since the day of its signing.

 


Presidential candidate T.Umetalieva visits Batken oblast


07/07/2009


Presidential candidate Toktayim Umetalieva will conduct numerous meetings with electors in Batken oblast today. The candidate will meet with residents of regions in the town’s stadium and cultural house.
Yesterday T.Umetalieva met with electors in Kadamzhai region.


T.Umetalieva will visit tomorrow Leilek region and Suluktu to conduct meetings with electors.


The presidential elections will take place on July 23. Presently, six candidates are running to the high post in Kyrgyzstan, including incumbent president Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

 


President K.Bakiyev proposes five initiatives on development of agriculture


03/07/2009


“Implementation of initiatives on development of agriculture will be a new step in our economic policy aimed to protect interests of the state and domestic commodity producers”, - said Kurmanbek Bakiyev, delivering a speech before participants of the fourth republican meeting of cattle breeders, took place on July 3 in Suusamyr valley, Chui oblast.


The head of state proposed five initiatives on development of agriculture.


1.To create engineering stations and organize a leasing company. It will be allocated 500 million soms for this purpose in 2010. Each region will have own engineering stations.


2.Improve financing the agriculture. 1 billion soms will be invested in agriculture. 400 million of the allocated by the development fund, 300 million soms – the National Bank and 300 million soms – commercial banks.


3.Improving principles of insurance in agriculture. 100 million soms will be allocated from the budget for this purpose.


4.Development of economy on principles of cluster.


5.Improving principles of state purchases.


The head of state expressed hope the similar exchange and discuss of problems during the meeting will assist in successful solution of tasks.

 


A.Atambaev: We should provide youths with workplaces


03/07/2009


Presidential candidate Almazbek Atambaev has met with electors in the town of Balykchy, Issykkul oblast.

 

The social-democratic party’s press service reported it. About 4 thousand residents of the town have gathered for the meeting with the candidate. Issues of water shortage for irrigation were raised at the meeting. A.Atambaev said he had worked out a national project on irrigation and water supply, when he was the country’s prime minister. He emphasized that if he will be elected as the country’s president then he will submit a new law about water resources of Kyrgyzstan.


Residents of Balykchy have shown interest in A.Atambaev’s intentions that how he will reduce immigration.

 

The candidate, in answer to resident’s questions, told: “We should provide young peoples with workplaces in order to they could work and support their families in the motherland”. He named the absence of employment and workplaces as one of the key reasons of immigration.

 


Kyrgyz and Belarusian entrepreneurs to produce meat and mil products


03/07/2009


Issues of bilateral cooperation of Kyrgyz and Belarusian entrepreneurs on production of meat and milk products were discussed at the embassy of Belarus. Deputy minister of agriculture and foodstuff of Belarus Mikhail Savelyev, ambassadors of two states Ishengul Boljurova and Valeriy Brylev, representatives of meat and milk enterprises of two states also attended the meeting.


The Kyrgyz side offered to construct a plant in Tokmok on processing of milk and meat, launch an enterprise on production of tinned meat in Balykchy (Issykkul), launch a dairy in Jalalabad and others.


The Belarus side promised to consider these proposals and invited representatives of these enterprises to familiarize with principle of operation in Belarus.


The Belarusian delegation led by M.Savelyev pays three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan. The visit’s main goal is to establish bilateral cooperation on processing of meat and milk products in Kyrgyzstan.
 

 

K.Bakiyev: The government succeeded to do a lot of works for the last four years


02/07/2009


The country’s government has succeeded to do a lot of works for the last four years: to reduce corruption, poverty and develop democracy. Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told it in the Government House during a meeting with chair of Transparency International Huguette Labelle.


“I’m glad to welcome you in Kyrgyz land. I think you will enjoy it. It is better to see once than hear one hundred times”, - said the president.


During the talks, the head of state noted that Kyrgyzstan in 2005 was characterized as the state with high level of corruption and poverty. On this occasion, the people’s revolution took place.
In her turn, H.Labelle also pointed out the importance of this meeting.

 


OJSC Asia Universal Bank acquires precious metals trading license


02/07/2009

 

OJSC “Asia Universal Bank” became one of the two banks in the Kyrgyz Republic to hold a full license to trade in precious metals.


Under the terms of the license, AUB can provide its corporate and private clients with a full range of services regarding precious metals trading and other related operations.


These include the purchasing and selling of ingots, financial operations on precious metal accounts, accepting precious metal as collateral against loans, the purchasing and distribution of commemorative coins, and futures trading on precious metals. As a result, AUB (aub.kg) has considerably expanded its range of services for both domestic and international clients.


“This expanded range of banking services means the bank can enter new markets and service new clients,” – says Mikhail Nadel, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, AsiaUniversalBank, “We are a universal bank committed to provide the widest range of services to our clients, and this license is a sound confirmation of this commitment. We therefore enter the market of precious metals and contribute to its trade and market development, primarily in the Kyrgyz Republic”.


Prices of precious metals are relatively less vulnerable to market volatility making investment in these assets more reliable in the long term. In the Kyrgyz Republic, gold exports are one third of the general export figures in 2009. However, precious metals are not yet fully recognized as a reliable investment instrument. Consequently, the market for precious metals and commemorative coins is still relatively underdeveloped.

 

Banks with large domestic branch networks, such as AUB, increasingly engage in precious metals operations, and this market is expected to grow. Trade in precious metals will contribute to the further strengthening of financial intermediation, investment flows, and economic growth in the Kyrgyz Republic.


“Currently, the Kyrgyz Republic has certain legal limitations on precious metals operations. In particular, Kyrgyz banks are not allowed to operate with ingots which do not meet the requirements of international standards as issued by the London Association of Precious Metals, and are not supplied with a manufacturer’s certificate. In addition, while banks can engage expertise to assay precious metals, they are not authorized to issue certificates for metals intended for delivery to third parties. However, banks are permitted to accept precious metals as collateral against loans or as an instrument for saving,” - says Bakyt Zakirov, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Law.


“Our clients can use precious metals accounts to minimize their risks, which is very important. The accounts make sense as inflation proof investments, as client risks are primarily associated with the world prices for precious metals, not on the economic situation in the country or its national currency exchange rate which is determined by both macro and micro economic factors. Thus our clients have an opportunity to diversify their investment portfolios and reduce general risks” - adds Nurdin Abdrazakov, Chief Executive Officer, AsiaUniversalBank.

 


SCO will have own “Eurovision”


02/07/2009


Kyrgyzstan’s culture and information minister Sultan Raev received a letter from the national coordinator of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tolondu Makeev, who informed the minister about the Russian’s side’s proposal to establish a song contest within the framework of the SCO similar to the “Eurovision”. The culture and information ministry’s spokesperson Mamasaly Apyshev told it.


In the opinion of the Russian side, young talented performers in the Eurasian area have not yet presented properly at international song contests. The broadcast of the contest’s final concerts by central TV-channels, selection of the winner through voting, of course, should assist in strengthening and popularizing cultural contacts and exchanges, raise up the SCO’s image.


This idea was discussed at the meeting of SCO Culture Ministers in Kazan on April 26-28, 2009. The idea was supported. The Russian First-Cannel expressed readiness to participate in the project.

 


Students go to Kambarata-2 HPS


02/07/2009


Over 200 students of Kyrgyzstan’s higher educational institutions will go to the Kambarata-2 Hydroelectric Power Station (HPS). Director of the youth labor exchange Aziz Idrisov told it.


He told that these students offered their help voluntarily. “Of course, they will not work free-of-charge. Their wages will make between 10 and 12 thousand soms per month. They will work till September 2009”, - said A.Idrisov.

 


OSCE Centre-supported course on environmental journalism concluded in Bishkek


02/07/2009


An OSCE-supported course on environmental journalism for 19 young journalists concluded yesterday.
The series of training sessions, held over five months, increased participants’ awareness on climate change and other environmental matters.


Media and environmental experts led sessions on relevant media legislation, international journalism standards, professional ethics, the environment and ecological disaster reporting. Other topics covered during the course, organized by the Institute for Public Policy, included ecological security, bio-diversity, balanced reporting, interview techniques and online reporting.


“The OSCE Centre in Bishkek prioritizes work to tackle environmental problems in Kyrgyzstan. This course was important because the participants will help to highlight environmental topics and raise awareness about such themes. It also helped to build effective co-operation among all stakeholders - the government, media and civil society - on addressing the environmental issues,” said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, at a ceremony marking the end of the course.


Muratbek Imanaliev, the president of the Institute for Public Policy (IPP), added: “This project was of crucial importance, as environmental problems worsen world-wide and cause concern to people international organizations and governments, including Kyrgyzstan. Raising awareness among citizens and bringing together environmental specialists and journalists in Kyrgyzstan to provide quality coverage of important environmental issues was our aim. We hope that this course has made a contribution to attracting people’s attention to environmental problems.”


Some of the course participants produced several articles on topics such as garbage and waste management, air and water quality. The works are available at www.bpc.kg. Three of the journalists were selected for an internship with IPP’s Bishkek Press Club during the summer.


The training series was part of the OSCE Centre’s work to encourage environmental journalism in Kyrgyzstan. Similar environmental journalism training courses will be held in the provinces.

 


R.Attakurov hands over credentials to the Georgian President


02/07/2009


Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan R.Attakurov handed over credentials to President of Georgia M.Saakashvili in Tbilisi yesterday. The embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Russia and Georgia reported it.


During the talks, the parties discussed issues of Kyrgyz-Georgian cooperation in trade-economic, scientific-technical, educational and social fields. The parties pointed out necessity of activating bilateral relations.


R.Attakurov also negotiated with the Georgian foreign ministry’s leadership, doyen of diplomatic corps, heads of mission, accredited in Tbilisi, other officials.


Issues of further political and economic contacts, attracting possible investors and companies of Tbilisi to Kyrgyzstan’s economy were discussed during these meetings.

 


CEC accredited observers from the US Embassy and USAID


01/07/2009


The Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan accredited 7 representatives from the US Embassy and 3 from USAID as international observers during presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan.


At present 100 representatives from 26 countries of the world are accredited as international observers.
The accreditation process lasts till July 19.

 


New Kyrgyz Ambassador to Pakistan named


01/07/2009


By the presidential decree Asanov Bektur Jantoroevich has been appointed the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

 


Meeting between Kyrgyz Prime Minister Chudinov and Swiss President Merz


01/07/2009


On 30 June Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov met with Swiss President Merz in Bern. Chudinov subsequently also met Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and Martin Dahinden, Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). In addition, Prime Minister Chudinov signed up to a project on business development in the textile sector with the State Secretary for Economic Affairs Jean-Daniel Gerber.


The meeting between President Merz and Prime Minister Chudinov took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. Both dialogue partners praised the excellent relations between Switzerland and the Kyrgyz Republic. Discussions focussed on cooperation between the two countries in the Bretton Woods Institutions, along with bilateral relations. In the International Monetary Fund, Switzerland and Kyrgyzstan belong to the same constituency. In addition current topics such as the financial crisis and Swiss development cooperation in Kyrgyzstan were discussed.


Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey conducted an exchange of views with Prime Minister Chudinov on the situation in Central Asia. The Director-General of the SDC, Martin Dahinden, outlined the various joint projects with Kyrgyzstan.


The State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Jean-Daniel Gerber, signed up to a project on business development with the Kyrgyz Prime Minister in the textile sector. The aim of the project is the sustainable expansion and diversification of exports from small and medium-sized enterprises. Along with support at the institutional level, activities such as the introduction of quality standards for productions processes, improving finished products and the marketing thereof, taking part in international fairs and promoting contacts between buyers and suppliers are amongst those activities which this project will tackle.


The cooperation project is being carried out jointly with the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva and will run up until 2012. The cost of the project is USD 1.85 million.

 


K. Bakiyev: Introduction of electronic taxation management system will start starting from the next year


01/07/2009


Introduction of electronic taxation management system will start in Kyrgyzstan in 2010, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told at solemn meeting devoted to the day of tax officers.


At the beginning of the meeting the head of the state congratulated the participants of the meeting on their professional holiday and expressed gratitude for their contribution to social and economic development of the country.


Then the President told his view concerning further development of domestic tax system, role and tasks of tax service at a new stage of Kyrgyzstan’s development.


This system is an important anti-corruption mechanism excluding personal contact of tax officer with tax payers. “It is an effective tool in fight against corruption. Meanwhile, I am sure that the majority of revenue service officers are honest and devoted to their work people,” the president said.


At the end of the meeting the President handed over state awards to best employees of the tax service.

 


Kyrgyztelecom deploys Cisco ASR 1000 Series Router


01/07/2009


Kyrgyztelecom’s business and residential customers will benefit from new broadband-based services.


Cisco today announced that Kyrgyztelecom, Kyrgyzstan’s national telecommunications operator, has deployed the Cisco(R) ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Router as the network platform to enable a more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of broadband-based voice and data services to its subscribers. The implementation is a key element of Kyrgyztelecom’s plans to build a next-generation Metro Ethernet fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) aggregation network, initially in the capital of Bishkek and then across other cities. Over the next two to three years, Kyrgyztelecom plans to connect 5 million people to broadband services.

 


New research network to provide high speed connectivity for Central Asia


01/07/2009


Central Asian researchers and students will be able to better collaborate with their colleagues across the world, through a new EU-funded high speed data-communications network. The CAREN (Central Asia Research and Education Network) project will provide high capacity Internet links for the first time to one million students and researchers in over 200 universities and research institutions along the ancient Silk Road in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to each other and to the global research community through connection to the high-speed pan-European GЙANT network.


Progress on the network will be discussed at two high profile meetings to be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan between 30 June and 2 July 2009. The CAREN Executive Committee meeting of the CAREN project partners will be followed by the first CAREN Steering Group meeting. Chaired by the European Commission, attendees to the Steering Group meeting include high level representatives from the central Asian partner countries, demonstrating the importance of this project to the region and beyond.


Existing and future projects that will benefit from CAREN span areas such as environmental monitoring, radio astronomy, telemedicine, the digitalisation of cultural heritage, palaeontology and mineral extraction.


Scheduled to come into operation in early 2010, CAREN is currently tendering for a terrestrial broadband network that will replace current links via the satellite-based, NATO-funded virtual silk highway project. As it is fibre-based, CAREN will deliver improved connectivity through a more stable, cost-effective network infrastructure.


The network is co-funded by the European Commission, which is providing initial financial support of Ђ 5 million until the end of 2011 and by the Central Asian countries. The project will be operated and managed by research networking organisation DANTE in conjunction with the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) of the countries involved.


The CAREN network is a unique project that will continue and improve connexion between researchers of EU and Central Asia. We very much welcome this initiative and the benefits it will bring”, Head of Delegation of the European Commission, Ambassador Norbert Jousten said.


CAREN builds on existing EC-led research network programmes, including the Black Sea Initiative (BSI), which connects the neighbouring South Caucasus to Europe, the TEIN3 network which covers Eastern Asia and the ORIENT link to China. This is part of an overall strategy to connect researchers across the globe, increasing collaboration and stimulating development through high speed network infrastructures.


“Today’s research community needs to be truly global if it is to solve the challenges mankind faces,” said Dai Davies, General Manager of DANTE. “The creation of the CAREN network is a natural progression in fostering worldwide collaboration. We welcome the addition of the skills and knowledge of central Asian researchers to the global research community.”


“Local researchers are extremely positive about the advantages that the new CAREN network will bring,” said Professor Askar Kutanov, Regional CAREN Project Coordinator. “By recreating the links of the old Silk Road between East and West we will be able to benefit from increased collaboration and the ability to co-operate with our colleagues across the globe.”

 


K.Karabekov discussed issues of deepening cooperation with congressman E.Faleomavaega


30/06/2009


Head of the Kyrgyz parliament’s committee for international affairs and inter-parliamentary cooperation Kabai Karabekov has met with a delegation of the United States of America led by chairman of the Asia Pacific subcomittee of the US Congressional Foreign Relations Committee Eni Faleomavaega.


His visit to Kyrgyzstan is started on June 29 and takes place within the framework of a tour to the Central Asian region. The visit’s main goal is to familiarize with political, social and economic situation in the region.

 

E.Faleomavaega expressed gratitude on behalf of the US parliamentarians for ratifying the agreement on setting up a center of transit shipment. He emphasized that Kyrgyzstan renders appreciable assistance in stabilizing situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, fighting with terrorism and the Islamic extremism.


“The decision on setting up the center of transit shipment is accepted taking into account the national interests of Kyrgyzstan”, - said K.Karabekov.


The parties discussed issues of humanitarian cooperation.

 


90 observers from 26 states accredited to monitor Kyrgyzstan’s presidential elections


30/06/2009


To date 90 representatives from 26 states of the world accredited to monitor Kyrgyzstan’s presidential elections, scheduled for July 23, 2009. Head of the Central Election Commission Damir Lisovskiy told it at a press conference.


According to him, representatives of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Korea, Macedonia, USA, Austria, Georgia, Romania, Great Britain, Poland, Germany and other states are accredited.


“I want to emphasize that the Kyrgyz CEC guarantees to each observer the full access to pre-election, election and post-election processes”, - said D.Lisovskiy.


It is started to accredit observers on May 23, 2009 and the number of observers are increasing. The accreditation will end on July 19.

 


2 thousand 331 hundred polling stations set up in Kyrgyzstan


30/06/2009


In Kyrgyzstan, it is set up 2 thousand 331 polling stations. Head of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Damir Lisovskiy told it at a press conference.


According to him, in Osh oblast, it is set up 467 polling stations, in Osh town – 82, in Batken oblast – 191, in Bishkek – 221, in Jalalabad oblast – 407, in Issykkul oblast – 243, in Naryn oblast 164, in Talas oblast – 114, in Chui oblast – 393, in CIS and Europe – 49 polling stations.


Representatives of 23 parties: Akshumkar, SDPK, the party of communists of Kyrgyzstan, Atameken, Ak-Zhol, Erkindik and others included as members of divisional election committees. As a whole 20 thousand 689 members of election committees are registered.

 


A meeting of heads of security agencies of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan took place in Osh


29/06/2009


With a purpose of positively developing and strengthening interstate relations of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, on the instructions of Presidents Kurmanbek Bakiyev and Islam Karimov, a meeting of security agencies of neighbor states took place in Osh on June 26.


Interior Minister Moldomusa Kongantiev, Prosecutor General Elmurza Satybaldiev, Head of the State Committee on National Security Murat Sutalinov attended the meeting from Kyrgyzstan, Interior Minister Bahadyr Malyubov, Prosecutor General Rashidzhan Kadyrov, Chairman of National Security Service Rustan Inoyatov - from Uzbekistan.


Numerous issues of bilateral interaction and cooperation of security agencies in fighting with trans-national organized crime, religious extremism and terrorism, on fighting with drug business and drug trafficking were discussed at the meeting. The parties discussed issues of searching, arresting and extraditing criminals and boundary problems of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.


The parties discussed accumulated problems and expressed opinion on interest in development of cooperation and close interaction in solution of tasks on providing public safety.


On the results of reached agreements, the next day, on June 27 a working meeting of the heads of interior affairs departments, prosecutor offices of Osh, Jalalabad and Batken oblasts with counterparts deom boundary regions of Uzbekistan: Abdizhan, Ferghana and Namangan oblasts took place in Khanabad. The parties discussed and planned to conduct numerous operative events aimed to fight with criminality, provide stability and public safety.

 


U.Abdullaeva met with Zhang Deguang


29/06/2009


Deputy Prime Minister Uktomhan Abdullaeva has met with President of the China Foundation for International Studies Zhang Deguang.


U.Abdullaeva emphasized that Kyrgyzstan watches China’s socio-economic development with a great interest and strengthening its role in international affairs. She noted the Summer Olympic Games, which took place in Beijing, as the key international event of 2008.


She positively estimated the results of bilateral meetings of the heads of states of two states during the SCO Summit in Yekaterinburg on June 15, which gave additional impulse to development of interstate relations. She underlined that development of cooperation with SCO is a priority direction of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy.


Zhang Deguang thanked the government of Kyrgyzstan for warm reception and noted that the similar relations underlines close contacts between the states and public organizations of Kyrgyzstan. He invited U.Abdullaeva to visit China and familiarize with activities of public organizations.

 


I.Chudinov met with Miroslav Jenca


29/06/2009


In Geneva, Prime Minister Igor Chudinov met with Miroslav Jenca, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, the governmental press service reported.


The parties expressed hope the international forum will be fruitful. A resolution, which will be adopted by participants of the forum, will be concrete and all states of Central Asia could implement it. I.Chudinov said the initiative on conducting the international forum belongs to President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


The parties also discussed issues of cooperation of Central Asia, particularly the water-energetic problems and issues of achieving stability in Afghanistan.

 


Presidential candidate K.Bakiyev meets with electors in Batken oblast


29/06/2009


Presidential candidate Kurmanbek Bakiyev has left for Batken oblast in the morning. During his visit the head of state is expected to familiarize with a work of newly constructed central sports center of Batken town, visit a rest park and participate in a meeting with electors of Batken town, Batken and Kadamzhai regions of Batken oblast.


Later, the candidate will meet with electors of Suluktu town and Leilek region of Batken oblast.
In the evening, the head of state will leave for Osh, the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan.

 


K.Bakiyev called youths to conduct health life-style


29/06/2009


“Lately the state has paid a special attention to development of sport. Our sportsmen represent the country at international competitions with dignity. We intend to continue a work in this direction”, - President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told it at opening ceremony of newly constructed sports complex in Batken. The presidential press service reported it.


He called youths to go in for sport, conduct healthy life-style and be persistent in achieving their goals.
The head of state inspected the sports center’s building, talked with sportsmen and wished them success.
The sports center’s costs 12 million soms.

 


Agency on atomic and radiation security to be formed in Kyrgyzstan


29/06/2009


Agency on atomic and radiation security will be formed in Kyrgyzstan. Prime Minister Igor Chudinov told today in Geneva during the international forum on problems of uranium tailings.


According to his words, such measure will effectively coordinate the work on national level, links with neighbouring countries and international community.


I. Chudinov told that, there are more than 90 tailings and mountain dumps in Kyrgyzstan on the area of 6,5 thousand hectares. They contain 286 million tons of uranium and other highly toxic dumps. The condition of the most of tailings does not meet modern security standards. They are destroyed because of impact of natural factors, such as rain, mudslide, landslide and earthquake.

 


Agreement on financing small towns ratified


29/06/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a law on ratifying the agreement on additional financing the infrastructure and raising potential of small towns project between Kyrgyzstan and International Development Association, signed on April 24, 2009 in Bishkek.


The laws comes into effect on the date of its signing, the presidential press service reported.

 


I.Chudinov leaves for Switzerland on a working visit


29/06/2009


Prime Minister Igor Chudinov has left for Switzerland on a working visit, the government’s press service reported.


I.Chudinov will participate today in an international high-level forum on problems of uranium tailing dumps in Central Asia. Participants of the forum will discuss numerous issues relating to security of uranium tailing dumps, national problems, ecological consequences of their presence in the region, global solutions of uranium tailing dumps in Central Asia. The meeting will result in accepting of a joint resolution.


I.Chudinov will also conduct numerous meetings with heads of international organizations and business structures of Switzerland, director general of the International Road Transport Union M.Marmy, the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative Miroslav Jenca and others.

 


Sulamain-Too Sacred Mountain became the first site in Kyrgyzstan to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List


28/06/2009
 

Sulamain-Too Sacred Mountain of Kyrgyzstan has become the country’s first site to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Kyrgyzstan’s Culture Minister Sultan Raev told it through a telephone from Spain.


Sulamain-Too Sacred Mountain (Kyrgyzstan) dominates the Fergana Valley and forms the backdrop to the city of Osh, at the crossroads of important routes on the Central Asian Silk Roads. For more than one and a half millennia, Sulamain was a beacon for travellers revered as a sacred mountain. Its five peaks and slopes contain numerous ancient places of worship and caves with petroglyphs as well as two largely reconstructed 16th century mosques. One hundred and one sites with petroglyphs representing humans and animals as well as geometrical forms have been indexed in the property so far.


The site numbers 17 places of worship, which are still in use, and many that are not. Dispersed around the mountain peaks they are connected by footpaths. The cult sites are believed to provide cures for barrenness, headaches, and back pain and give the blessing of longevity. Veneration for the mountain blends pre-Islamic and Islamic beliefs. The site is believed to represent the most complete example of a sacred mountain anywhere in Central Asia, worshipped over several millennia.


The World Heritage Committee is listing new sites from the 37 nominations during its current meeting, which is scheduled to run through June 30.

 


K. Sarbaev is taking part in a meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers in Italy


26/06/2009


Today head of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kadyrbek Sarbaev is taking part in a meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers of G8 in Triest (Italy) at the invitation of Italian Foreign Minister Franko Fattini. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.


The economic meltdown will top an agenda that includes climate, energy and trade. United States President Barak Obama can expect a lecture on the need to adopt regulations to prevent economic catastrophes.


According to the University of Toronto, which follows G8 proceedings closely, the main issues in 2009 pick up on 2008 agenda topics. The leaders are likely to be pressed to direct trade officials responsible for the WTO Doha negotiations to advance their discussions on climate-related issues, with an emphasis on eliminating trade barriers to the spread of clean energy technologies. At the 2008 meeting the leaders agreed to continue to work together to promote the success of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December 2009, when the UN negotiations launched in Dec 2007 in Indonesia are set to conclude.

 


OSCE Centre supports roundtable discussion on DNA forensics in Kyrgyzstan


26/06/2009


A roundtable discussion on the use of DNA in forensic investigations in Kyrgyzstan, supported by the OSCE Centre, was held today.


The discussion, organized by local company “DNA-Technologies-Manas” brought together more than 50 representatives from the government, law enforcement agencies, parliament and civil society to discuss the organizational and legislative aspects of establishing a DNA forensic database in Kyrgyzstan.


“Today’s event was supported by the OSCE Centre to promote discussion among specialists on steps to take advantage of DNA forensics in Kyrgyzstan to detect crimes,” said Lilian Darii, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, adding that the roundtable discussion has helped DNA-Technologies-Manas identify potential sponsors for setting up a DNA database.


Andrey Semihodsky, the Director of UK-based company “Medical Genomics”, described experience of foreign countries in the use of DNA expertise. The event concluded with the participants adopting a resolution with practical recommendations and creating a working group to revise related legislation.

 


OSCE Centre hands over computer equipment to Kyrgyz Police Academy


26/06/2009


The OSCE Centre in Bishkek handed over computer equipment to the Kyrgyz Police Academy’s pedagogy and psychology department today, marking Graduation Day at the Academy.


“Supporting the government with its comprehensive police reform programme is a priority of the OSCE Centre, and the Police Academy plays an important role as a leading educational institution in the Kyrgyz Republic,” said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre, at the handover ceremony.


The equipment was provided as part of an OSCE project that aims to strengthen the institutional, operational and educational capacities of the Kyrgyz police.


At the ceremony Richard Monk, the former OSCE Senior Police Adviser and former United Nations Senior Police Commissioner and Commissioner of Police in Kosovo, also presented the Endeavour Cup to police cadet Ulan Ermatov for his academic achievements.


The Police Academy awarded more than 219 diplomas this year. Interior Minister Moldomusa Kongantiev, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Boris Kubaev, Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Evgeny Cherenkov, the OSCE Police Reform Programme Manager, police veterans and other guests attended the event.

 


Besh-Aral state reserve turned 30 years


26/06/2009


Besh-Aral state reserve turned 30 years. The reserve is located to the north-west of the country in spurs of Chatkal mountain range.


It was formed in 1979 on the area of 116,7 thousand hectares with the purpose of protecting natural complexes of mountain plain and deserts of Chatkal hollow, coniferous forests.

 


Presidential candidate Kurmanbek Bakiyev to conduct meeting with electors of Chui oblast


25/06/2009


Presidential candidate Kurmanbek Bakiyev will conduct a meeting with electors in Sokuluk, Moscow, Jayil and Panfilov regions of Chui oblast tomorrow. K.Bakiyev is expected to tell about his pre-election program at the meetings.


The candidate is also expected to visit numerous industrial enterprises during the visit to the region.

 


First week of presidential election campaign finished


25/06/2009


The public movement “For fair elections” jointly with two non-governmental organizations presented a report about the first week of presidential election campaign.


6 presidential candidates are running for the presidential chair in Kyrgyzstan: Almazbek Atambaev, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, Nurlan Motuev, Jenishbek Nazaraliev, Temir Sariev and Toktayim Umetalieva. The first week passed in the calm atmosphere.


Presidential candidate from the Akshumkar party T.Sariev has started his election campaign on June 19 in Osh. Later he visited Batken oblast. A.Atambaev conducted his first meeting with electors in Jalalabad oblast.

 

J.Nazaraliev pays special attention to Internet editions. On June 23 the doctor organized on-line conference.


T.Umetalieva conducts meeting with electors of Talas oblast. However, her election headquarters has not disseminated detailed information. The same information situation develops around the presidential candidate N.Motuev.


Presidential candidate K.Bakiyev has started his election campaign in Talas oblast and up to 7000 people participated in it.


The public movement “For fair elections” will continue to monitor the election campaigns of presidential candidates and present information week by week.

 


I.Chudinov to give a press conference in Switzerland


25/06/2009


A press conference with participation of Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Igor Chudinov and Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev will take place in Geneva (Switzerland) on June 29. A source in the Foreign Ministry of Kyrgyzstan reported it.


The conference’s subject is “The survey of economic situation and development in Kyrgyzstan”. 20 businessmen from Kyrgyzstan will participate in the conference together with I.Chudinov and K.Sarbaev. Entrepreneurs will tell about economic situation in the republic and talk about capabilities of trade relations between Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland.

 


Kyrgyzstan’s parliament approves opening of a transit center at Manas


25/06/2009


The Jogorku Kenesh has ratified agreements between the governments of Kyrgyzstan and USA on cooperation and on the establishment of a transit center at the Manas International Airport. The parliament’s press service reported it.


75 deputies voted for ratification of the agreements and 5 deputies abstained from voting.


The majority of deputies from the “Ak-Zhol” fraction expressed their supports during discussions. Leader of the communists’ party Ishak Masaliev told that his fraction will abstain from voting.

 


Kyrgyzstan established diplomatic relations with Montenegro


25/06/2009


A protocol on establishing diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and Montenegro was signed yesterday in Moscow. The embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Russia reported it.


Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador to Russia Rayimkul Attakurov and Montenegro’s ambassador to Russia Slobodan Batzkovich have signed the document.


Montenegro is the youngest states of Europe, which located in the southern part of the Balkan peninsula. To the west, north and east it borders on Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Serbia and Kosovo, and to the south borders on Albania. Montenegro is a maritime country, with 200 km of the Adriatic coastline. The independence of Montenegro was declared on June 3, 2006.

 


Kyrgyz FM calls the parliament to approve opening of a transit center at Manas


25/06/2009


Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev called the parliament to ratify agreements on conditions of functioning a transit center at the Manas International Airport. The parliament’s press service reported it.


“The main goal of signing agreements is to render support to the government of Afghanistan in fighting with terrorism”, - said the FM, presenting a bill on ratifying agreements between the government of Kyrgyzstan and USA on cooperation and the center of transit shipment at the Manas International Airport.


“It is necessary to take into account the latest events and situations in Afghanistan and Pakistan. These events may negatively influence on security of our country. On this occasion, we should be guided by national interests”, - said K.Sarbaev.


The FM addressed to deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh to support the bill, submitted by the government.

 


Investors from Saudi Arabia are in Kyrgyzstan


25/06/2009


A meeting with investors from Saudi Arabia took place in the office of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the President of Kyrgyzstan. The Arabian businessmen’s visit to Kyrgyzstan is the result of Kyrgyz-Arabian Investment Forum, organized last months by the ministry of economic development and trade-industry chamber.


The Investment Council’s Secretariat presented information about investment climate in Kyrgyzstan and measures, accepting by the government on improving business-environment.


The center on promoting investments “Kyrgyzinvest” offered guests the investment projects and business plans.


The Arabian investors have shown interest to issues of purchase and sale of grounds for constructions, infrastructure projects, including the modernization of airports, projects in the field of tourism on the shore of Issykkul.

 


Presidential candidate A.Atambaev met with electors in Osh


25/06/2009


A meeting of presidential candidate Almazbek Atambaev with electors took place in Osh’s national drama theater.


The candidate answered to questions of electors, which concerned to economic and political aspects of the country’s life. Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Asylbek Jeenbekov, head of Osh oblast election headquarters S.Jeenbekov and numerous active members of the United People’s Movement attended the meeting.


A.Atambaev has also met with residents of Alai region of Osh oblast.

 


Situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan became reason for signing new agreements with USA


24/06/2009


The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan has become the reason for signing of the agreement on creation of the transit center at the international airport Manas for rendering support to the antiterrorist operations. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Kadyrbek Sarbaev, informed at the session of Committee for International Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan.
According to K. Sarbaev, the addresses and of the leaders of some foreign states and resolutions accepted by the UN Security Council have been taken into consideration.


K. Sarbaev emphasized that the government of Kyrgyzstan has made a decision on carrying out the negotiations and signing of the corresponding intergovernmental agreements with the American government on creation at the international airport Manas of the transit centre for rendering support to the antiterrorist operations conducted by the international forces in Afghanistan, including rendering assistance to the government of Afghanistan.

 


Presidential candidate K.Bakiyev met with electors of Chui oblast


24/06/2009


Presidential candidate Kurmanbek Bakiyev met with electors of Chui oblast today. During his meeting with electors in Tokmok, which was also attended by residents of Kemin and Chui regions as well as Tokmok town, K.Bakiyev told about the republic’s achievements for the last years in the field of agrarian sector, social development and youth policy.


K.Bakiyev also met with electors of Issykata region. The meeting took place in Kant.


Later, the presidential candidate had a meeting with electors of Alamedin region in Leninskoe village.

 


Agreement on protection of investment approved


24/06/2009


The parliament’s committee on development of industry, trade, tourism, small and medium business, transport, communication, construction and architecture discussed and approved a bill on ratifying the agreement on encouragement and mutual protection of investments in the member-states of the Eurasian Economic Community, signed on December 12, 2008 in Moscow.


The agreement worked with a purpose of creating and supporting favorable conditions for investors, who carry out their activities in the territory of EurAsEC.


Minister of economic development and trade Akylbek Japarov presented the draft agreement.

 


I.Chudinov: We interested in the Kuwaiti investments


24/06/2009


Kyrgyzstan is interested in direct investments of the Kuwaiti businessmen to Kyrgyzstan’s economy. Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov told it during a meeting with representatives of the Kuwaiti company “Al Kharafi Group” in the Government House.


According to him, the government carries out works on liberalizing doing business in the republic. “We have very interesting projects on completion of construction and reconstruction of two airports in Osh and Tamchy.

 

There is also a big potential in the hydropower engineering. There are numerous projects on construction of small and medium power stations. The republic needs in construction of new power lines”, - said I.Chudinov.


The Kyrgyz PM offered the Kuwaiti businessmen to participate in organizing processing of agricultural products, mining industry and tourism. “We are ready to discuss any kind of your proposals”, - said I.Chudinov.


In his turn, representative of the Kuwaiti company Ali Mohammed told that the Al Kharafi Group and many Arabian banks are interested in investing Kyrgyzstan’s economy.

 


The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic R. Kazakbaev took part at the frame work of the 3rd NATO Security Forum/ North-Atlantic Partnership Council in Astana


24-25 June 2009, the delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic led by the First Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic R. Kazakbaev took part at the frame work of the 3rd NATO Security Forum/ North-Atlantic Partnership Council in Astana. The issues of regional and global security were discussed at the Forum. The Head of the Kyrgyz Republic’s delegation spoke at the session of “Normalization of the situation in Afghanistan and the role of its border countries” thematic group. In his speech, R. Kazakbaev emphasized the importance and urgency of realization of “Bishkek Initiative”, which was suggested by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic K. Bakiev. The principle of systematic and complex approach to the regulation process in Afghanistan besides military component laid in this initiative. In the frame of it, Bishkek offered as a platform for permanent international conference for security and stability in Central Asia, the place for holding negotiations between official Afghan authorities and Taliban representatives, establishing analytical centers for monitoring of the situation in the field of security in the region.


R. Kazakbaev informed about Kyrgyz-American Agreement ratification, which concerns to establish of the Center for transit transportations to Afghanistan in “Manas” airport. The basic aims of signed agreements are the support of alliance in battle with international terrorism and providing assistance in the field of security in Afghanistan.


In connection with forthcoming presidential election in Afghanistan on August 2009, the Head of Kyrgyz delegation invited Afghan specialists to take part at the election of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on 23 July 2009 as observers for studying of Kyrgyzstan’s experience. R. Kazakbaev informed about the preparations for holding of presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan in the context of international obligations implementation in the sphere of elections in the frame of the cooperation of Kyrgyzstan with ODIHR and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.


The issues of security in Central Asia and Caucasus, the situation in Afghanistan, problems of energetic security were discussed during the plenary sessions and thematic conferences. The EU Special representative in Central Asian countries Pier Morell paid participants attention on the necessity to solve the issues of regional ecological security in the frame of “Regional Perspective: Basic security issues in Central Asia” thematic conference. Particularly, he positively noted the holding of International Forum on uranium tailing dumps, which will take place in Geneva on 29 June 2009 by the initiative of Kyrgyzstan.

 


The total number of electors in the country makes up 2.7 million people


24/06/2009


The total number of electors, who have the right to vote at the upcoming presidential elections on July 23, 2009, according to preliminary data, makes up 2.7 million people. Prime Minister Igor Chudinov told it during a meeting of the republican headquarters on preparation for presidential elections.


I.Chudinov has drawn attention of the cabinet’s members and governors to quality of work on drawing up the list of electors.


He told the ministries and local state administrations have done a lot of works for the last three months. “It was formed election committees, completed work on registration of presidential candidates, who have already started to election campaign. It was also solved issues of financing election campaign. It will cost 153 million soms”, - said the PM.

 


Presidential candidate Temir Sariev conducts election campaign


24/06/2009


Leader of the Ak-Shumkar party and presidential candidate Temir Sariev has met with residents of Issykkul oblast today. The candidate’s election headquarters reported that T.Sariev had a meeting with electors of Balykchy town and plans to meet with residents of Grigorevka village.


Tomorrow the presidential candidate is expected to meet with residents of Ak-Suu village and Karakol town.

 


T.Mamashov: The tourism season to take place despite everything


24/06/2009


This year the tourism season should take place despite everything. Director of the state agency on tourism Turusbek Mamashov told it at a press conference at the “Kabar” News Agency. T.Mamashov told the results of this year’s first quarter show that the number of people, who are having a rest, is more by 30% in comparison with the analogous period of 2008 according to information of the national statistic committee.


According to the agency’s head, it means that the citizens of Kyrgyzstan, in spite of difficulties of the world financial crisis, are ready to work and achieve positive results.


T.Mamashov told that a day or two ago he returned from Almaty, where took place inter-parliamentary commission and considered problems of tourism. Besides, he answered to questions of the Kazakh edition “The caravan”, pointing out the big interests of local population to the Lake Issykkul.


The republic is expected to receive many tourists from boundary states in July and August.

 


Ishenkul Boldzhurova appointed ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Belarus


24/06/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a decree on appointing Ishenkul Boldzhurova as ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Belarus and permanent representative of Kyrgyzstan under the authorized agencies of the Commonwealth of Independent States.


I.Boldzhurova was born on December 22, 1951 in the village of Tasma, Tyup region of Issykkul oblast.


She was rector of the Bishkek Humanities University, Education and Culture Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, the president’s envoy for issues of integration cooperation within the framework of CIS and EurAsEC and CIS Economic Council.

 


Kyrgyzstan’s culture minister to protect the status of Sulaiman-Too at UNESCO session


24/06/2009


Kyrgyzstan’s culture minister Sultan Raev is participating in the 34th session of UNESCO, where will protect the status of Suliman-Too, nominated for the list of monuments of the world historical legacy. The ministry of culture and information reported it.


The issue about Sulaiman-Too, located in Osh and known as the sacred mountain, is included the UNESCO session’s agenda, which started yesterday and last till June 30.


The medieval name of Sulaiman-Too is Bara-Kukh, meaning, in Persian, “a beautiful mountain that stands separately.” The current name derives from the legend that the prophet Muhammed once visited the mountain. The legend is repeated in 17th century Arab manuscripts.


Historians believe the mountain began functioning as a sanctuary in 1000 BC, during the Bronze Age.

 


Presidential candidate T.Umetalieva conducts election campaign in Talas oblast


24/06/2009


Head of the association of non-commercial organizations and presidential candidate Toktayim Umetalieva conducts elections campaign in Talas oblast.


According to the candidate, she meets with electors of the region and plans to trip to Issykkyl oblast, where will also meet with electors.


Besides, it is expected to open her own web site, where will be posted information about her activities and election campaign. “Presently, my authorized representatives are touring the south of Kyrgyzstan and conduct election campaign. I will go to there on July 19-20”, - she added.

 


I.Chudinov: Kyrgyzstan interested in conducting fair elections


24/06/2009


Kyrgyzstan is interested in conducting fair presidential elections. Prime Minister Igor Chudinov told it during a meeting with EU Special Representative for Central Asia Pierre Morel.


“We want that the upcoming presidential elections will pass openly and transparently. However, we do not exclude that there would be remarks and we are ready to listen them and hope for mutual cooperation. We also hope for supporting the president’s updated course by the people”, - said I.Chudinov.


According to P.Morel, the invited observers have a big interest and they are doing their works in full.

 


Kyrgyz sportsmen to participate in the Asian Youth Games


24/06/2009


Kyrgyz sportsmen will participate in the First Asian Youth Games, which will take place in Singapore between June 29 and July 7. Chief specialist of the state agency on physical training and sport, youth affairs and protection of children Kanat Arpachiev told it.


According to him, 25 sportsmen and 8 coaches will represent Kyrgyzstan at the Asian Youth Games. Sportsmen will compete on shooting, swimming, track and field athletics, sailing sport and beach volleyball.

 


K.Tashiev met with representatives of the World Bank


23/06/2009


Minister of emergency situations of Kyrgyzstan Kamchybek tashiev met with representatives of the World Bank in Osh.


Issues of implementing the WB Project “Warning Extreme Situations” were discussed at the meeting. WB Country Director in the Kyrgyz Republic Roger Robinson, deputy minister of emergency situations Bakirdin Jolchiev and others attended the meeting.


The WB Project, which costs 10.95 million dollars, aimed to reduce the dangerous influence of landslides and uranium waste products.

 


K.Bakiyev met with Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Observers Mission


23/06/2009


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has met with head of the OSCE/ODIHR observer mission to monitor Kyrgyzstan’s presidential elections Radmila Shekerinska.


In his welcoming speech, the head of state noted that Kyrgyzstan, is a member of the OSCE and participant of the Convention on standards of democratic elections, election rights and freedom, regularly invites international observers.


“I hope the OSCE observers at the presidential elections would be objective”, - said K.Bakiyev/
The OSCE mission has started its work officially on June 15, 2009. The mission has 300 long-term, short-term observers and experts.


R.Shekerinska told that she will visit the south of Kyrgyzstan at the end of this week.

 


Parliament’s defense and security committee approves US transit center at Manas


23/06/2009
 

The Kyrgyz parliament’s defense and security committee unanimously approved the establishment of a transit center at the Manas International Airport.


Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbayev, who attended a meeting of the committee, said the center would be opened “to provide support for the international contingent in Afghanistan, including assistance to the Afghan government.”


Kyrgyzstan and the U.S. signed on Monday an agreement to establish a transit center at the Manas International Airport “to address the situation in and around Afghanistan, which is beginning to present a real threat to Central Asia, and Kyrgyzstan in particular,” the minister said.


Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbayev has told lawmakers the U.S. will pay the Kyrgyz government $60 million a year for rent. The previous rent was just under $17.5 million. K.Sarbayev says the U.S. has also agreed to pay $36.6 million for airport improvements, $30 million for new navigational equipment, 21.5$ million to fight with drug trafficking and 12$ million to fight with terrorism.


It is also expected to create joint economic development fund, and the American side will also transfer 20$ million for this purpose.


The deal appears to place new restrictions on U.S. activities at the center, only allowing the shipping of non-military supplies.

 


T.Sariev conducted election campaign in the south of Kyrgyzstan


23/06/2009


Presidential candidate from the Ak-Shumkar party Temir Sariev started his election campaign in Osh on June 19.


He met with local residents and told about his election program.
O June 20 T.Sariev met with electors of Batken region, and met with residents of Samarkandek and Kulundu villages in this region.


Today the candidate meets with electors in Kadamjai region and Kyzylkiya.


He prepares to meet with residents of Suusamyr valley.

 


Kyrgyz parliamentarians had numerous meetings with Turkey’s leadership


23/06/2009


A working trip of Kyrgyz parliamentarians to Turkey led by head of the Jogorku Kenesh’s deputy friendship group with the Great National Assembly Jangoroz Kanimetov took place between June 14 and 19, 2009. The delegation included Asanbek Baytikovm Roza Abdraimova, Anash Seyitkaziev and Akbaraly Kabaev.

 

According to J.Kanimetov, the delegation had meetings with Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan, speaker of the Great National Assembly Koksal Toptan, heads and businessmen of Gebze and Izmir towns.


J.Kanimetov told the visit’s main goal was to deepen and expand inter-parliamentary cooperation of two states. “The visit was fruitful and it justified all our hopes. Issues of further investments of the Turkish capital in Kyrgyzstan’s economy were discussed during the meeting with the Turkish PM. We’ve informed the Turkish businessmen about the parliament’s accepted economic bills, aimed to create favorable investment climate in the country”. Issues of tourism, healthcare and education were discussed too.


Besides, the Kyrgyz parliamentarians discussed issues of strengthening contacts between two parliaments at the meeting with Koksal Toptan.


In J.Kanimetov’s words, Turkey has a rich experience in managing water-energetic resources. “The Turkish counterparts expressed readiness to share with experience in this field on the legislative basis. They expressed readiness to conduct workshops in Turkey this autumn for deputies and collaborators of the Jogorku Kenesh on issues of water energy”.


J.Kanimetov told the leadership of Gebze town expressed interest in close cooperation with Issykkul oblast and Ismir town with Chui oblast. Thus, the parliamentary delegation of Turkey is expected to visit Kyrgyzstan in July 2009.

 


Kyrgyz-French-German Film Festival opens in Bishkek


23/06/2009


Opening ceremony of Kyrgyz-French-German Film Festival took place in Bishkek’s central square – Alatoo yesterday. Representatives of the Ministry of culture and information, embassies of Germany and France in Kyrgyzstan, charity fund of the AsiaUniversalBank (AUB) took part in it.


Residents and guests of the capital could free-of-charge watch German and French films and new short-length films of film producers from Central Asia. A big screen installed at the central square. Yesterday it was demonstrated short-length films of Sadyk Sharniyaz “Force Majeur” and Almaz Supataev “The stranger”.
The festival’s closing ceremony will take place on June 28.

 


International committee studies issues of opening a center of transit shipments at Manas


23/06/2009

 

The parliament’s committee for international affairs and cooperation will also consider issues of opening a center of transit shipments at the Manas International Airport today. The parliament’s press service reported it.


The sitting will take place in the afternoon. Presently, it is considering at the parliament’s committee on defense, security, law and order and legal reforms.


The government of Kyrgyzstan and USA agreed on opening of the center of transit shipments at the Manas International Airport, which will exist on the basis of the airbase of the coalition forces at the Manas Airport.

 

The airbase was opened in Kyrgyzstan in December 2001 to carry out anti-terrorist operations of USA and its allies in Afghanistan. In spring 2009 the parliament of Kyrgyzstan denounced this treaty.

 

According to the parliament’s decision, the last foreign military man should leave the territory of Kyrgyzstan till August 18.

 


Parliamentarians to consider issues of opening a center of transit shipments at Manas


23/06/2009

The parliament’s committee on defense, security, law and order and legal reforms will consider issues of opening a center of transit shipments at the Manas International Airport today.


“The government of Kyrgyzstan and USA agreed on opening of the center of transit shipments at the Manas International Airport, which will exist on the basis of the airbase of the coalition forces at the Manas Airport”, - told a source of the “Kabar” News Agency.


The airbase was opened in Kyrgyzstan in December 2001 to carry out anti-terrorist operations of USA and its allies in Afghanistan. In spring 2009 the parliament of Kyrgyzstan denounced this treaty. According to the parliament’s decision, the last foreign military man should leave the territory of Kyrgyzstan till August 18.

 


N.Motuev conducts election campaign in Chui oblast and in Bishkek


22/06/2009


Presidential candidate, leader of the Joomart people’s patriotic party Nurlan Motuev conducts election campaign in Chui oblast and in Bishkek.


According to the candidate, he had already met with electors of Kemin, Bystrovka and other settlements of Chui oblast.


“Yesterday I sent numerous papers and postcards, agitating me, to all regions of Kyrgyzstan. It is expected to conduct election campaign in Naryn and Issykkul oblast”, - the candidate said.


The election campaign of presidential candidates started on June 18, 2009. The elections scheduled for July 23.

 


A.Atambaev met with electors of Karakulzha region


22/06/2009


A meeting of presidential candidate Almazbek Atambaev with electors took place in Karakulzha region of Osh oblast, the social-democratic party’s press service reported.


The meeting was attended by residents of nearest villages and regions. A.Atambaev told about his plans for further development of the region. The candidate offered his development program of the region.

 


Kyrgyz-Indian Inter-Ministries of Foreign Affairs Consultations on the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers took place in Bishkek


18 June 2009, Kyrgyz-Indian Inter-Ministries of Foreign Affairs Consultations on the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers took place in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. The current condition, perspectives of bilateral Kyrgyz-Indian relations and the issues of cooperation between the two countries in the frame of international and regional organizations were discussed during the consultations. In this connection, E. Ibraimov expressed gratitude to Indian side for support of Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy to UN Council on human rights on 2009-2012 and emphasized about Kyrgyzstan’s intension to develop all-round cooperation between our countries.


The issues of Indian grants implementation to the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the ways of activation of trade-economic and cultural cooperation were discussed as well. At the same day, seminar and presentation of “Kyrgyz-Indian relations: perspectives for bilateral cooperation” collection took place in the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic in the frame of Indian delegation visit. The representatives of academic circles of India and Kyrgyzstan took part at the seminar and presentation.
 

 

Open-air film festival to show six Kyrgyz films


22/06/2009


An open-air film festival, which starts today at the capital’s central square – Alatoo, will demonstrate six Kyrgyz films. Gulbara Tolomusheva, the film expert of “Kyrgyzkino” told at a press conference ay the 24.kg news agency.


According to her, nine films will participate in the festival and four of them premieres: “The live” of film producer Dalmira Tilepbergenova, “50 som” of Sanzhar Abdyjaparov, “New blood” of Stanislav Mishenko, “Traffic lights” of Uzbek film producer Shuhrat Karimov.


G.Tolomusheva told that it was selected films, which shot in Kyrgyzstan after June 1, 2008 and in Central Asia after January 1, 2008.


Full-length films of French and German film producers will be also demonstrated at the festival out-of-competition.

 


Kyrgyzstan and France to participate in restoration of Afghanistan’s economy


22/06/2009


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev received special representative of the French President for Afghanistan and Pakistan Pierre Lallouche yesterday in the Ala-Archa state residence.


Pierre Lallouche handed over French President Nikola Sarkozy’s wishes on conducting successful presidential elections. “We know you are doing everything in order to provide openness and fairness of the upcoming presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan as the head of state. For this purpose, you have doubles the quantity of international observers”, - said P.Lallouche.


He pointed out Kyrgyzstan’s contribution and efforts in establishing security and stability in Afghanistan. P.Lallauche expressed hope that Kyrgyzstan will actively participate in the process of establishing peace in Afghanistan in the future. He also expressed intention to open France’s embassy in Bishkek.


K.Bakiyev said that Kyrgyzstan renders multilateral assistance and supports the coalition forces for establishing order in Afghanistan. “We know the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan directly influences on stability in the Central Asian region. Kyrgyzstan will continue to render assistance in establishing peace in Afghanistan”, - said K.Bakiyev.


The parties discussed issues of joint participation of Kyrgyzstan and France in restoration of Afghanistan’s economy, perspectives of Kyrgyz-French cooperation and exchanged opinions on actual issues of international policy.

 


IFC advice to key lender helping develop mortgage market in Kyrgyzstan


19/06/2009


IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is helping develop the mortgage sector in the Kyrgyz Republic and increase access to home financing for rural citizens by providing advisory assistance through the Central Asia Primary Mortgage Market Development Project.


The initiative entails working with Bai Tushum, one of the country’s leading microfinance institutions, to improve the quality of the firm’s mortgage portfolio and upgrade its mortgage-lending operations. About 60 percent of the people living in rural areas of the Kyrgyz Republic could gain access to Bai Tushum’s housing finance solutions as a result of the project.


IFC analyzed Bai Tushum’s mortgage-lending practices and developed a set of recommendations on mortgage-lending development, origination, underwriting, and servicing procedures tailored to the company’s needs. IFC fashioned its recommendations to enable Bai Tushum’s mortgage-lending transactions to conform with international best practices.


“Cooperation with IFC provided us with the opportunity to have our mortgage-lending policies and operations reviewed by highly qualified international experts,” said Gulnara Shamshieva, Bai Tushum’s CEO. “The recommendations provided will be very useful in strengthening our institutional capacity and expanding our mortgage portfolio.”


Victor Mints, IFC Project Manager responsible for CAPMMDP, said, “We believe that the recommendations will not only help Bai Tushum improve its mortgage-lending operations, but also serve as a good example for other financial institutions in the country, resulting in an increase in mortgage-lending volumes and access to housing finance for local people.”


The advisory work conducted for Bai Tushum is part of IFC’s strategy of helping the Kyrgyz government provide access to mortgage financing for low- and middle-income citizens. IFC is working on several initiatives in the country to develop a mortgage market and strengthen the institutional capacity of local financial institutions.

 


International chess festival to be held in Cholponata


18/06/2009


An international chess festival will take place in Cholponata between June 20 and 30. About 100 chess-players will attend the festival. Director of the republican chess club Damil Toktonov told it.


The strongest chess-players of Bishkek and regions of the republic as well as chess-players from five towns of Kazakhstan would attend the festival.


Organizer of the festival is the chess federation and state agency on physical training and sport, youth affairs and protection of children.

 


2 mln.700 thousand electors to participate in the presidential elections


18/06/2009


It is expected that 2 million 700 thousand citizens of the republic will participate in the upcoming presidential elections. Head of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kyrgyzstan Damir Lisovskiy told it at a press conference.


“This is the total number of electors, living in the country and in abroad”, - said D.Lisovskiy.


According to information of the Foreign Ministry of Kyrgyzstan, 102 thousand electors are staying outside the country now, but these data will be specified and the exact number will be known five days prior to the voting day.


He added that 49 polling stations will be set up in 23 states of the world for voting.


In the republic, it is created 2 333 election commissions, where will be involved over 23 thousand people. It is allocated 153 million soms for conducting the elections.


“From 800 up to 1 thousand international representatives will observe the presidential elections”, - said D.Lisovskiy.

 


Six candidates are running for the presidential chair in Kyrgyzstan


18/06/2009


Six candidates have entered the final presidential race. Head of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kyrgyzstan Damir Lisovskiy told it at a press conference.


Incumbent president K.Bakiyev, doctor J.Nazaraliev, leader of the Ak-Shumkar party T.Sariev, representative of the United People’s Movement A.Atambaev, self-promoter T.Umetalieva and leader of the Joomart movement N.Motuev have received certificates of the candidate.


D.Lisovskiy told that initially 22 people expressed their desires to run for the president.


1.Ex-defense minister Ismail Isakov.
2.Doctor Jenishbek Nazaraliev.
3.Businessman Akbaraly Aitikeev.
4.Teacher from Tokmok Murat Borombaev.
5.Leader of the “Joomart” Nurlan Motuev.
6.Representative of the farmer’s political party Kuttubek Asylbekov.
7.Candidate from the United People’s Movement Almazbek Atambaev.
8.Candidate from the Ak-Zhol people’s party Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
9.Candidate from the Ak-Zhumkar party Temir Sariev.
10.Chairwoman of the NPO and NCO Association Toktayim Umetalieva.
11.Unemployed Azamat Ulamaev.
12.Drector general of the “Insanstroi” Kutmanbek Eshenbaev.
13.Unemployed Janybek Suyunaliev.
14.Unemployed Yuruslan Istanov.
15.Director general of the Kyrgyzcredit company Askarbek Abyshev.
16.Unemployed Guljamila Estebesova.
17.Unemployed Bakyt Kerimbekov.
18.Head of the Bolturuk farm of Issykkul oblast Omurbek Bolturukov.
19.Secretary general of the unregistered patriotic party of Kyrgyzstan Nazarbek Nyshanov.
20.Head of the Mudrost political part Damira Omurkulova.
21.Deputy editor-in-chief of the Vecherniy Bishkek newspaper Erlan Satybekov.
22.Almaz Parmanov, the self-promoter.


“The quantity of candidates have reduced every rounds: 6 people withdrew their candidacies, 3 did not open the election fund in time, 5 did not collect enough signatures and 2 failed to pass the exam for knowledge of the Kyrgyz language”, - said D.Lisovskiy.


The presidential elections scheduled for July 23, 2009. Starting from today the election campaign has launched in Kyrgyzstan.

 


Dominique Strauss-Kahn assures to provide continuing financial support and technical assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic


18/06/2009


Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement yesterday in Bishkek at the conclusion of his visit to the Kyrgyz Republic:


“It is my first visit to the Kyrgyz Republic since becoming Managing Director of the IMF. I would like to thank the people of the Kyrgyz Republic, President Bakiev, Prime Minister Chudinov and senior members of their economic team for the open and productive discussions. I also had an opportunity today to exchange views with students and faculty from several Kyrgyz universities on the impact of the crisis on the region. I was impressed by a strong determination on the part of both authorities and the public to overcome the challenges caused by the external economic shocks, including contraction in Kazakhstan and Russia, key trading partners and the main sources of remittances. The continued commitment of the Kyrgyz people to carry out economic reforms is a very important element of the country’s success on the path to prosperity and economic stability.


“I believe the Kyrgyz authorities should be commended for their swift response to the crisis and strong economic performance, supported by the Fund’s Exogenous Shocks Facility program. In my discussions with the authorities we agreed that the fiscal stimulus packages in 2009 supported by the donor community are necessary to sustain economic activity and to increase social spending to protect the poor and vulnerable groups. I was encouraged by the government’s commitment to use the large financial support provided by the Russian Federation within the medium-term fiscal framework.


“I assured the Kyrgyz authorities and the public that IMF is committed to provide continuing financial support and technical assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic to help manage the effects of the global crisis, raise the country’s growth potential and alleviate poverty.”

 


IMF is ready to render assistance and support Kyrgyzstan on minimizing the world crisis’s consequences


17/06/2009

 

The International Monetary Fund is ready to render assistance and support Kyrgyzstan on minimizing the world crisis’s consequences. IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn told it during a meeting with President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev in Bishkek.


During the talks, the head of state noted that Kyrgyzstan’s cooperation with IMF was always constructive and effective. “We are thankful to IMF for essential help in maintaining macroeconomic stability, balance of payment and national currency”, - said K.Bakiyev.


In his turn, Dominique Strauss-Kahn told that he decided to visit Kyrgyzstan as part of a tour of Central Asian states and underline the high level of cooperation between IMF and Kyrgyzstan.


“It is obvious that Kyrgyzstan could not avoid from negative influence of the world crisis. IMF is ready to render assistance and support out Kyrgyz partners”, - said the IMF Managing Director.


It was also exchanged opinions on actual issues of cooperation.

 


CEC registered the last presidential candidate – N.Motuev


17/06/2009


The Central Election Commission has registered the sixth and last presidential candidate Nurlan Motuev.
According to the CEC’s member Jamila Alymbekova, the candidate presented all necessary documents for registration: opened the election fund, registered 35 authorized representatives, passed the exam on knowledge of the Kyrgyz language, made election deposit in the amount of 100 thousand soms and collected 51thousand 329 hundred signatures of voters.


The presidential candidate to Nurlan Motuev will get a certificate of the presidential candidate within two-days.
6 candidates are running for the president of Kyrgyzstan: incumbent president Kurmanbek Bakiyev, doctor Jenishbek Nazaraliev, leader of the Ak-Shumkar party Temir Sariev and representative of the United People’s Movement Almazbek Atambaev, head of the NGO and NCO Association Toktayim Umetalieva and leader of the Joomart movement Nurlan Motuev.


The presidential elections will take place on July 23, 2009.

 


K.Bakiyev: Kyrgyzstan to continue assist in stabilization of Afghanistan


17/06/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev met with his Afghani counterpart Hamid Karzai in Yekaterinburg within the framework of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) yesterday.


During the talks, K.Bakiyev told that he had received a recent message of the President of Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan makes every effort to assist in establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan. “Our country is deeply interested in order to there will be peace in Afghanistan and its people live in prosperity”, - said K.Bakiyev. The Kyrgyz leader told the Afghani President that he had also received a message of US President Barack Obama, who noted Kyrgyzstan’s efforts on stabilizing situation in Afghanistan.


In his turn, Hamid Karzai thanked Kyrgyzstan for assistance in establishing peace and stability in his country. He noted that Kyrgyzstan’s assistance – it is a great contribution in stabilizing the situation not only in Afghanistan but also formation of peace and security in the whole region.


H.Karzai called Afghanistan’s and Kyrgyzstan’s cooperation with the United States in the battle against terrorism and religious extremism in the region effective and necessary.


The Afghani leader thanked Kurmanbek Bakiyev for understanding and expressed hope for further wide cooperation, particularly on exchanging information at the state level. “We hope for further assistance of Kyrgyzstan in transiting necessary cargoes to Afghanistan”, - said H.Karzai.


In his turn, Kurmanbek Bakiyev emphasized that this unstable situation is a problem of not only Afghanistan and Pakistan but also those countries, which enter the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. “We fully appreciate that the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan directly influence on stability in the Central Asian region as a whole. Kyrgyzstan will continue to render all kinds of assistance to restore peace in your country”, - said K.Bakiyev.

 


SCO Yekaterinburg Declaration


17/06/2009


(Yekaterinburg, June 16, 2009)


In accordance with the outcome of the Heads of State Council meeting held on June 15-16, 2009 in Yekaterinburg the heads of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation state the following:


1. Serious changes are taking place in the contemporary international environment. Aspiration to peace and sustainable development, promotion of equal cooperation became the spirit of the times. The tendency towards true multipolarity is irreversible. There is a growing significance of the regional aspect in settling global problems.


The SCO member states, reaffirming their commitment to common development on the basis of the principles and provisions of the Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation among the SCO Member States, consider as a priority task maintaining constructive dialogue and deepening close interaction and partnership to jointly seek effective ways of resolving global and regional problems with the use of the growing potential and international prestige of the SCO.


2. The SCO member states believe that international cooperation is a basic and efficient instrument for countering new challenges and threats, coping with the global financial crisis, ensuring energy and food security and settling such a pressing issue as climate change.


3. The current situation in the global economy and financial sector points to the need to increase cooperation of the international community in the field of controlling and managing international finances, making joint efforts to prevent the growth and spread of financial crisis risks, maintaining economic stability.


The member states of the Organisation together with the international community intend to make efforts for the formation of a more just, equal, all-embracing and well-regulated international financial regime which takes into account a true balance of interests of all its participants and gives all States equal access to the advantages of globalisation.


To that end interaction and sharing of information must be strengthened as regards the international financial sector and the issues of tackling the consequences of the global financial crisis in the SCO region.


4. In current circumstances the SCO member states underline the growing significance of bolstering trade, economic and investment cooperation in the framework of the Organisation, including involving the potential of the observer states and dialogue partners.


The parties noted the need to speed up the implementation of major projects which are designed to ensure the expansion of transport communication capabilities of the region and access to global markets, development of social infrastructure, formation of modern international centres for logistics, trade and tourism, construction of new factories, introduction of innovative and energy-saving technologies, including renewable sources of energy.


The implementation of these projects, arrangement of international transport corridors, modernisation of railways and motorways will create preconditions for strengthening the potential of the region as a transcontinental bridge and giving a new impulse to the development of economic links between Europe and Asia.


5. The SCO member states, noting the key significance of energy sector for successful economic development and creation of favourable preconditions for improving the living standards of their peoples, express determination to further advance mutually beneficial cooperation in this field on the basis of equality with the aim of ensuring effective, reliable and environmentally safe energy supplies.


6. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation proceeds from the need to further cement the legal foundations of international relations determined by generally accepted principles and norms of the international law and international obligations of states.


Strengthening the central and coordinating role of the United Nations in world affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of its mechanisms with the aim of adequately responding to modern challenges, changing political and economic reality remains an urgent task. The reform of the UN Security Council must gain a much wider consensus of members of the international community.


The SCO member states intend to strengthen coordination on the issues of reforming the UN and its Security Council.


7. The SCO member states stress the significance of the issue of ensuring international information security as one of the key elements of the common system of international security.


8. The SCO member states, reaffirming their commitment to a dialogue of civilisations, values of peace, tolerance, mutual respect and consent in international and inter-confessional relations, irrespective of ethnic origin, religious and other beliefs, oppose drawing parallels between the fight against international terrorism and confrontation against any particular religion.


9. Maintenance of international peace is possible only in conditions of equal security for all states. The security of some states must not be achieved to the detriment of the security of others.


Settlement of international and regional conflicts must be conducted by political diplomatic means on the basis of the principles of equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states.


The attempts to achieve unilateral advantages in defence field are counterproductive as they undermine the strategic balance and stability in the world, do not benefit confidence building, reduction of arms and disarmament.


10. The SCO member states note that proliferation of nuclear weapons poses a serious threat to international peace and security.


The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NNPT) is the basic element of the international regime on the prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons. Threats of proliferation of nuclear weapons can and must be eliminated on the basis of the NNPT provided that its parties unconditionally fulfil their obligations. The SCO member states reaffirm their strong support for the NNPT, welcome the multilateral efforts on its reinforcement, and are determined to move towards raising the effectiveness of the Treaty on the basis of the unity of its three key components: non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear energy.


The SCO member states reiterate their intention to assist further implementation of the Russia-U.S. initiative on fighting against acts of nuclear terrorism, and also welcome the coming into effect on March 21, 2009 of the Treaty on Establishing a Nuclear Free Zone in Central Asia.


11. The SCO member states welcome the start of Russo-American negotiations on drafting a Treaty on the Reduction of Offensive Strategic Arms.


12. The SCO member states stand up for resuming the process of negotiations on the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. They call to show restraint and continue the search for mutually acceptable solutions on the basis of the previously reached agreements.


13. The SCO member states express grave concern over the complicated situation in Afghanistan related to illicit drug trafficking, terrorism and transnational organised crime, which poses a threat to the whole international community.


In this regard the parties acknowledged the need to increase interaction with the SCO observer states, Afghanistan and other states concerned, as well as with regional and international organisations, first and foremost, the UN and its specialised institutions.


The SCO member states in close interaction with other states and international organisations concerned intend to establish anti-narcotic and financial security belts in the region.


14. The SCO member states welcome the end of an internal military conflict in Sri Lanka, and express hope for establishing a firm peace, strengthening security and stability in the country on the basis of ensuring its state sovereignty and territorial integrity, guaranteeing the rights of all ethnic and religious groups.


15. The SCO member states consider as a priority task enhancing the effectiveness of interaction in the field of a timely joint response to natural and man-made emergencies, implementing a set of measures aimed to diminish their impact on society and economy.


16. The SCO member states attach special importance to strengthening cooperation in the field of effective counteraction against the threat of dangerous infections and other infectious diseases. To that end the parties acknowledged the need to mobilise available resources and launch joint work on preventing the spread of epidemic diseases.


17. The SCO members state that the Organisation has become an essential element of the fledgling system of security and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.


Noting with satisfaction the growing interest of the international community in establishing ties with the SCO, they welcome the joining of the Republic of Belarus and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to cooperation in the SCO framework as dialogue partners.


The SCO member states stand ready to expand practical interaction with the United Nations, Commonwealth of Independent States, Association of South-East Asian Nations, Eurasian Economic Community, Collective Security Treaty Organisation, Economic Cooperation Organisation, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, other international and regional organisations, and to create on this basis a wide partnership network.


The SCO member states are open to dialogue aimed to bring states closer together and facilitate the building of a more just world order, to cement global stability and economic development.


President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Chairman of the People’s Republic of China
President of the Kyrgyz Republic
President of the Russian Federation
President of the Republic of Tajikistan
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

 


SCO leaders signed Yekaterinburg declaration


17/06/2009


Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) concluded their annual summit on Tuesday with calls for constructive dialogues and enhanced cooperation to tackle regional and international issues.
The leaders exchanged views in depth on a wide range of regional and international issues, said a joint communiqué released after the summit.


The summit was attended by heads of state of SCO member countries — China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and leaders of SCO observer nations — Mongolia, India, Pakistan and Iran.


Also present at the meeting were Hamid Karzai, president of Afghanistan, a guest country of the SCO, and representatives of the United Nations and some other regional and international organizations.


This was the first time that leaders from observer states were included in a restricted meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council.


The SCO leaders called for the establishment of a more just and rational system of inter-governmental relations, and set the priorities for future cooperation, the document said.


In a declaration adopted following the summit, the leaders said that regional cooperation is playing an increasingly important role in solving international issues.


Constructive dialogues and enhanced cooperation are effective ways to seek solutions to regional and international issues, such as security threats, the global financial crisis, food security and climate change, it said.


The leaders also called for enhanced supervision on financial institutions and more international cooperation, so as to prevent the further spread of the financial crisis, the declaration said.


The member countries will strengthen cooperation within the framework of the SCO, and make concerted efforts with the rest of the international community to build a more fair and rational international financial system, the document said.


Besides the declaration, the leaders also signed several other documents, including a convention against terrorism and agreements on training anti-terrorist forces of SCO members and cooperation on international information security.

 

 

Kyrgyz-Russian economic forum to be held in Bishkek


16/06/2009


The Kyrgyz-Russian economic forum will take place on June 18 at the capital’s Ak-Keme hotel. Head of the foreign economic relations department of Kyrgyzstan’s trade-industry chamber Rimma Apasova told it.


According to her, the forum will exchange opinions on the most various aspects of business cooperation, will conduct section discussions on key subjects of the meeting. These are issues of economic security, entrepreneurship, corruption, labor migration and development of tourism, supplying infringing and low-quality products and others.


It is expected to conduct bilateral negotiations between representatives of business circles of Kyrgyzstan and Russia.


Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov, deputy chairman of the Executive Committee, Executive Secretary of CIS E.Novozhilov will attend the forum. Over 40 people will represent the Russian side.

 


Kyrgyz President K.Bakiyev calls to create transit and transport system of SCO


16/06/2009


Delivering a speech at the session of the Council of the Heads of States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in expanded format, President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev said the strategically important task for SCO is development of transport communications. It is necessary to do some works in order to create a common and comprehensive regional transit and transport system within the framework of the SCO.


It will alleviate communication between the member-states and allow the region to attract additional big volumes of international transit.


Kyrgyzstan offers to complete concordance and prepare an agreement on cooperation of the SCO member-states in the field of transit traffic for signing.


The President of Kyrgyzstan also called all members of the Organization to activate a work on soonest creation of the SCO Center on warning and liquidating emergency situations.

 


A.Atambaev officially registered as the presidential candidate


16/06/2009


The Central Election Commission (CEC) has registered the fourth presidential candidate – representative of the United People’s Movement Almazbek Atambaev.


According to the CEC’s member Jamila Alymbekova, the candidate presented all necessary documents for registration: opened the election fund, registered 20 authorized representatives, passed the exam on knowledge of the Kyrgyz language and made election deposit in the amount of 100 thousand soms. The candidate supported by 167 thousand signatures of voters.


The CEC decided to give a certificate of the presidential candidate to Almazbek Atambaev within two-days.


Presently, 6 candidates are running for the president of Kyrgyzstan. 4 of them officially registered: incumbent president Kurmanbek Bakiyev, doctor Jenishbek Nazaraliev, leader of the Ak-Shumkar party Temir Sariev and representative of the United People’s Movement Almazbek Atambaev. The CEC checks the lists of signatures of remained 2 candidates – head of the NGO and NCO Association Toktayim Umetalieva and leader of the Joomart movement Nurlan Motuev.


The CEC had not registered A.Aytikeev as the presidential candidate on June 13 because he did not collect enough signatures. According to the country’s election code, the candidate should have signatures of no less than 50 thousand electors.

 


IMF Managing Director to arrive in Bishkek


16/06/2009


International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn will arrive tomorrow in Bishkek in frames of his tour to Central Asia.


In Bishkek Strauss Kahn will meet with President, Prime Minister, chairman of the National Bank and other Kyrgyz officials.


Strauss-Kahn plans to focus on ways the international community can assist these countries as they face challenges related to the global financial crisis.


Strauss-Kahn also plans to deliver a speech on the financial crisis at the State Kyrgyz University in the Kyrgyz Republic.

 


K.Bakiyev attends plenary session of the Council of SCO Presidents


16/06/2009
 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev participated in a work of the plenary session of the Council of Heads of States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) within the framework of the Summit of the Council of Heads of States of SCO, taking place in Yekaterinburg. The plenary session took place in narrow circle with participation of the heads of states and governments of observer-states.


It was exchanged opinions on issues of cooperation in the field of energy, transport, trade, joint information technologies and others. As for humanitarian cooperation, the main attention was paid to promote interaction in the field of science, culture, education, healthcare and youth exchange.


Participants of the session stressed to implement the actions plan of the member-states of SCO and Afghanistan on problems of fighting with terrorism, illegal drug-trafficking and organized crime, accepted at the special conference in Afghanistan, took place in Moscow on March 27, 2009.


Later, a session of the Council of the Heads of States of SCO in expanded format will take place.
President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev, President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organzation Bolat Nurgaliev, Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh, President of Iran Mahmud Ahmediedjad, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, director of the SCO Regional Antiterrorist Structure’s Executive Committee Myrzakan Subanov attended the session.


16/06/2009


Kyrgyz State Customs Committee (SCC) signed an agreement with the OSCE Centre in Bishkek yesterday, launching a project to enhance the capacity of its training centre.


“The OSCE assistance to the SCC Training Centre will contribute to its transformation into a modern training institution. Proper training of customs officers is essential for stimulating the legal movement of goods and countering smuggling,” said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.


The signing of the memorandum of understanding took place during a ceremony attended by representatives from the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry and the Embassy of Japan in Bishkek. Japan is a major donor to the project. Norway and Luxembourg have also contributed.


The project was developed at the request of the Kyrgyz Government. A detailed border needs assessment was conducted by the OSCE in September 2006.


The project envisages supporting the development of the SCC Training Centre in several ways. These include assessing needs for the curriculum for basic entry-level training, retraining, and advanced training of customs officers; assessing needs for equipment and infrastructure refurbishment; developing a national basic customs training curriculum and modules appropriate for retraining and advanced training of officers; conducting a “train the trainers” course for local customs instructors; equipping and refurbishing the centre; and providing assistance, advice and mentoring to local instructors.

 


Prime Minister I.Chudinov’s visit to Kazakhstan kicks off


16/06/2009 11:03 | Category: Society | Печатать запись


KABAR, June 16. Prime Minister Igor Chudinov’s two-day official visit to Kazakhstan is started today.


In Kazakhstan, I.Chudinov will conduct numerous bilateral meetings, including with his counterpart Karim Massimov, head of the Senate of Kazakhstan Kasymzhomart Tokaev.


I.Chudinov will be also received by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev.


Kyrgyz PM I.Chudinov will participate in a first meeting of the Intergovernmental Council of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The meeting is expected to sign numerous documents regarding to trade-economic cooperation between the two states.


I.Chudinov will meet with representatives of Kyrgyz diaspora in Astana.

 


The guests of SCO Summit in Yekaterinburg


16/06/2009


In Yekaterinburg, Russia, it is continuing the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which started yesterday. Heads of the member-states of the SCO are participating in the summit’s work:


-Nursultan Nazarbaev – Kazakhstan,
-Hu Jintao – China,
-Kurmanbek Bakiyev – Kyrgyzstan,
-Dmitry Medvedev – Russia,
-Emomali Rahmon – Tajikistan,
-Islam Karimov – Uzbekistan,
and:
-Bolot Nurgaliev – SCO Secretary General,
-Myrzakan Subanov – director of the SCO Regional Antiterrorist Structure’s Executive Committee.


Heads of the observer-states of SCO are invited to the summit:


-President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari,
-Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh (arrives today,
-President of Iran Mahmud Ahmadinedjad (arrives today),
-First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia’s Government Narovyn Altanhuyat,
-President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai (special guest of the summit’s host).


Besides, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe and representatives of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and CIS are attending the summit.

 


US air base in Kyrgyzstan starts shutting down


16/06/2009


KABAR, June 16. The US has begun the process of shutting down its air base in Kyrgyzstan.
Colonel Christopher Bence, a US commander, said the Manas air base had started to wind down operations on Monday. “We have started shipping equipment and supplies to other locations,” he told reporters at the base.


He told that several hundreds mattresses have already handed over to nearest hospitals. Asked when U.S. forced would leave, he added: “On Aug. 18 as the Kyrgyz government has asked us.”


He told that several Kyrgyz-US projects will be closed at one time in case of withdrawing the air base.
If the air base will be withdrawn in full then its infrastructure will remain in the Manas airport’s disposal.

 


Numerous bilateral meetings took place in Yekaterinburg


16/06/2009

 

In Yekaterinburg, Russia, it is continuing a session of the Council of the Heads of States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). One more session of the Council of SCO Presidents will take place today in the narrow and expanded circles. Later, in the afternoon, it s expected to sign joint documents.


Yesterday, the first session of the SCO Summit took place. President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, President of China Hu Jintao, SCO Secretary General Bolat Nurgaliev, Director of the SCO Regional Antiterrorist Structure’s Executive Committee Myrzakan Subanov attended the session.


Besides, bilateral meetings took place yesterday:


-President of China Hu Jintao met with President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari,
-President of China Hi Jintao met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon,
-President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev met with President of China Hu Jintao,
-President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met with President of China Hu Jintao,
-President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari met with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon,
-President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari met with President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai,
-President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with governor of Sverdlov oblast Eduard Rossel.

 


K. Bakiyev’s meeting with H. Karzai posponed for tomorrow


15/06/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s meeting with President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, planned for today is postponed for tomorrow. The meeting should be held in frames of the SCO Summit in Yekaterinburg.


Afghanistani President is invited to the Summit as a special guest of Russia, organizer of the Summit. H. Karzai’s request letter to K. Bakiyev concerning the meeting was handed over by Afghanistani Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Abdul Hai Haider to Kyrgyz Ambassador Janysh Rustenbekov on June 2 in Astana.

 


Kurmanbek Bakiyev met with Hu Jintao


15/06/2009


Today in frames of the SCO Summit in Yekaterinburg President Kurmanbek Bakiyev held a meeting with chairman of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao. At the meeting K. Bakiyev stressed that Kyrgyz-Chinese relations develop dynamically on all levels. The President expressed gratitude to support and assistance rendered by the Chinese side, in particular, successful realization of economic projects on construction of Osh-Sarytash-Erkechtam highway and Kyrgyz-Kia asphalt concrete plant.


From his part Hu Jintao also stressed successful development of Kyrgyz-Chinese relations. He also told that the Chinese side intends to grant Kyrgyzstan 80 million yuans and emphasized China’s concern in construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.


The leaders of the two states also discussed the issues of further deepening and enhancing as bilateral and multilateral cooperation between countries.

 


Kyrgyz representative can be SCO Secretary General


15/06/2009


A two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit has started today in Yekaterinburg with the participation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


Along with vital regional and international issues concerning in particular, consequences of global finance crisis, Presidents of the state-members will discuss at the summit election of the secretary general.


In connection with the end of term of office of SCO Secretary general and deputy director of Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic should hold these posts during 3 years starting from January 1, 2010.

 


Agreement on establishment of Collective Rapid Reaction Forces signed in Moscow


15/06/2009


Agreement on establishment of the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces (CRRF) has been signed at the summit of the CSTO Collective Security Council.


“The main event of this summit is the signing of the Agreement on establishment of the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces that regulates the most important issues of work of the corresponding Forces”, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said at a press conference upon the results of the summit.


The regulatory framework was adopted as well. “It will allow our countries to respond to new threats, international terrorism, local and cross-border crime, including drug trafficking and local conflicts, more effcetively”, D.Medvedev noted.


The Russian President noted that some CSTO member countries do not participate in the formation of the CRRF, including Uzbekistan and Belarus.


The Action Plan of the CSTO member states on formation of the collective system of countermeasures to illegal migration was adopted as well.

 


Interview: SCO to have bigger world influence: Kyrgyz FM


13/06/2009


The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has great potential for further growth and the group will have increasingly greater clout in the world, said Kyrgyz foreign minister.

 

“As a major player in shaping modern international relations, the SCO has been effectively safeguarding peace and stability across the Euroasian region,” Kadyrbek Sarbaev said in a recent interview with Xinhua. On the SCO summit scheduled for June 15-16 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Sarbaev said the SCO, which has adopted an open-minded attitude since its birth in 2001, has expressed the hope for close dialogue and cooperation with relevant nations and regions, as well as international organizations. It has established cooperative relations with many groups, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Eurasian Economic Community (EEC), CIS Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in recent years, just to name a few. Noting that the SCO enjoys high international prestige and broad prospect, Sarbaev said it has now four observers, namely Mongolia, India, Pakistan and Iran, with Belarus and Sri Lanka currently applying for the status as dialogue partners. Several other countries have expressed wish for full SCO membership, an indication of its unique charms, he added. On regional security, Sarbaev said that “to safeguard regional security and stability has always been a SCO’s basic function.”

 

“The combat against the ‘three evil forces’ of terrorism, separatism and extremism remains the major task since the SCO was founded,” he said, describing the three forces as real threats to SCO member states. In the first half of this year, the group successfully completed a joint anti-terrorism military exercise in Kyrgyzstan, held a special conference on Afghanistan and other meetings on security issues. These were aimed to deal with cross-border security threats and challenges, and ensure better cooperation among member states. On the upcoming SCO annual summit, the foreign minister said member states are expected to sign a series of documents on enhancing security cooperation, so as to better coordinate their joint combat against the “three evil forces”, drug trafficking as well as organized crimes to promote regional security and stability. Sarbaev said Kyrgyzstan has always maintained that extensively broadening and deepening multilateral cooperation on trade and investment among members should be taken as the groundwork for SOC’s constant self-improvement and development.

 

Therefore, the plan for implementing multilateral trade and economic cooperation program reached last October by SCO members is of great significance, he added. Sarbaev also called on the SCO member states to adapt themselves to the changes caused by the global financial crisis, and forge closer economic and trade partnership among themselves by making full use of their great economic potential. On cultural cooperation, Sarbaev noted that great progress has been made in this regard within SCO framework.

 

He called for closer exchange and cooperation among social organizations and youth groups of the SCO member states. He pledged more concrete measures and concerted efforts to keep on the progress in cultural exchange and cooperation. Sarbaev said joining the SCO represented a historic opportunity for Kyrgyzstan, adding that the SCO has taken into full account the practical　interest of each member state, and offered sound basis for the steady development of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan will continue to actively participate in the SCO activities, to consolidate the SCO international status and boost the social and economic development and cultural exchange among its members, said Sarbaev. He described China as a friendly neighbor and reliable partner of Kyrgyzstan , noting that China, as one of the founding members, has served both as an active participant of the group, and an advocate of many of its principles and proposals. He said China, with rapid and steady social and economic growth, bigger influence in the world, has played a leading role in the SOC. China is capable of contributing more to safeguarding security, boosting economic and trade development and enhancing cultural exchange in the region, Sarbaev concluded.

 


A new agreement on Kumtor comes into force


13/06/2009


Centerra Gold Inc. announced the closing of all transactions under the Agreement on New Terms between Centerra, the government of the Kyrgyz Republic and Cameco Corporation, the details of which were disclosed by the Company on April 24, 2009.


Stephen Lang, Centerra President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “As previously announced, the Agreement on New Terms resolves all outstanding issues with respect to the Kumtor Project and provides additional certainty for continuing operations and future development of the project. This is the first time the Kumtor arrangements have been voted on or approved by Parliament. With the stability brought to Centerra by the new agreement, the Company has increased its investment in exploration and development at the Kumtor site to further define the potential of the Kumtor deposit.”


All the conditions to closing have been now been satisfied, including parliamentary approval, the execution of binding project agreements, regulatory approvals and the termination of, all proceedings in the Kyrgyz courts and in international arbitration with respect to the Kumtor Project.


The Company confirms that as part of the closing, it issued from treasury 18,232,615 common shares of Centerra to the government of the Kyrgyz Republic, which brings Centerra’s total issued and outstanding shares to 234,772,566. As well, Cameco has agreed to transfer to the government between 14.1 and 25.3 million common shares of Centerra, which are to be released to the government upon satisfaction of certain conditions. Until that time Cameco retains voting control over approximately 52.7% of the issued and outstanding shares of Centerra.

 


Presentation of Chingiz Aitmatov’s translated book held in Bishkek


12/06/2009


Presentation of Chingiz Aitmatov’s book translated into Kyrgyz “When mountains fall” is held today at the National Library in Bishkek.


Famous are and culture figures, deputies of Jogorku kenesh, representatives of Embassies, international organizations and relatives of the writer took part in the presentation.


According to the writer’s brother Ilgiz Aitmatov, translation of this novel is very heavy work, so as its philosophic views impart heavy character. “All Chingiz Aitmatov’s works were translated into many languages of the world and translation of his last book “When mountains fall” was very important”.


Besides, book-photo-documentary exhibition “The life equal to Universe” devoted to Ch. Aitmatov’s memory is conducting at the National library.

 


Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: mutual experience of economic crisis overcoming


12/06/2009


Roundtable “Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: mutual experience of economic crisis overcoming” is held in Bishkek at the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kyrgyzstan in association with the Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University, Institute of Strategic Analysis and Evaluation.


Kazakh Ambassador Bakyt Ospanov, chief of econoic policy department of the Presidential Administration M. Shamkulov, director of the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Evaluation S. Masaulov, deputy director of Kazakhstan Institute of Strategic Researches M. Abisheva, chairman of the board of directors of Kyrgyz Stock Exchange N. Elebaev, experts of scientific analytical structures, teachers, representatives of business communities took part in the meeting.


Participants of the conference discussed a wide circle of issues, concerning crisis impact upon the economy of the two states and taken measures.

 


Obama asks Kyrgyzstan to expand cooperation


11/06/2009


U.S. President Barack Obama has sent a personal appeal to Kyrgyzstan proposing ways to discuss expanding cooperation, Kyrgyzstan said on Thursday.


The tiny Central Asian nation told the United States in February to evict its forces from an air base used to support operations in nearby Afghanistan but U.S. defense officials have said they hoped to persuade Kyrgyzstan otherwise.


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s office said in a statement it had received a letter from Obama praising bilateral relations.


“Moreover, Barack Obama expressed hope to further strengthen various forms of cooperation between the United States and Kyrgyzstan,” the statement said without mentioning the air base issue. The U.S. embassy could not be reached for comment.

 


Unistream money transfer co partners with Kyrgyz bank


11/06/2009


The international money transfer system UNIStream signed partnership agreement with the Ayil Bank in Kyrgyzstan.


The document opens a green light to develop networks of service centers of the transfer system through the bank’s branches in the republic.


The Ayil Bank has departments in 80 towns and settlements of the country, including Bishkek, Batken, Jalalabad, Karakol, Isfana, Naryn, Osh, Talas, Uzgen and others.


Its network consist of 18 branches, 51 regional and town offices and 33 rural offices, which located in the whole territory of Kyrgyzstan.

 


J. Soares: Kyrgyzstan is an example and model of democratic development in Central Asia


10/06/2009


Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic K.Sarbaev accepted OSCE Parliamentarian Assembly delegation led by Mr. Joao Soares. The officials discussed the issues of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and OSCE Parliamentarian Assembly and between OSCE and Kyrgyzstan on priority directions during the meeting. The Minister K. Sarbaev briefly informed about continuing processes in Kyrgyzstan, which direct to democratic development of the country.


The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it is necessary to pay attention to the issues of regional security. K. Sarbaev noted that Kyrgyzstan attaches significant attention to the stabilization of situation in Afghanistan. He also announced about “Bishkek initiative” of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.


In his turn, the Chairman of OSCE Parliamentarian Assembly noted that Kyrgyzstan is an example and model of democratic development in Central Asia. “The Government of Kyrgyzstan is interesting in democratic development of the country. The delegation of Kyrgyzstan is only one delegation from Central Asia, which presents not one but several parties “said Mr. Joao Soares.


The officials expressed assurance in further development of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and OSCE Parliamentarian Assembly.

 


J.Nazaraliev officially registered as the presidential candidate


10/06/2009


The Central Election Commission (CEC) have registered second presidential candidate – doctor Jenishbek Nazarliaev.


According to the CEC’s member Jamila Alymbekova, the candidate presented all necessary documents for registration: opened the election fund, registered 19 authorized representatives, passed the exam on knowledge of the Kyrgyz language and made election deposit.


“The candidate collected 78 thousand 332 signatures of electors”, - she said.


The CEC decided to give a certificate of the presidential candidate to Jenishbek Nazaraliev within two-days.


Incumbent president Kurmanbek Bakiyev was registered yesterday as the first candidate. 7 people are running for the presidential post in Kyrgyzstan.

 


Russia to invest 136 million dollars in Kambarata in 2009


10/06/2009


Russia will invest 136 million dollars in Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power station in 2009. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov told it yesterday after a meeting with Russia’s Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko.


According to him, they discussed issues of setting up a new company Kambarata-1, setting up working bodies, council of directors and board. The Russian side confirmed intention to allocate fund this year for preparation of project documentation and creation of industrial base. “We have also discussed numerous aspects of bilateral cooperation in the field of fuel-energy complex”.


“During a meeting with head of Gazprom Alexei Miller, we discussed completion of the negotiation process, signing of intergovernmental agreement on privatizing the “Kyrgyzgas”.

 


L.Imanalieva appointed as ambassador to Austria and representative to OSCE


10/06/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has appointed Lidia Imanalieva as Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador to Austria and representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other international organizations in Vienna, dismissing her from previous posts as the ambassador to Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland and representative to authorized bodies of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

 


K.Bakiyev offers to double the number of international observers


10/06/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has met with OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Joao Soares, the presidential press service reported.


Welcoming the guest, the head of state said that Kyrgyzstan attaches a great importance to cooperation with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. He emphasized the republic is open and ready for constructive dialogue with OSCE.


The head of state expressed hope the observers of OSCE will give objective estimation to upcoming presidential elections, assisting in further strengthening democratic transformations in the country.


As for the upcoming presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan, the head of state offered to double the number of international observers in order to provide openness and transparency of the elections.


OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Joao Soares told the parliamentary delegation of Kyrgyzstan takes active participation in the Assembly’s work.


J.Soares supported the Bishkek Initiative of President K.Bakiyev, aimed to set up a standing international ground in Kyrgyzstan for conducting conference and dialogs on issues of stability in Central Asia, particularly in Afghanistan. He offered to carry out it under the aegis of the OSCE PA.


The parties exchanged opinions on actual issues of international life.

 


K.Bakiyev officially registered as the presidential candidate


10/06/2009


The members of the Central Election Commission (CEC) have registered a first presidential candidate. The CEC registered representative of the Ak-Zhol party, incumbent president Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


According to the CEC’s member Toktogul Sultakeev, the candidate presented all necessary documents for registration, particularly opened the election fund, registered 50 authorized representatives, passed the exam for knowledge of the Kyrgyz language. “K.Bakiyev collected 1 million 134 thousand 823 hundred signatures of electors”, - he said.


The CEC decided to give a certificate of the presidential candidate within two-days.


Today the CEC will consider an issue on registration of candidate Jenishbek Nazaraliev.

 


Chudinov met in Moscow with head of Gasprom


09/06/2009


Prime Minister Igor Chudinov met in Moscow with chairman of the board of GazProm, Alexey Miller. The sides considered the issues of cooperation development in oil and gas sphere – joint work in exploring and extraction of hydrocarbons, development and wholesale and retail markets of oil products in Kyrgyzstan and transportation and distribution of natural gas in the territory of the country.


They also discussed conditions and forms of participation of GasProm in privatization of objects of oil and gas infrastrucutre of Kyrgyzstan. The sides confirmed the interest in further strengthening of long-term partnership between GasProm and Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

OSCE PA President Joao Soares arrives in Kyrgyzstan


09/06/2009


OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Joao Soares has arrived in Kyrgyzstan yesterday, the parliament’s press service reported.


Parliamentarian, first deputy chairman of the Ak-Zhol people’s party Tabyldy Orozaliev met him at the airport.


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev will receive the OSCE PA President. J.Soreas will also meet with speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh Aytibai Tagaev, Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev, head of the Central Election Commission Damir Lisovskiy and head of the prime minister’s office Nurlan Aitmurzaev.


The high guest will conduct a meeting with representatives of civil society at the OSCE Center in Bishkek. On June 11 he will leave for Dushanbe.

 


PM I.Chudinov participates in a session of EurAsEC in Moscow


09/06/2009

 

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov will participate in a session of the Interstate Council of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), which will take place today in Moscow at the level of the heads of governments.

 

The session will discuss joint measures on overcoming the world financial crisis, accept decisions, regulating activities of the Anticrisis Fund and Center of High Technologies of EurAsEC, and discuss issues of forming the Customs Union within the framework of EurAsEC.

The Customs Union is setting up within the framework of EurAsEC by Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. It is expected to work next year. Kyrgyzstan has submitted an application for joining the Customs Union.


Members of EurAsEC are Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

 


Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power station to be financed according to plan


08/06/2009


Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko during a meeting with Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Igor Chudinov said the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power station’s construction in Kyrgyzstan would be financed according to a plan.


According to him, the bilateral relations are not facing difficulties presently. “That’s why Russia intends to finance the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power station’s construction according to scheduled plan”, - said S.Shmatko.

 


K.Bakiyev: Kyrgyzstan should take a worthy place in the world


08/06/2009


Kyrgyzstan may and should produce and export ecologically pure products and, in Naryn oblast, there are all conditions for this purpose. It is necessary to use existing irrigated areas. President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told it during a meeting with population of Atbashy region.


It was noted that the financing of agriculture has increased in 7 times in comparison with 2005. The agriculture should become profitable sector, when the world prices on foodstuffs increase every day. It is necessary to produce more and export.


It is putting into operation the standing enterprises and new industrial enterprises are launching.


This year it is expected to start to build the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power station, which will open a way to the country’s energetic independence.


The new agreement on Kumtor will allow the budget to receive 3.5 billion dollars for the nearest 15 years, while the revenues from the Kumtor for the last 15 years made up only 300 million dollars.


The head of state told the volume of financial resources, spending for construction and reconstruction of motorways, has increased in 8.5 times in comparison with figures of 2005. This year it is expected to start to reconstruct Bishkek-Naryn-Torugart highway.


The head of state stressed that this year became a turning in development of Kyrgyzstan, which starts to strengthen the statehood and should take a worthy place among nations of the world.


The head of state told the information allegedly Kyrgyz jailoo – Arpa and Aksai are handing over to China is not true. The Torugart customs terminal is transferring with a purpose of creating normal conditions for its work.


K.Bakiyev promised to consider issues of purchasing ambulance car for the Atbashy regional hospital.

 


Department on cinematography to commemorate Chingiz Aitmatov’s death anniversary


08/06/2009


Cinema community of the country at the initiative of the Department on cinematography will commemorate death anniversary of the famous writer Chingiz Aitmatov on June 19, 2009 at the Republican Cinema House.


According to director of the Department Abibilla Pazylov, famous colleagues of Chingiz Aitmatov, who worked with him for a long time will share their memories, then they will watch documentary “White dreams on the way home” by Rauf Mamedov.


Aitmatov’ family and relatives will take part in the meeting.

 


Internet development to be considered at a session of CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly in Cholponata


08/06/2009


A meeting of the permanent commission of CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly for culture, information, tourism and sport takes place in Cholponata, Kyrgyzstan with participation of speaker Aytibai Tagaev, secretary general of the CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly Mikhail Krotov and international experts.


Participants of the meeting have started to discuss a draft model law on Internet. Director of the non-commercial partnership association of electronic association Mark Tverdynin, first deputy chairwoman of the Russian State Duma’s Committee for culture Elena Drapeko will present the law to participants of the meeting.


The meeting will also consider a draft model code on intellectual property for the member-states of CIS, draft laws on passport-visa documents, on electronic state services.

 


Chingiz Aitmatov’s memorial evening takes places in Paris


08/06/2009


A memorial evening of the great Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov will take place today in Paris at the headquarters of UNESCO. The Kyrgyz yurta (nomad’s tent) have already installed at the exhibition hall. It is opened an exhibition of painting on Chingiz Aitmatov’s works, the Ministry of Culture and Information reported.


It is expected to open the memorial evening with demonstration of a documentary film about the life and creative works of the great writer. Members of the official delegation from Kyrgyzstan led by Deputy Prime Minister Uktomkhan Abdullaeva incited to the memorial evening along with numerous admirers of the writer.


The memorial evening’s program includes – performances of artists of the “Akmaral” state dance ensemble, the “Kambarkan” state orchestra of people’s instruments.


A reception on behalf of the government of Kyrgyzstan will be organized at the end of the memorial evening.
Besides, the first kurultai (congress) of Kyrgyz, living in France and BENELUX, will take place at the same day.

 


Uzbekistan to launch train to Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk Kul


08/06/2009


Uzjeldorpass (Uzbek Railway Passenger Transportation) of Uzbekistan Temir Yollari (Uzbekistan Railways) will launch new passenger route from Tashkent to Kyrgyzstan’s Rybachye (Issyk Kul).


The passenger train, which will consist of sleeping cars with all facilities, will leave Tashkent at 14:52 on Monday, 8 June. The train will arrive in Rybachye on Tuesday at 16:51, UzReport informed citing to the company.


The train will leave back to the Uzbek capital on Wednesday and arrive in Tashkent on Thursday morning.
The cost of ticket is 110,000 soums per person at the rate of Swiss franc as of 19 May 2009, the company said. The rate of Swiss Frank to Uzbek soums was 2141.85 on 19 May.

 


Kyrgyzstan wishes to join Customs Union


08/06/2009


Kyrgyzstan has submitted an application for joining the Customs Union, made up of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan,” First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said at a briefing on Saturday.


“Kyrgyzstan has submitted an application for joining the Customs Union, although its formation has not yet been completed,” he added.


According to his information, the problem is now being discussed.


Shuvalov said that after the Customs Union started functioning on January 1, 2010, all the companies would feel the benefits of it. “This will become a sufficient reason for other countries to join the Customs Union,” he explained.

 


Kyrgyzstan, Russia negotiate prolongation of airbase Kant presence in republic


08/06/2009


Kyrgyzstan and Russia hold talks on prolongation of airbase Kant presence on the territory of the republic, press service of the Kyrgyz Defense Ministry reported.


RIA Novosti spread information that Russian government has approved the decree, providing for prolongation of Kant airbase presence up to 49 years. “The information should be detailed, the “Defense Ministry said.
In particular, it was pointed that “negotiations with Russian side over terms of the base presence in the republic were ongoing. “Several meetings of experts have already taken place.


Interdepartmental commission for consideration of the airbase presence in Kant and the other issues on improvement of the legal base, regulating operations of Russian military objects on Kyrgyz territory was established in the republic.


“All proposals of both sides will be considered during next meetings of experts,” the ministry reported.
At the time, duration of the object’s presence is regulated by the Agreement on status and terms of Russian airbase presence on Kyrgyz territory as of September 22, 2003 and limited by 15 years period with possible prolongation for 5 years.

 


The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic K. Sarbaev and Prince Rahim Aga-Khan discussed about the perspectives of cooperation.


6 June 2009,

 

The meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic K. Sarbaev with Prince Rahim Aga-Khan took place. The issues, which concern to the realization of Aga-Khan Development Network projects were discuss during the meeting. The Minister K. Sarbaev expressed the hope for effective joint agreements for support in mountain communities' development field, micro financing, tourism development, telecommunication technologies and the functioning of Kyrgyz Investment Credit Bank.

 

During the negotiations, the officials agreed about closer coordination activities in the frame of existing programs of Aga-Khan Development Network in the Kyrgyz Republic, particularly to support tourist section, hotel building and reconstruction of existing roads and tourist centers with the aim to increase the attraction of the Kyrgyz Republic.

 


Prince Rahim Aga Khan to visit Central Asia


05/06/2009


Prince Rahim Aga Khan, elder son of His Highness the Aga Khan will arrive today in Bishkek in frames of his five-day working visit to central Asia. This is the first visit of Prince Rahim to Central Asia.


In Bishkek the Prince Rahim will meet with officials of the republic and get acqianted with current and future initiatives of the Aga Khan Development Network, including projects in Osh and Naryn oblasts.


Prince Rahim is the executive director of AKFED Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development - the economic development arm of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). He also serves as an Executive Director at the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance (AKAM).

 


Manas Resources to raise $6 million to advance Kyrgyzstan gold project


05/06/2009


Kyrgyzstan gold explorer, Manas Resources Ltd (ASX: MSR) is raising $6M at 10 cents per share through the issue of 60 million fully paid shares. The funding drive consists of $4M placement and $2M one for three rights issue to shareholders with a free attaching one for two option.


Funds raised will be used to increase the current 875,000 ounce resource base at at the 100% owned Manas Shambesai-Obdilla project. A program of infill and extensional drilling will commence at the 390,000 ounce Shambesai resource area and the Shambesai West extensions and continue into 2010. Manas will increase exploration for the combined resource areas. The Obdilla and Shambesai prospects are only 7 kilometres apart.


Manas is confident the $8m cash at hand will substantially increase the resource base in the key Shambesai Obdilla region. Main focus for Manas is exploring for Carlin style gold deposits on seven projects collectively called the South Kyrgyz Gold Project covering over 4,000km2, with a number of these projects already at an advanced stage of exploration.


The Kyrgyz Republic straddles the Tien Shan gold belt which stretches from eastern China through into Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The mineral province is considered to be highly prospective for Tier 1 gold deposits and it hosts the +100 million ounce Muruntau gold mine in Uzbekistan.


Major shareholders of Manas include Perseus Mining (ASX: PRU) and Macquarie Bank.


Manas Resources Limited (ASX: MSR) is an Australian based company exploring for gold on nine projects covering over 4,800km² of prospective ground in the central Asian nation of the Kyrgyz Republic.

 


Kyrgyzstan to impose temporary import duties for wheat flour


05/06/2009


Kyrgyzstan plans to impose temporary duties for imports of wheat flour, declared the press-cutting service of the government of the Kyrgyz Republic. www.agrimarket.info reports.


According to the announcement, the decree of the government “About the beginning of examination and imposing of temporary protective measures for wheat flour imports” provided the introduction of the wheat flour import duties.


The temporary protective duties will last for five-month period and total the rate of 3 som/kg (1 USD = 43.06 som).


The temporary import duties are imposed for flour produced from hard and soft wheat and spelt wheat. Such measures are introduced in order to stabilize the economic situation and support the domestic producers.


According to the antimonopoly agency of the country, in 2008 import flour supplies to Kyrgyzstan increased by 45 thsd tons or 170% compared to the previous year.
 

 

K.Bakiyev to address participants of international youth forum


05/06/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev will address to participants of an international youth forum “I am the capital” within the framework of his working trip to Issykkul oblast. The youth forum takes place within the framework of a memorandum on cooperation between leading parties of Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Kazkahstan.


Parliamentarian Maksat Kunakunov yesterday stated that it is necessary to set up a big movement. “He said: “The youth must build its future with own hands. I expect more positive results from this forum. The future depends on us”.


According to him, the forum will discuss very interesting projects regarding to development of youth movement.

 


I.Chudinov visited Kambarata-2 hydroelectric power station


04/06/2009


Prime Minister Igor Chudinov visited the Kambarata-2 hydroelectric power station and the Toktogul reservoir today.


I.Chudinov familiarized with the construction works. Rotor wheel for the first plant unit of the Kambarata-2 hydroelectric power station was installed in presence of the Kyrgyz PM.


The head of government told that it is allocating necessary financial resources from the republican budget. Installation of the rotor wheel for the first plant unit of the Kambarata-2 is a historical moment, which will serve as further development of the country’s hydroelectric system.


After familiarizing with the construction works, a working meeting took place at the headquarters of the Kambarata-2 hydroelectric power stations, where discussed issues of further construction and financing the construction. Minister of industry, energy and fuel resources I.Davydov, minister of finance M.Sultanov, director of the “Electrical Stations” Company S.Balkibekov, director general of “Naryngidrostroi” A.Avazbekov attended the meeting.


Later, I.Chudinov went to familiarize with current situation at the Toktogul hydroelectric power station.

 


UNIStream inks partnership agreement with Ayil Bank in Kyrgyzstan


04/06/2009


The international money transfer system UNIStream signed partnership agreement with the Ayil Bank in Kyrgyzstan. The document opens a green light to development of networks of service centers of the transfer system through the bank’s branches in the republic.


The Ayil Bank has departments in 80 towns and settlements of the country, including Bishkek, Batken, Jalalabad, Karakol, Isfana, Naryn, Osh, Talas, Uzgen and others. Its network consist of 18 branches, 51 regional and town officess and 33 rural offices, which located in the whole territory of Kyrgyzstan.
UNIStream considers this agreement as important step on expanding its presence in the republic and region as a whole.

 


Head of diplomatic representations to visit Toktogul and Kambarata hydroelectric power stations


04/06/2009


Heads of diplomatic representations of foreign states, accredited in Kyrgyzstan, will visit Toktogul and Kambarata hydroelectric power stations tomorrow.


The event will be organized by the foreign ministry jointly with the ministry of industry, energy and fuel resources and the state administration of Jalalabad oblast.

 


President K.Bakiyev orders to control implementation of “Taza Suu” Program


04/06/2009
 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev conducted a meeting yesterday to consider the preliminary results of the country’s socio-economic development for January-May 2009.


It was noted that the GDP for January-May 2009 has amounted to 57.4 billion soms, increasing by 0.1 percents in comparison with the last year’s similar period.

The volume of production has reduced in the republic. If the volume of industrial production was at the level of 75 percents for the first two months in comparison with the last year’s analogous period, then the months, it has increased up to 87.4 percents.


 It is connected regarding to standing enterprises such as Kant slate plant, Tashkumyr semiconductor plant, Mailysuu electric-bulb plant and others. Besides, it was opened new enterprises such as Alsai cement works (Osh oblast), a stone-working plant and a plant on production of gypsum and flour of gypsum (Jalabad oblast), Tokmok plant on processing of leather and others.


The prices for importing oil products, grain, flour, armature have reduced in two times in comparison with the last year’s prices.


The plan on filling up the state budget’s income part through collecting taxes has executed by 104.6 percents, customs fees – by 86.9 percents. The state budget’s revenues in comparison with the last year’s analogous period has increased by 3 billion 245 million soms. There are no debts on payment of pensions and allowances.


The head of state touched upon issues of providing population of remote regions with pure water. “The first channel showed that Tash-Bulak and Ak-Kiya villages of Naryn oblast suffer from absence of pure drinking water. These villages are included in a project of the World Bank within the framework of the “Taza Suu” Project. However, the problem is not solving and the local population has money to pay 5 percents of the total expenditures. There are of a lot of villages like these. That’s why it is necessary to help them”, - said K.Bakiyev. He ordered to take implementation of the “Taza Suu” Project under the strict control.

 


National Bank plans to issue 10 som coins


04/06/2009


Till the end of the year the National Bank plans to issue new 10 som coins. Deputy chairman of the National Bank Zair Chokoev told at the press conference in the National Bank.
According to his words, coins will replace 10 som banknotes gradually.

 


OSCE Centre supports dialogue between Kyrgyz elections authorities, civil society ahead of presidential election


03/06/2009


A conference to help prepare for the 23 July presidential election, organized by the Kyrgyz Central Elections Commission (CEC) with civil society groups and supported by the OSCE Centre and the German Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, was held in Bishkek today.


The conference aimed to foster dialogue between the authorities and civil society on conducting the election, the rights of observers and handling legal violations. The one-day event brought together some 80 participants from the Supreme Court, the Presidential administration, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the CEC and regional election commissions, civil society, political parties, media and the international community
“We are pleased with the interest of all parties participating in this dialogue. The points of discussion included ensuring a free and transparent election, equal opportunities for all candidates and OSCE standards on elections,” said Damir Lisovsky, the Chairman of the Kyrgyz Central Elections Commission. “But the main outcome of the meeting was a memorandum of understanding, ‘It’s the time of MY choice!’, which signed by representatives of the CEC and the Alliance of Civil Organizations.”


“The OSCE Centre emphasizes the importance of domestic observation of elections with the involvement of local non-governmental organizations. Their active participation lends authority to the electoral process and it strengthens the wider process of confidence-building and partnership between the authorities and civil society,” said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.


“It is of the utmost importance that elections are held in a fair and transparent way, and to achieve this. The CEC of the Kyrgyz Republic and civil society need to work together well,” said Peter Neven, the Deputy Chief of the German Embassy in Bishkek.


Dinara Oshurahunova, the President of the non-governmental organization Coalition for Democracy and Civil Society, added: “This joint conference further strengthened the dialogue between the authorities and civil society on issues which are of public importance, the forthcoming presidential election among them.”

 


Bishkek to hold international conference on SCO


03/06/2009


Experts from the Central Asian states are preparing for an international conference on the SCO, which is to be held in Issyk Kul on 5-6 June.


On the threshold of the international conference a press conference will be held in Bishkek on 3 June 2009. The experts will give their assessment of the SCO ability to become a major factor of union the region’s countries, consider the organization’s potential and etc.


The international conference “SCO as the factor of integration of Central Eurasia: potential of observer-states and neighbor-states” will be carried out in Issyk Kul on 5-6 June.


About 50 representatives of political and expert circles from Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Great Britain, France, Germany, the SCO Secretariat will take part in the conference.

 


Presentation of German agricultural machinery held in Bishkek


03/06/2009


Presentation of German agricultural machinery is held in Almaz farm in Sokuluk region of Chui oblast in frames of the Second republican agroindustrial forum “Day of fields of German agricultural machinery”.

 

Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Processin Industry Iskenderbek Aidaraliev, USAID Country Representative Pat Shapiro, representatices of other farms and financial institutes of the republic, international organizations and service companies took par in the forum.


In his welcoming speech Minister I. Aidaraliev expressed gratitude to German Technical Center (GTZ) and German Embassy in Kyrgyzstan for this opportunity.

 


Number of presidential candidates reduced up to 10


03/06/2009


The number of presidential candidates reduced up to 10 persons after one more candidate Askarbek Abyshev, director general of Kyrgyzcredit couldn’t present subscription lists to the Central Election Commission.


In total 20 candidates nominated, two of them E. Satybekov and D. Omurkulova withdrew their candidatures on April 14, I. Isakov and G. Estebesova also withdrew their candidatures on May 19. The CEC excluded from the list O. Bolturukov, who did not open his election fund. Two candidates A. Ulamaev and K. Eshenbaev did not pass Kyrgyz knowledge exam, J. Suyunaliev withdrew his candidature on June 2.

 


Ministry of Foreign Affairs renders aid to society of invalids


03/06/2009


In frames of celebration of the International Day of Children Protection the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rendered aid to the Republican society of invalids, Maternity and childhood protection center and the fund of twin sisters Zita and Gita Rezahanovs. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.


Besides, representatives of the women diplomatic club under the Ministry visited the infants’ house in Tokmok and handed over toys, food products and washing powders.


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been rendering aid to the Republican society of invalids for 5 years.

 


Children’s chess tournament to be held within the framework of SCO Summit


02/06/2009


An international children’s chess tournament will take place within the framework of the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will take place in the middle of June in Yekaterinburg. The tournament’s opening will take place on June 16 in Yekaterinburg’s state theater of variety art.


Young chess-players from the member-states and observers of SCO – teams of Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, India, Iran and Pakistan are invited to the tournament.

 


K.Bakiyev entrusts the capital’s mayor to work out and present a concrete development program of Bishkek


02/06/2009

 

“We were evidence of numerous programs, which remained on paper. I am setting now a quite different task – to work out a program, which will be carried out”, - said President Kurmanbek Bakiyev at a solemn opening ceremony of the Alatoo central square, which opened yesterday after reconstruction. The presidential press service reported it.

 

The head of state, delivering a speech here, said Bishkek must take a worthy place among the world’s capitals and become the center of international communications. Bishkek must become the city with the highest culture and educational level, able to provide all the necessities of life of its residents and guests.


President K.Bakiyev entrusted the mayor’s office to work out and present a concrete development program of the capital jointly with the government. Addressing to the townspeople, the head of state called them to keep cleanness and order at public places, love and treat to the city with care.


Later, the head of state pushed a button, which launched a musical fountain at the central square.

 


Kyrgyzstan’s national team invited to the Cup of Nehru


02/06/2009


India’s football federation officially invited the national team of Kyrgyzstan to participate in the traditional tournament “The Cup of Nehru”. A source in the football federation of Kyrgyzstan reported it.


According to the source, the tournament will take place in Delhi between August 19 and 31. The trip will be possible thanks to good mutual relations between two federations.


Besides, national teams of Thailand, Malaysia, Tajikistan, China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia and others will participate in the tournament.


Two years ago, Kyrgyzstan took the third place at the tournament and won three thousand dollars.

 


Qualifying matches of the AFC President’s Cup to be held in Bishkek


01/06/2009


Qualifying matches of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s Cup 2009 will take place on June 10, 12 and 14 in Bishkek’s Spartak stadium.


Dordoi-Dynamo will represent Kyrgyzstan.


On June 10, 2009 Dordoi-Dynamo will face with Yeedzin FC (Bhutan), Kan Baw Za (Myanmar) will play with Phnom Penh Crown (Cambodia).


On June June 12, 2009 Phnom Penh Crown will play with Dordoi-Dynamo, Yeedzin FC will play with Kan Baw Za.


On June 14, 2009 Phnom Penh Crown will play with Yeedzin FC, Dordoi-Dynamo will play with Kan Baw Za.

 


Exhibition entitled “Corruption through Eyes of Children” opened at GAI


01/06/2009


An exhibition entitled “Corruption through Eyes of Children” opened today at the Road Traffic Inspectorate (GAI). Head of the department for PR and mass media of the Anticorruption Business Council under the national agency on warning corruption Baktybek Rysaliev told it.


“It is necessary to create a reliable system of preventive measures in order to fight with corruption as it is easier to warn it then to fight”, - said B.Rysaliev.


Over one hundred pictures, compositions and essays exhibited here. “The pictures and essays of children show that they are informed well about corruption in the country. Children offer their own recipes in order to fight with this evil”, - said B.Rysaliev.


The exhibition will last till June 7.

 


OSCE Centre supports investigative journalism in southernmost Kyrgyzstan


29/05/2009


An OSCE-supported training course ending today helped journalists from across southwestern Kyrgyzstan sharpen their investigative skills.


The three-day course, organized by the Batken Media Resource Centre and supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek’s Field Office in Osh, brought together 20 journalists from across the Batken Province, including the remote Leilek and Kadamjay districts.


“Professional investigative journalism forms a key and indispensable function in an open society. It has the potential to shed light and clarify the underlying reasons of any social problem, and it is regarded as an effective tool against corruption and other complex problems,” said Hugo Karlsson, the Head of OSCE Field Office in Osh.


Mamajan Berdishev, Batken Province Administration press secretary, added: “Investigative journalism is a new trend in our country, especially on television. The regions lacked such opportunities, and the Batken media did not have the capacity or resources to carry out such journalism. Hence, this training course is timely and useful.”


The training course formed part of the OSCE Centre’s programme on Media Development and Freedom.

 


OSCE Centre supports course on investigating post-blast crime scenes for Kyrgyz police


29/05/2009


Kyrgyz police officers conclude a two-week OSCE-supported course tomorrow on investigating crime scenes where explosions have occurred.


The 19 participants - forensic experts from the police and interior ministry troops as well as Kyrgyz Police Academy and Justice Ministry officials - learned how to use multimedia kits and took part in practical sessions during the course, supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.


Russian Col. Alexey Stetskevich, Head of the Explosion and Fire Examination Unit at the Russian Interior Ministry’s Forensic Centre, demonstrated how to carry out a crime scene inspection after an explosion while keeping in mind the threat of additional explosions and how to deal with suspicious objects.


“This course aimed to provide professional development for forensic experts with the ultimate goal of improving crime detection and investigation,” said Evgeny Cherenkov, the OSCE Centre’s Police Reform Programme Manager.


Kanat Imanaliev, Head of the Forensic Centre at the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry added: “This course is immensely important because unprofessional crime scene inspection after explosions represents a real danger both to police and the population. Now the officers will be able to do the inspection in accordance with all safety rules and ensure that evidence is protected.”


The technical support to the Kyrgyz forensic service is part of the OSCE Centre’s Police reform Programme, which aims to strengthen the institutional, operational and educational capacity of the Kyrgyz Police and reinforce its legal framework.

 

 

 

Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland mark 15th anniversary of bilateral cooperation


24/04/2009


April 24. A solemn event on occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Kyrgyz-Swiss cooperation took place yesterday at the T.Satylganov national philharmonic society. Official representatives of the government of Kyrgyzstan, diplomatic missions and various international organizations, accredited in Kyrgyzstan attended it.


Switzerland is one of the key partners of Kyrgyzstan and leading donors in many fields of cooperation. Kyrgyzstan’s cooperation with Switzerland is started in 1992.


The diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland were established on February 14, 1992.


In November 1994 it was signed an official treaty on cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland, and in 1996 it was opened the office of the Swiss Bureau for Cooperation.


Switzerland allocated Kyrgyzstan about 175 million dollars in the kind of technical and humanitarian assistances since the years of cooperation.


Successful implementation of projects in Kyrgyzstan assisted in effective development of private sector, introduction of new mechanisms of banking financing and crediting small and medium business, improving the competitiveness of private business and enterprises, creating favorable business environment and improving investment climate.


Switzerland is a mountainous partner of Kyrgyzstan and actively participated in conducting the First Global Mountain Summit in Bishkek in 2004.

 


Farmers’ party of Kyrgyzstan nominates its candidate for presidential race


24/04/2009


The farmers’ party of Kyrgyzstan nominates Kuttukbek Asylbekov to participate in the presidential elections, which will take place on July 23, 2009. The presidential candidate told it.


According to K.Asylbekov, his candidacy was nominated by members of the party and he will file application to the Central Election Commission (CEC) today.


The party will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year.

 


K.Bakiyev received Metropolitan of Bishkek and Central Asia Vladimir


23/04/2009
 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev received Metropolitan of Bishkek and Central Asia Vladimir.


The head of state congratulated the Metropolitan on the Easter, which celebrated on Sunday and wished happiness and successes. The head of state also expressed thanks to the Metropolitan for the Holy Fire, which brought to Kyrgyzstan after the Easter.

Kurmanbek Bakiyev and Metropolitan Vladimir talked about a situation in the country in the field of religion, the Orthodox church’s role in preservation of international concord in the republic, about interaction of confessions for the welfare of Kyrgyzstan’s people.


It was noted that there is a mutual respect, friendship and mutual understanding between the Muslims and Orthodox believers of the country.

 


Kyrgyzstan’s government does not negotiate with USA on the Manas airbase


23/04/2009


KABAR, April 23. There are no negotiations between Kyrgyzstan and USA on the Manas airbase. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov told it at the parliament’s session.


This question was raised by parliamentarian Gulnara Derbisheva, who asked I.Chudinov to give detailed information on the Manas airbase, staying on the republic’s territory.


“We are not conducting negotiations with the United States on the Manas airbase. The intergovernmental commission is carrying out a work on withdrawing the airbase from the republic”, - said I.Chudinov.

 


World Bank supports investments in Clean Water in Kyrgyz Republic


23/04/2009


The World Bank on April 22 approved the equivalent of US$10 million in financing to support water supply and sanitation efforts in the Kyrgyz Republic.


The Second Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project is targeted at improving access to potable water in the participating communities and at improving hygiene and sanitation in rural areas and will reduce the number of waterborne diseases in project communities.


“Improving the access to water for people in the Kyrgyz Republic means that people in rural areas – particularly mothers — can spend less time worrying about their water supply and more time supporting their families,” says Roger Robinson, Country Manager for Kyrgyz Republic. “This project is going to help improve living standards, and ultimately improve the health of people in rural areas.”


“The project will improve the condition of rural water infrastructure and equipment, by fixing or expanding existing water supply systems and will also provide technical assistance in water systems maintenance.

 

Sanitation and hygiene will also be promoted including the importance of sanitary latrine construction and the project will develop capacity in the Kyrgyz Government in order that they can better manage rural water systems,” the World Bank announced.


The project will be financed by the International Development Association (IDA), the arm of the World Bank which supports the world’s poorest countries. US$5.5 Million Equivalent will be in the form of an IDA Credit, repayable over 40 years with a 10 year grace period, while US$4.5 Million Equivalent will be an IDA grant.

 


Memorial evening of Chingiz Aitmatov to be held in Paris


23/04/2009


Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Brussels Jyrgalbek Azylov told Kyrgyz journalists, who arrived in Belgium to participate in a workshop of NATO, that the Kyrgyz embassy plans to conduct a memorial evening of Chingiz Aitmatov in June 2009 in the UNECSO’s headquarters in Paris. UNESCO Secretary General Koichiro Matsuura, officials, heads of diplomatic representations that accredited in Paris, artists from Kyrgyzstan are invited to the event.


The embassy of Kyrgyzstan organized yesterday in Brussels a special reception for journalists, who arrived to participate in the workshop.


Chingiz Aitmatov headed the embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Brussels, which also represented the interests of Kyrgyzstan in France, Netherlands and Luxemburg, NATO and UNESCO.


The workshop of NATO, which devoted to the 60th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, will start today in Brussels. Editor-in-chief of the “Kyrgyz Tuusu” newspaper Kiyaz Moldokasymov, deputy editor-in-chief of the “Slovo Kyrgyzstan” newspaper Olga Bezborodova, producer of the “ElTR” TV Channel Bolotbek Tabaldiev, correspondent of the “Erkin Too” newspaper Symbat Maksutova and director of the “Kabar” News Agency Naryn Ayip will represent Kyrgyzstan at the workshop.


Journalists will meet with NATO’s Special Representative for Central Asia and the Caucasus Robert Simmons, NATO’s Regional Representative for Central Asia Yeter Yaman-Naukodi and other representatives of the Organization to discuss relations between NATO and the countries of Central Asia, between NATO and Russia, the current operations of NATO in Afghanistan.

 


U.S. Envoy: Tajik base not alternative to Manas


22/04/2009


U.S. Assistant Secretary Of State Richard Boucher said in Dushanbe that a new agreement for a U.S. base in Tajikistan is not an “alternate” to the U.S. air base in Kyrgyzstan that it must vacate, RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty reported.


Boucher met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi, and three opposition party officials during his two-day trip.


Because the United States does “a lot of different things through the base on Manas,” Boucher said, “it is not just a matter of picking it up [in Kyrgyzstan] and putting it over there [in Tajikistan].”


He also said that the United States has six months to discuss Manas’s closure with the Kyrgyz authorities, after which Washington will decide what to do.

 


A.Japarov to participate in a forum of the Doing Business Reformers’ Club


22/04/2009


Minister of economic development and trade of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov has left for Vienna (Austria) to participate in the annual forum of the Doing Business Reformers’ Club devoted to results of reforms, carried out in the world in 2008.


Representatives of those countries, which entered the global top ten reformers in 2008, are invited to the forum. The Kyrgyz Republic entered the global ten reformers, showing the most dynamic promotion of regulatory reforms. The country in the rating went up to the 68th place from 99th place.


The meeting is organized by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation with the support of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance. It is the third annual event to celebrate the world’s top business regulation reformers — the first meeting in 2007 was held in Washington, D.C., and the second meeting and investor seminar was held in 2008 at the New York Stock Exchange.

 


Four candidates pretend to presidential chair


22/04/2009


Only four presidential candidates have registered presently in the Central Election Commission (CEC).

 

Deputy head of the working commission on reception of documents for the presidential post Jamila Alymbekova told it.


President of the union of industrialists and entrepreneurs of Kyrgyzstan Akbaraly Aytikeev and teacher from Chui oblast Murat Borombaev have filed their applications to the CEC.


The presidential candidate, according to the election code, should open an election fund within five days after the registration. Presidential candidates Ismail Isakov and Jenishbek Nazaraliev have already opened their elections funds.


M.Borombaev and A.Aytikeev should open their elections funds till April 26.


The CEC refused to register leader of the unregistered patriotic party of Kyrgyzstan Nazarbek Nyshanov, who did not open his election fund in time.

 


CSTO to add aircraft at airbase in Kyrgyzstan


21/04/2009


The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will send more planes to the Kant air base in Kyrgyzstan, the head of the military alliance announced Monday.


Russia plans to increase the number of the military aircraft at the Kant base in line with the security situation in Central Asia and Afghanistan, CSTO Secretary-General Nikolai Bordyuzha said during a visit to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.


The Russia’s base, located in the suburbs of Bishkek, is an important outpost in Central Asia for CSTO’s rapid reaction force.


N.Bordyuzha said, the major arrangement for the base is to provide air protection for CSTO’s rapid reaction force, and the base needs more planes to enhance its combat capacities.


The Kant base was commissioned in October 2003. There are now 500 Russian troops and over 20 planes.

 


K.Bakiyev received CSTO Secretary General N.Bordyuzha (video)


20/04/2009 18:49


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev received Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Nikolai Bordyuzha, who informed the head of state about preparations for a summit of the Council of Collective Security of the CSTO, scheduled for June 14 in Moscow.


In N.Bordyuzha’s words, it is preparing a package of documents regarding to activities of the CSTO’s Rapid Reaction Forces, it is activating cooperation on counteracting to illegal drug circulation and other kinds of organized criminality, coordination of foreign-policy activities of the CSTO member-states.


During the talks, it were touched upon issues related to conducting the informal summit of the leaders of the CSTO member-states in Cholponata in July 2009, issues of equipping with modern arms, technique of the CSTO member-states, strengthening the Kant airbase, providing security in Central Asia.

 


Informal summit of leaders of CSTO member states to be held in Cholpon-Ata


20/04/2009


The informal summit of the leaders of the CSTO member states will be held in the summer of 2009 in the city of Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan. The Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, Adahan Madumarov, informed at the press conference in the House of Government.


According to A. Madumarov, the meeting of the country leaders of CSTO member states is planned for the end of July - the beginning of August. Kyrgyzstan has already prepared for this summit. “The questions that will be discussed at the meeting are now being studied,” he noted.

 


Opposition names A.Atambayev as a single candidate at the presidential elections


20/04/2009


The Kyrgyz opposition has nominated ex-Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev, who is now the leader of the Social Democratic Party, as a single opposition candidate at the presidential elections, scheduled for July 23, 2009.


“I didn’t want to run, but that was the decision of the United People’s Movement and I must obey,” Atambayev told reporters, referring to the coalition.


Announcing the nomination, opposition leader Omurbek Tekebayev said: “After months of consultations and wrangling our choice falls on…Atambayev, since we don’t have time to untangle the new politics of the (coalition).”


According to O.Tekebayev, ex-Defence Minister Ismail Isakov will be Atambayev’s stand-by.


Atambayev, 42, twice ran for presidency in Kyrgyzstan: in 2000 he campaigned against Askar Akayev (he got 6.02 per cent of votes), and in 2005 he withdrew his candidature. In 2007 he accepted the proposal to be appointed prime minister, but eight months later he resigned from the post.

 


Mass media should refrain from agitation for benefit of presidential candidates till June 18


20/04/2009


Mass media should refrain from agitation in for benefit of presidential candidates till June 18, 2009. Member of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kyrgyzstan Samat Borubaev told it.


According to him, a special group on providing electors with information, which set up for this purpose, will carry out monitoring of publications. “Over 133 mass media registered in the CEC to cover the presidential elections. They should observe the rules of the Election Code”, - said S.Borubaev.


“The election campaign will start on June 18 and registration of candidates will end this day”, - said S.Borubaev.


S.Borubaev said the presidential candidates will have equal rights in conducting the election campaign.

 


CSTO Secretary General to visit Kyrgyzstan


18/04/2009


Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Nikolai Bordyuzha will pay a visit to Kyrgyzstan between April 20 and 23.


The visit’s goal is to inform the republic’s leadership about preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Council of Collective Security of the CSTO, about results of fulfillment of decisions of the Council of Collective Security and discuss issues of cooperation with the member-states of the CSTO, formation of the CSTO’s Rapid Reaction Forces.


N.Bordyuzha will be received by President K.Bakiyev, and will meet with Secretary of the Security Council, Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev, heads of the republic’s law-enforcement bodies.


The CSTO Secretary General will participate in a conference in Osh, the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan.

 


Kyrgyzstan focuses on police reform


18/04/2009


Security experts from Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey met Friday at a conference to address ways to reform Kyrgyzstan’s police.


The conference, sponsored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, brought together more than 150 experts to discuss police reforms and developing a national program to counter transnational criminal groups trafficking illicit drugs in Kyrgyzstan and throughout Central Asia, the OSCE reported.


Officials said the conference Friday, which marked the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry Police Academy’s 40th anniversary, was designed to establish ways to improve the Kyrgyz police’s capabilities and its role in the country.


“The education and training that the police receive has a direct bearing on the quality of their professionalism and service delivery to the public,” Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, head of the OSCE Center in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.


“The OSCE organized this conference to support consolidating and improving the content and direction of that education, drawing on a wide range of experience and views.”

 


Representatives of 154 national minorities live in Kyrgyzstan


17/04/2009


Representatives of 154 national minorities live n Kyrgyzstan. Head of the people’s assembly of Kyrgyzstan Janyl Tumenbaeva told at the assembly’s sixth kurultai (congress).


According to her, the number of over 80 representatives of nationalities makes more than 100 thousand people and the assembly is doing everything to develop and keep friendly relations between them.


“The assembly includes more than 30 ethnic organizations, has 2 departments in Osh and Jalalabad oblasts.

 

Besides, the assembly has branches of ethnic organizations all regions of Kyrgyzstan, except Naryn”, - said J.Tumenbaeva.

 


K.Bakiyev congratulated Christians on Easter


17/04/2009
 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiev congratulated all Orthodox Christians of the republic on the Easter, which will be celebrated on Sunday, April 19.


“Easter in Kyrgyzstan is a sign of appreciation and respect to various religious values from the side of all citizens and the state authorities. This holiday is a symbolic confirmation of Kyrgyzstan’s devotion to spiritual and moral traditions, like any country along its development,” K.Bakiev said.


“All citizens of Kyrgyzstan regardless of their religion strive for peace, well-being, understanding and prosperity. Every family wishes happiness and good health for their children”, said the head of state.

K.Bakiyev wished Christians the happiness, strong health, peace, prosperity and all the best!

 


The Central Asian Handicraft Fair opens in Bishkek


17/04/2009


The Central Asian Handicraft Fair representing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan opens today in Bishkek, in front of the American University of Central Asia (AUCA).


Organizers of the fair are the Central Asian Craftsmen Support Association (CACSA) and AUCA.


At the fair, visitors will have a chance to be exposed to various works of craftsmen, which comply with the requirements of modern markets while preserving traditional methods of production. Bright Uzbek textiles and scarves made of pure wool, exclusive clothing from natural hand-made textiles, ceramics and unique embroidery, excellent Turkmen carpets, fashionable Kyrgyz scarves made of felt, headgear, clothing and souvenirs, sparkling Kazakh jewelry made of silver, artifacts from barks, knitted goods and much more will be presented at the fair.


The fair’s goal is to offer residents and guests of the city a wide variety of high-quality gifts and souvenirs made by famous Central Asian craftsmen at reasonable prices, the AUCA reported.

 


OSCE Centre supports public-private partnership conference to combat terrorism threat in southern Kyrgyzstan


17/04/2009


An OSCE Centre-supported conference on how co-operation in public-private partnerships can contribute to the fight against terrorism gathered more than 80 state, civil society and business officials for two days of discussions that ended yesterday, the OSCE press release says.


Participants looked at ways to co-operate more effectively locally and nationally to control extremism. Examples of successful and failed cases also were discussed during the conference, organized by the State Committee on National Security, the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the Foreign Ministry.


Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said the meeting, which followed a regional Central Asian conference held last year in Bishkek, was useful because it focused on southern Kyrgyzstan: “The discussions probed the symptoms and causes of threats posed by terrorism and radicalization in this region specifically and highlighted the vital role that the various parts of society - government, civil society, businesses and citizens - can play in their deterrence.”


Tolon Turganbaev, Deputy Head of the Foreign Ministry’s Department for International Relations , added: “Generally in Kyrgyzstan, state structures use law enforcement methods to combat terrorism. This conference helps show how the work of private structures, non-governmental organizations and the media can contribute significantly to the Government’s efforts in this area.”


The event was part of the OSCE Centre’s support for the Kyrgyz authorities’ antiterrorism work.

 


The Sixth Kurultai of People’s Assembly of Kyrgyzstan will take place in Bishkek today


17/04/2009


The sixth kurultai (congress) of the People’s Assembly of Kyrgyzstan will take place in Bishkek today at the A.Maldybaev opera and ballet theater. 450 delegates from all over regions of the country will attend the kurultai and discuss issues of inter-ethnic relations, the assembly’s activities. President Kurmanbek Bakiyev is elected the kurultai’s honorary chairman.


The kurultai carry out every four years and the fifth one was held on August 5, 2006 and on occasion of the assembly’s 15th anniversary it is decided to conduct the sixth congress in 2009.

 


National Bank to issue renewed banknotes


16/04/2009


The National Bank will issue the renewed banknotes of 20, 50 and 100 soms. Deputy chairman of the National Bank Zair Chokoev told at the press conference. The last time banknotes was renewed 8 years ago.

 


Secretary General of CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly to visit Kyrgyzstan


15/04/2009


Secretary General of the CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly Mikhail Krotov will arrive in Bishkek tomorrow. The parliament’s press service reported it.


During M.Krotov’s official visit, a meeting with speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) Aytibai Tagaev is expected. The parliament’s honorary diploma will be handed over to him.


M.Krotov and vice-speaker of the parliament Cholpon Baekova will honor winners of the CIS Inter-parliament Assembly’s contest “The parliament of future”.


M.Krotov will also give a press conference to journalists.


The guest is also expected to meet with head of the presidential administration Daniyar Usenov and chairman of the Central Election Commission Damir Lisovskiy.

 


Association of Bulgarians to open a council of all Bulgarians of Kyrgyzstan


15/04/2009


The association of Bulgarians will open a council of all Bulgarians of Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyz-Bulgarian cultural center. Head of the public union of Bulgarians of Kyrgyzstan Larisa Tashmatova told it.


“We are ready to assist and open Kyrgyzstan’s consulate in Bulgaria and Bulgaria’s consulate in Kyrgyzstan”, - she said.


The association of Bulgarians is preparing to participate actively in carrying out projects of the people’s assembly of Kyrgyzstan.


“We hope the people’s assembly of Kyrgyzstan will be our ally and we are ready to participate actively in carrying out projects and initiatives of the people’s assembly”, - she added.

 


Over 300 students to participate in construction of Kambarata hydroelectric power station


15/04/2009


Over 300 students will participate in construction of the Kambarata-2 hydroelectric power station.

 

Representatives of the republican club of students groups told during a meeting with commanders of students groups. President of the Ak-Keme hotel Ruslan Sarymsakov, director of the youth labor registry office Aziz Idrisov and representatives of business structures attended the meeting.


According to participants of the meeting, it is expected to organize students groups, which will comprise over 12 thousand people. Last year, 47 students groups from 19 educational institutions worked in the country’s territory. The total number of groups made up 7 thousand 536 hundred people.

 


International Exhibition “BishkekBuild-2009” opens today


15/04/2009


The 7th Kyrgyz International Exhibition «Construction & Interiors, Heating & Ventilation, Windows, Doors & Facades» - “BishkekBuild-2009” opens today in the capital of Kyrgyzstan at the Kojomkul sports palace.

 

Director of the ITECA-Alatoo exhibition company Victor Linovitskiy told at a press conference at the “Kabar” News Agency. According to him, organizers of the exhibition, which will last till April 19, are the Kyrgyz exhibition company ITECA-Alatoo jointly with international partners ITE Group Plc.Great Britain and Iteca Kazakhstan. Official supporter of the exhibition are the government of Kyrgyzstan and state agency on architecture and construction of Kyrgyzstan.


“Organizers plan that about 2 thousand people will visit the exhibition”, - the press conference’s participants said.


Stats-secretary of the state agency on architecture and construction Usenaly Bekishov emphasized the exhibition’s importance for participants and visitors that there will be a chance to establish strong and business relations, receive information about condition of the building market in Kyrgyzstan.

 


Y.Shygaev’s personal exhibition “The Nomad” to take place in Moscow


14/04/2009


An exhibition of people’s painter of Kyrgyzstan, director of the Kyrgyz national museum of fine arts Yuristanbek Shygaev entitled “The Nomad” will take place in Moscow’s central house of painters on April 22.

 

Pro-rector of the Kyrgyz national conservatory Ekaterina Luzanova told at a press conference at the “Kabar” News Agency.


The exhibition is devoted to Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov. About 50 works will be exhibited.


Organizers of the exhibition: the association of international confederation of painters’ union of CIS, the ministry of culture and information and the painters’ union of Kyrgyzstan. The exhibition will last will May 6.

 


Prominent therapist Jenishbek Nazaraliev to run in the presidential elections


13/04/2009


Jenishbek Nazarliev, the therapist for alcoholics or drug abusers, famous in Kyrgyzstan and abroad, submitted the registration documents to Central Elections Committee of Kyrgyzstan, thus, nominating himself for presidential elections on July 23 in Kyrgyzstan.


Jenishbek Nazarliev participated in the presidential rally in 2005. In the last moment he left the campaign.


Jenishbek Nazaraliev own private clinical unit, focusing on non-traditional treatment method for drug addicts.

 


Kyrgyz CEC formed election commissions


13/04/2009


Kyrgyzstan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has established regional and city election commissions of 482 members, including representatives of political parties. On March 30 the formation of regional and city election commissions finished.


The commissions include 303 men and 180 women. 343 of them have higher education, 95 - secondary education and 45 - specialized secondary education.


32 people at the age of 35, 139 people aged between 36 and 45, and 312 members are aged above 45.

 


CEC registers representatives of Ismail Isakov


13/04/2009


The Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan conducted a meeting to consider an issue of registering plenipotentiaries of presidential candidate Ismail Isakov.


The CEC adopted a resolution and registered plenipotentiaries of I.Isakov, who filed application to the CEC about intention to run for the president of Kyrgyzstan.


The CEC registered Bekmamat Mataev as well as 24 citizens – plenipotentiaries of the presidential candidate.

 


K.Sarbaev to attend the CIS Foreign Ministers Council in Ashgabat


09/04/2009

 

Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev will attend a session of the CIS Foreign Ministers Council, which will take place in Ashgabat on April 10. Its agenda consists of about 20 items concerning a number of key directions for multilateral cooperation within the Commonwealth framework.

 

During the session, the FMC will consider a set of important documents in security, migration, and anti-crime cooperation. The major ones are the Draft Agreements on the Exchange of Anti-Crime Information and on Cooperation in the Investigation of Aviation Accidents Involving State-owned Aircraft of Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The ministers will discuss the drafts of a Council of Heads of State Decision concerning Amendments and Modifications to the Regulation on the CIS Interior Ministers Council and of a Council of Heads of Government Decision on the Regulations for Cultural and Sporting Events of Border Agencies of the CIS Member States, conducted within the framework of the Council of Commanders of Border Forces.

 

They will hear a communication on the Group for the elaboration of proposals on a coordinated migration policy of the CIS member states. In the Group’s previous meetings, its participants reviewed the migration situation, along with the list of juridical acts adopted in the CIS framework and undergoing refinement and harmonization, and scrutinized proposals from member states for improvements in the CIS juridical base for migration cooperation.

 


Kyrgyzstan’s population made up 5 million 300 thousand people


09/04/2009


The number of Kyrgyz citizens as a result of the nationwide population and housing census made up 5 million 300 thousand people. Deputy head of the national statistics committee Akylbek Osmonaliev told it.


According to him, this is a preliminary data. “We have not yet received results of two remote ayil okmots of Toktogul region, Jalalabad oblast. The exact number of Kyrgyzstan’s population will be known after receiving information from these regions”, - A.Osmonaliev said.


In A.Osmonaliev’s words, 200 thousand people were temporarily absent during the census. “The reason is internal or external migration”, - he added.

 


Exhibition of agricultural technique “Technoexpo-2009” opens in Bishkek


09/04/2009


An international exhibition of agricultural technique “Technoexpo-2009” will open in Bishkek tomorrow.

 

Leading specialist of the marketing department of Kyrgyzresourse state enterprise Taalaibek Mangiy uulu told at a press conference at the “Kabar” News Agency.


Agricultural technique of the world’s leading producers: Belarus, Russia, China, Turkey, Italy and domestic manufacture will be exhibited at the exhibition. Besides, Kyrgyz food-processing enterprises and agricultural producers from all over regions of the republic will exhibit their products.


The exhibition will open within the framework of a forum “Creation of favorable conditions for export and regional commerce”.


It is expected to conclude contracts on supplying technique, equipment and spare parts.

 


Kyrgyzstan joins EurAsEC Anti-Crisis Fund


08/04/2009


Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Finance Marat Sultanov has announced accession of Kyrgyzstan to the EurAsEC Anti-Crisis Fund at a press conference following the results of a meeting of finance ministers of the EurAsEC member-states in Russia; Kazinform reports.


According to M.Sultanov, the Anti-Crisis Fund initiated by Russia will form about USD 10 bln.


The contribution of Russia will make up USD 8 bln. The Kyrgyz Minister informed that these resources would be spent to support the countries with weak economy in the crisis period.


According to M.Sultanov, contribution of Kyrgyzstan to the Fund will amount to USD 1 mln and can be increased in future.

 


The kurultai of Moslems to be held in Kyrgyzstan


08/04/2009


The third kurultai (congress) of Moslems will take place on April 25. It was decided at yesterday’s meeting of the Spiritual Department of Moslems of Kyrgyzstan.


220 delegates from all over regions of the country will attend the congress. The Spiritual Department of Moslems also accepted a resolution, banning religious workers to interfere in politics. Mosques and madrasah should not enagage in political agitations.


During the meeting it was discussed issues of uniform of religious workers in order to dress with equal uniforms.

 


Three presidential candidates filed applications to CEC


07/04/2009


Three presidential candidates filed applications to the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kyrgyzstan.
“The candidates have not presented all necessary documents. They announced only their intentions to run for the post of president of Kyrgyzstan”, - a source in the CEC said.


These are secretary general of unregistered patriotic party of Kyrgyzstan Nazarbek Nyshanov, chairwoman of the “Mudrost” (Wisdom) political party Damira Omurkulova and ex-defense minister Ismail Isakov.


Earlier ex-ombudsman Tursunbai Bakir uulu and doctor Kubanychbek Apas, who live in Russia, expressed their desires to participate in the presidential race.


Registration of candidates for the post of president shall terminate 35 calendar days prior to the elections’ day, i.e. till June 17, 2009.


The presidential elections will take place on July 23, 2009.

 


Delegation of the Olympic Council of Asia to visit Kyrgyzstan today


06/04/2009


A delegation of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) arrives in Kyrgyzstan today. The state agency on physical training and sport, youth affairs and protection of children told it.


The delegation will be headed by President of the Olympic Council of Asia Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.
The visit’s goal is to develop further cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the Olympic Council of Asia, attract investments to Kyrgyzstan’s economy and sport.


The delegation is expected to meet with President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. During the meeting, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah will present OCA’s Olympic Order to K.Bakiyev.


Besides, the delegation intends to meet with Prime Minister Igor Chudinov to discuss investment projects.


Members of the delegation will familiarize with Kyrgyz national kinds of sport on April 7.

 


OSCE Centre in Bishkek donates cars, communication equipment to support prison safety reforms


03/04/2009


The OSCE Centre in Bishkek donated three cars and 30 radio mobile communications sets to Kyrgyzstan’s penitentiary administration, the State Department on Executive Punishment (GUIN), in a ceremony today.


The equipment, which will be used by rapid response units, was donated as part of OSCE Centre projects to support prevention and resolution of conflicts in prison institutions, and to strengthen safety measures in prisons.


At the ceremony, Deputy Justice Minister Sergey Zubov said: “We are thankful to the OSCE Centre and personally to Andrew Tesoriere for our reform co-operation. This contribution will enable us to maintain a stable and safe atmosphere in the prison institutions.”


Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of OSCE Centre in Bishkek, added: “The OSCE’s support for Kyrgyzstan’s penal sector cares for the welfare and safety of both those in custody and the Penal Administration, “GUIN”. The OSCE hopes that this presentation of equipment to GUIN will ultimately benefit warden and prisoner alike. ”


In December 2008 the OSCE Centre donated a bus and winter garments and refurbished a sports centre for a GUIN special forces unit. The OSCE Centre also continues to support improvements to penitentiary living conditions and access to medical and legal welfare.

 


Laws on denunciation of the agreements on the Manas airbase with 11 countries signed


03/04/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed numerous laws on denunciation of the agreements on the Manas airbase with 11 countries - participants in the international antiterrorist coalition.


The law, which terminates agreements with Australia, Denmark, Italy, Spain, South Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Turkey and France, was passed by an overwhelming majority in parliament on March 6.


K.Bakiyev signed a decree to close the Manas airbase on February 20. Kyrgyzstan officially notified Washington about the termination of the agreement on a U.S. military presence at the base, and gave it 180 days to withdraw some 1,200 personnel, aircraft and other equipment.


The base, staffed mainly by U.S. Air Force personnel, had been used since 2001 to support NATO operations in nearby Afghanistan.

 


Ninth meeting of the AgFinance Working Group takes place in Bishkek


02/04/2009


The ninth meeting of the AgFinance Working Group takes place in Bishkek at the Bishkek Hyatt Regency. The meeting is organized by the USAID-funded Central Asia Microfinance Alliance Project (CAMFA II).


The meeting will bring together representatives of banking and non-banking financial institutions, governmental agencies, donors, and business associations, and is focused on those who directly or indirectly promote the development of the rural and agricultural finance sectors in the Kyrgyz Republic.


The topic of the meeting is Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) as agents for commercial banks.


Many Kyrgyz MFIs operate in remote rural areas where they have good knowledge of local communities, but few of these MFIs have the capacity to provide the wide array of financial services demanded by the public due to lack of capital. On the other hand, many of the commercial banks in Kyrgyzstan are interested in reaching new clients in rural areas, but they are unwilling to establish branches there because they will not be profitable. In the light of this situation, expanded cooperation between MFIs and banks looks attractive for all sides involved.

 


The second nationwide population and housing census completes today


02/04/2009

 

The second nationwide population and housing census in Kyrgyzstan completes today. Head of the national statistics committee of Kyrgyzstan Orozmat Abdykalykov told it.


To date over 4 million people took a census that makes 90% of the total number. “More than 13 thousand people involved in the census campaign. It is going on according to schedule. Besides, our citizens are actively participating in the census”, - said O.Abdykalykov.

The second nationwide population and housing census is started in the republic on March 24, 2009. It is allocated 172 million soms from the budget for this purpose. The results will be announced by the national statistics committee in a two months. On the results of the census, it will be drawn free of charge lottery and a winner will get a flat in Bishkek.

 


‘Silk Road’ to open call center for Central Asians


31/03/2009


The Silk Road Foundation, aiming to bring South Korea and Central Asian nations more closely together, is set to open a call center at its Seoul headquarters. “Migrant workers and students from Central Asia encounter a great deal of difficulty, from using credit cards to getting medical service and leasing homes,” said Kim Won-ho, chairman of the foundation, Monday.

 

The non-profit foundation was launched last September as the first private channel to bridge South Korea and Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhastan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. “The call center will provide much-needed information in Russian and help Central Asians overcome hardship, mostly due to differences in systems, while residing in Korea,” Kim said. The Central Asia Hotline (070-7438-3967) will operate during business hours from Monday to Friday. “Despite increased trade and strengthened relations between the two sides, no other non-governmental entity existed to promote economic and socio-cultural exchanges,” said Kim. The foundation has thus far focused on cultural exchange programs, successfully holding cultural festivals in both South Korea and Central Asian countries. It plans to hold Korean culture festivals in Kazakhastan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and a concert in Seoul by inviting Kazakh tenor Alibek Dnishev.

 

“Though we’ve focused on cultural exchanges, we’re trying to broaden the scope of our activities,” Kim said. “In fact, we’ve facilitated Uzebk cherries, melons and pomegranates enter the Korean market and will assist at President Lee Myung-bak’s forthcoming summits in the Central Asian region in May.”

 


Length of Chinese-Kyrgyz-Uzbek railway will be 668,4 km


31/03/2009


The legth of Chinese-Kyrgyz-Uzbek railway will be 668,4 kilometers. Chief of railway design and construction department of Kyrgyz Temir Jolu state enterprise Kanat Abdykerimov told today at the meeting in the Government House with the participation of Firest Vice Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov.


Relief on which the railway will be built stipulates for construction of many largest engineering structures: 48 tonnels, 95 bridges, 5 double-track sections, 4 retransmitting stations.


K. Abdykerimov stressed that construction of the railway will allow to shorten the way from East Asia to the Middle East and South Europe up to 900 kilometers and the transportation term up to 7-8 days, to develop transport infrastructure of Central Asian countries.


According to preliminary calculation, about 2 billion dollars needs for contruction of the railway.

 


Vatican and Kyrgyzstan discussed bilateral cooperation


31/03/2009


Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan B. Kalambekova met on Monday in Bishkek with newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio of Holy Land (Vatican) to Kyrgyzstan HE archbishop Migel Mauri Buendia. The press service of the MFA reports.


At the meeting archbishop Migel Mauri Buendia presented copies of credentials of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


During the meeting the sides discussed the issues of bilateral cooperation of Vatican and Kyrgyzstan as well as interaction in frames of international organizations.

 


“Dordoi-Dynamo” signed contracts with two foreign players


30/03/2009


“Dordoi-Dynamo” signed contracts with two foreign players: Michael Oyesanya and Yevgeniy Harisov. Boris Podkorytov, the “Dordoi-Dynamo” football club’s director general told at a press conference.


According to him, Nigerian defender M.Oyesanya will play in the team as first defender. The contract with him signed for three years. Earlier he played for “Starlet” club (Lagos).


Besides, it is concluded the contract with goal-keeper Y.Harisov for three years. Y.Harison played in the high league of Turkmenistan’s championship.

 


A meeting of the Investment Council takes place in Bishkek


30/03/2009


A meeting of the Investment Council under the President of Kyrgyzstan takes place in the Government House. The meeting is chairing by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


The meeting is discussing issues of executing decisions of the Investment Council by the government and implementation of the government’s action plan on improving indicators of the country in international ratings on the World Bank Report “Doing Business”, results of implementing pilot projects on optimizing normative legal base that regulating entrepreneurship activities, implementation of a project on introducing the “common window” principle and improving customs administration and others.


The meeting is expected to accept concrete decisions and recommendations.


The Investment Council was set up in February 2007 with a purpose of carrying out unified state policy on issues of improving business environment and investment climate, attracting investments for further socio-economic development of Kyrgyzstan, providing effective cooperation of state agencies in this field.

 


I.Chudinov: EBRD is a reliable partner of Kyrgyzstan


30/03/2009
 

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a reliable partner of Kyrgyzstan. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov told it during a meeting with the EBRD delegation. In his words, the bank’s portfolio in the republic has made up 212 million US dollars. These funds are using in the fields of energy, telecommunication, banking sector, agriculture. “The bank also carry out work with microfinancing, private sector, small and medium business”, - said I.Chudinov.


The PM said there are 66 big projects of EBRD in Kyrgyzstan. “I want to note those projects, which are connected with improving gas-distribution system. The bank’s participation in building a new Bishkek-Tokmok pipe is very important for us”, - he said.

 

I.Chudinov informed the delegation that formation of banking sector and accessibility of financial resources for development of entrepreneurship is the government’s main task today.


EBRD Executive Director for Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland Werner Gruber thanked the PM for cooperation.

 

“The delegation’s visit to Kyrgyzstan gives a good chance to discuss issues of cooperation and rendering support during the crisis”, - said W.Gruber.

 


A workshop entitled “Remembering Chingiz Aitmatov” took place in Delhi


28/03/2009


An international workshop entitled “Remembering Chingiz Aitmatov: From Socialistic Realism to Global Humanism” took place in Delhi, India between March 25 and 27. The embassy of Kyrgyzstan in India reported it.


The workshop was organized by the University of Javarharlala Neru with the support of embassies of Kyrgyzstan and Russia in India.


The Kyrgyz delegation, consisting of 15 people, visited Delhi to attend the workshop. An exhibition was organized in the university’s library with the support of the embassy of Kyrgyzstan in India.


Scientists and specialists from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and India attended the workshop. Students and post-graduate students prepared a staging on Chingiz Aitmatov’s works. On the eve of the workshop, on March 24, it was signed a memorandum of cooperation between the University of Javarharlala Neru and Kyrgyz-Russian Slavonic University.
 

 

K.Bakiyev orders the government to reconsider three clauses of the Tax Code


25/02/2009

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev at today’s meeting of the National Council on Strategic Development of Kyrgyzstan has ordered the government to work out and introduce a motion on three clauses of the Tax Code as soon as possible. “It is necessary to introduce a moratorium on real-estate tax starting from March 1. The moratorium should work until the district-by-district segmentation of Kyrgyzstan with corresponding decreasing coefficients would be conducted. This work should be done quickly and qualitatively. The real estate in regions should not be subjected to this tax on rates of the capital. Besides, it is necessary to conduct large-scale campaign on explaining this tax to population. The real-estate tax should work as tax for the rich. If an apartment exceeds one hundred square meters then you should pay tax, if small – you should not pay.


As for villas, if your house exceeds two hundred square meters then you should pay tax”, - said K.Bakiyev.


The head of state told the government’s resolution on reducing forms of patent activities cause reasonable indignation of taxpayers. “It is necessary to reconsider the resolution and solve it. Introduction of yearly patent will be way out from the situation. The yearly patent’s cost will be determined based on economic figures for the financial year”, - said K.Bakiyev.


As for the sales tax, the head of state ordered the government to work out and introduce a motion on reducing its negative influence on pricing system.

 


Exhibition “O”idea-2009” to be open in Bishkek


26/02/2009


Exhibition-fair “O’idea-2009” will be open at the National Museum of Fine Arts. Public relations manager of the museum.


Works made from felt: clothes, scraves, souvenirs and works from silk decorated with felt will be exposed at the exhibition.


The exhibition-fair well-timed to the International Women’s Day will last till march 10. Organizer of the event designer and head of Bukon art studio Aidai Asangulova.

 


International forum dedicated to Year of Literature and Aitmatov’s 80th birthday opens in Bishkek today


26/02/2009
 

An international two-day forum entitled “Chingiz Aitmatov and the Present” is opening in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan today.


The event, devoted to the results of Year of Literature and Reading in CIS and the 80th birthday of internationally known writer Chingiz Aitmatov, is bringing together state and public figures, cultural workers, scientists, representatives of public unions and diplomatic corps.

The decision on conducting the forum was adopted during the CIS summit that was held in Dushanbe in October 2008.


Chingiz Aitmatov (1928-2008) was an author who wrote in both Russian and Kyrgyz. He was the best known figure in Kyrgyzstan literature. Aitmatov belonged to the post-war generation of writers. His output before Jamila was not significant, a few short stories and a short novel called Face to Face. But it was Jamila that came to prove the author’s work. Louis Aragon described the novelette as the world’s most beautiful love story, raising it even above Rudyard Kipling’s World’s Most Beautiful Love Story. Aitmatov’s representative works also include the short novels Farewell, Gulsary! The White Ship, The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years, and The Scaffold.


Aitmatov was honored in 1963 with the Lenin Prize for Jamila and later he was awarded a State prize for Farewell, Gulsary!. Aitmatov’s art was glorified by admirers. Even critics of Aitmatov mentioned high quality of his novels. Aitmatov’s work has some elements that are unique specifically to his creative process. His work drew on folklore, not in the ancient sense of it; rather, he tried to recreate and synthesize oral tales in the context of contemporary life. This is prevalent in his work; in nearly every story he refers to a myth, a legend, or a folktale.


In The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years a poetic legend about a young captive turned into a mankurt serves a tragic allegory and becomes a significant symbolic expression of the philosophy of the novel. The term mankurt comes from a Turkic myth popularized by Aitmatov in his novel, a philosophical tale about what can happen to people if they forget their motherland, language, and history.

 


K.Bakiyev signed a law on state registration of juridical person


25/02/2009


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a law on state registration of juridical person, branches (representations).


The law regulates attitude, appearing in registration of state registration (re-registration) and registration of stopping activities of juridical person, branches (representations) in the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

 


Information aspects of humanitarian cooperation in CIS to be discussed in Bishkek


22/02/2009


A round table “Information aspects of humanitarian cooperation in CIS” will be held in Bishkek.


Organizers of the meeting are Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund, Kabar News Agency, International Institute of Public Relations Development.


Representatives of Kyrgyz and Russian mass media and Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund will take part in the round table. The participants will make reports on this topic.

 


Aurum Mining to return cash, resolves Kyrgyz case


21/02/2009


Gold miner Aurum Mining Plc (AURU.L) said on Friday it won a civil case over the ownership of its principal asset in Kyrgyzstan and that it planned to return 33 pence per share cash to shareholders.


The company said it proposed to involve the Kyrgyz government as a 20 percent stakeholder in its principal asset, the Andash gold and copper project, in return for state support and assistance.


“The case was heard in full and Andash Mining Co won the case on its merits and all the claims of the plaintiffs were found to be groundless,” Aurum said in a statement.


Now that the court case has been closed, Aurum is in a strong position to work with the Kyrgyz authorities to realise value from the Andash asset for which it has signed a memorandum of understanding, it said.


Aurum, which terminated offer talks for the company earlier this year, also said it would return about 16 million pounds ($22.68 million), or 33 pence per share, to its shareholders.


The company still has on-going commitments and outstanding liabilities which once resolved could lead to the potential of a second payment to shareholders, it added

 


“Regional Trade in Central Asia” magazine presented in Bishkek


21/02/2009


Presentation of new specialized economic magazine “Regional Trade in Central Asia” is held today in Bishkek. The magazine is to discuss the issues regarding regional cooperation in the sphere of trade, including Kazakhstan’s and Tajikistan’s entering to WTO and Kyrgyzstan’s membership in WTO since 1998.

 


Kyrgyz Foreign Minister sent a note to US Ambassador on termination of the agreement on Manas air base


20/02/2009
 

Today Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Kadyrbek Sarbaev sent a note of official notice on termination of the Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the United States of America on presence of US military personnel in the Kyrgyz Republic dated December 5, 2001.


The press service of the Kyrgyz Foreign Affairs Ministry reports.

 

On February 19, 2009 the Jogorku Kenesh approved at its plenary session the Law “On denunciation of the note of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the note of the U.S. Embassy of 4 December 2001 constituting together the Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the U.S. Government”. Today the President Kurmanbek Bakiyev signed this Law.

 


K. Bakiyev signed law on closure of US airbase


20/02/2009

 

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Kurmanbek Bakiyev signed the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On denunciation of the note of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the note of the U.S. Embassy of 4 December 2001 constituting together the Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the U.S. Government”.


The law comes into force since its signing.

According to the Law the US military forces have to leave Kyrgyzstan during 180 days.

 


Turkey, Kyrgyzstan to cooperate in field of energy


20/02/2009


Turkey’s Energy Minister Hilmi Güler said Turkey wants to invest in Kyrgyzstan’s rich underground resources and energy sector.


Güler, who is visiting Bishkek together with a large delegation, met with his Kyrgyz counterpart, Ilyas Davydov, on Wednesday. Speaking at the meeting, Güler pointed out that Turkey also wanted to make investments in Kyrgyzstan in the area of geothermal energy.


The energy minister said Turkey was ready to offer its know-how and experience in the field of hydroelectric power plants. He said that if needed, Turkey could send its experts and engineers to Kyrgyzstan for this purpose, adding that Kyrgyz experts could visit Turkey as well. Güler underlined that the government saw it as important to develop relations with Kyrgyzstan, which has strong historical and cultural ties with Turkey.


Davydov said he encouraged Turkey to make investments in Kyrgyzstan, expressing his wish for increased trade volume between the two countries. Davydov said Kyrgyzstan had great hydroelectric potential, adding that it was only able to utilize 10 percent of its coal resources. He noted that Kyrgyzstan is specifically looking to invest in technology used in synthetics and wool products as well as construction materials.


The Kyrgyz minister noted that the traditionally amicable relations between the two countries will pave the way for further cooperation in various fields.

 


Banknotes of 5 thousand soms to issue in Kyrgyzstan


19/02/2009


The national currency of 5 tousand soms banknote will be issued in Kyrgyzstan since March 2. Deputy chairman of the National Bank Zair Chokoyev told at the press conference.


The necessity of issue of this banknote was caused by many economic reasons, he said.


The front side of the banknote will be decorated with a portrait of the Kyrgyz renowned actor, writer and sportsman Suimenkul Chokmorov. The reverse side reflects picture of one of the oldest cinemas of the capital city – Ala-Too.


The banknote will be protected with a water mark and the so-called ‘magic digits’ technology.

 


Kyrgyz parliament voted for close of US airbase


19/02/2009
 

At today’s plenary session of the Jogorku Kenesh parliamentarians voted overwhelmingly to approve a presidential proposal to close a U.S. airbase.


Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Kadyrbek Sarbaev told that three committees of the parliament, deputy groups considered and supported this issue.

78 deputies voted for this decision, and two were against, and one abstain. The topic is about the denouncement of the reciprocating note of the Kyrgyz foreign ministry to the US note as of December 4, 2001, which form together an agreement between the governments of two countries.


Under national legislation, the parliament’s decision becomes effective after the signing of the law by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


The foreign ministry then will notify the United States, in accordance with the established procedure, and the U.S. servicemen will have to leave the territory of the republic within 180 days.

 


FIFA to assist to develop football in Kyrgyzstan


19/02/2009


President of International Football Federation (FIFA) Joseph S. Blatter will render financial support to develop football in Kyrgyzstan, head of the National Olympic Committee of Kyrgyzstan Murat Saralinov told journalists
According to his words, J. Blatter plans to visit Kyrgyzstan in near future, who intends to develop football in Kyrgyzstan by financial means.

 


Ak Jol deputy group approved closure of Manas air base


18/02/2009


Ak Jol deputy group approved at today’s sitting the draft-law on denunciation of Agreement on closure of Manas airbase, the Kyrgyz Parliament reports.


Minister of Foreign Affairs Kadyrbek Sarbaev spoke at the meeting on this issue. According to his words, three committees of the Parliament has already considered this issue and tomorrow this draft law will be considered at plenary session, where the decision is taken.


Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev for the first time announced a decision to close the base on February 3, during a working visit to Moscow. He explained it by an insufficient level of financial compensation for the use of the base by the USA, as well as a negative reaction of the society to the stationing of American military in the country.


The base in Manas, operating under a U.N. mandate, was opened to support the Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

 


ASYCUDAWorld project presented in Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry


18/02/2009


The ASYCUDAWorld project of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was presented in the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry.


The delegation of UNCTAD was headed by Nikolae Popa, regional co-ordinator of the project, the Foreign Ministry said.


The key goal of ASYCUDAWorld project is to simplify trade procedures via creation of favorable conditions for trade by strengthening operational capacity of customs administrations on tax and check-up functions and to introduce modern and reliable systems.


ASYCUDAWorld is part of integrated customs information systems over 95 countries worldwide.


Implementation of ASYCUDAWorld in Kyrgyzstan will promote complete integration into the world trade, strengthen customs agencies’ potential, effective fight against corruption and smuggling, increase incomings to public budget. Introduction of the program can be a catalyst to develop E-government system.

 


JK’s profile committee approved withdrawal of the Ganci airbase


17/02/2009


A meeting of the parliament’s committee on international affairs and inter-parliamentary cooperation has taken place today under the presidency of the committee’s head Erik Arsaliev. The meeting’s agenda included only one issue – a bill on denunciation of the return note of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry to the note #542 of the U.S. Embassy as of December 4, 2001, and together forming the Agreement between the government of Kyrgyz Republic and the government of the United States of America.


Kadyrbek Sarbaev, the Kyrgyz Minister of Foreign Affairs gave common arguments for denunciation of the agreement.


After discussion, members of the committee approved the bill and submitted for consideration of the parliament’s plenary meeting.

 


First 23 tractors that produced in Kyrgyzstan handed over to farmers


 

17/02/2009

 

In Chui oblast’s Jayil region, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov attended a ceremony of handing over 23 tractors MTZ-82.1, produced in Kyrgyzstan, to agricultural producers.


The agricultural technique was handed over for leasing to participants of credit unions of the financial company on supporting and developing credit unions on the basis of leasing.


I.Chudinov said the event is a first successful result of joint Kyrgyz-Belarusian project on assembling agricultural technique.

 

 


U.Ormonov: Kyrgyzstan has a right to dissolve the agreement on the Manas airbase


17/02/2009


Kyrgyzstan has a right to dissolve the agreement on the airbase of the anti-terrorist coalition that deployed at the Manas International Airport. Ulukbek Ormonov, the leader of Ak-Zhol fraction, head of the parliament’s committee on development of industry, trade, tourism, small and medium business, transport and communication, construction and architecture told it in interview to the “Kabar” News Agency.


“The Manas airbase was opened with a purpose of establishing peace in Afghanistan. Eight years passed since the airbase’s operation and the situation in Afghanistan have stabilized. That’s we consider that the airbase’s mission is completed”, - said U.Ormonov.


“The package of documents on denunciation of the agreement on the Manas airbase with the countries of the international anti-terrorist coalition sent for the parliament. The Ak-Zhol fraction supports it in full. These documents are considering presently at three committees of the Jogorku Kenesh, after consideration, it will be submitted for discussion of the parliament”, - added U.Ormonov.

 


Today is Toktogul Satylganov’s memorial day


17/02/2009
 

Today is Toktogul Satylganov’s memorial day. Toktogul Satylganov was a talented poet, singer-improviser and virtuous komuz player of Kyrgyzstan. He was born in 1864 and died on February 17, 1933.


When Toktogul turned 13 years old he started to compose songs and play komuz himself. In his first songs like “Because of the poverty” young poet sings about cruelty and inhumanity of his muster Kazanbai and rightless miserable existence.


In 1882 Toktogul faced a famous king’s singer Arzymat on a poetry competition and scores a victory. On this contest Toktogul showed himself to be not only outstanding singer but also a fearless exposer of evil and a poor peasants rights defender. His glory traveled all over Kyrgyzstan.

Toktogul’s freedom praising songs initiated furious anger of feudalists, manaps, mullahs and tsarist officials.

 

In 1988 during Andijan rebellion tsarists made up a fake denunciation of Toktogul’s participation in revolt and arrested the poet. The court declared a death sentence but later with a help of “Tsars mercy” capital punishment was replaced by penal servitude in Siberia for 7 years.

 

In 1902 with a help of his Russian friends Toktogul got over many difficulties and succeeded to escape and in 1903 came back to his motherland. Upon return poet composed a number of songs describing happiness of a man who received his motherland back.


Toktogul was the first akyn (poet) who welcomed the Great October Socialistic Revolution and became not only a herald of new era but an active participant of revolution. During this period he wrote his outstanding poem “What woman gave a birth to such a person like Lenin?”, which was a start of Kyrgyz soviet literature.

 


The Kyrgyz Government continues work with the purpose of to protect investors


16/02/2009


The Government of Kyrgyzstan continues work with the purpose to protect investors. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Akylbek japarov told the Kabar Agency.


According to his words, Kyrgyzstan rates on the 11th place on Business doing on “protecting investors”. “However experts conduct consultations with World Bank’s experts on system and revaluation of indexes for 2010 rating without introducing alterations into the legislation of Kyrgyzstan”, the Minister Japarov said.


Works and consultations in this direction will allow Kyrgyzstan to raise its rating.

 


National Bank issues coins devoted to Chingiz Aitmatov


13/02/2009 The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan prepares to issue series of coins devoted to life and creative work of Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov. Chairman of the National Bank Marat Alapaev told at the plenary session of the Kyrgyz Parliament.


M. Alapaev also told that they are not going to issue coins with Ch. Aitmatov’s picture. But series of numismatic and silver coins devoted to Chingiz Aitmatov are ready to be issued.

 


Centerra Gold Reports Record Fourth Quarter Production at Kumtor


12/02/2009


Centerra Gold Inc. today reported its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2008 and provided an outlook for 2009.


Record fourth quarter gold production at Kumtor of 236,544 ounces bringing full year gold production at Kumtor to 556,251 ounces. Centerra’s consolidated 2008 gold production increased 35% to 748,888 ounces compared to 555,410 ounces a year earlier. Fourth quarter gold sales of $241.3 million, an increase of 73% over the third quarter.


Annual gold sales of $636.0 million, an increase of 70% over the prior year.


Stephen Lang, President and CEO of Centerra Gold commented, “During the fourth quarter Kumtor set records for mill throughput, material moved and gold produced and sold. Kumtor generated its highest ever quarterly revenue in its 11-year operating history. Our operations generated strong cash flow during the quarter of $103.3 million. For 2008, cash flow from the operations totalled $166.3 million. Centerra ended the year with a balance sheet that includes $167.4 million in cash and short-term investments and has no debt.

 

Our discussions with the Kyrgyz Government and Cameco are continuing and all parties are working towards an acceptable resolution of outstanding issues.”


“For 2009, consolidated gold production is expected to be in the 720,000 to 770,000 ounce range. The production profile at Kumtor will be similar to 2008 with 40% of the gold production expected in the fourth quarter,” he concluded.

 


President Bakiyev: Closure of US base will not spoil Kyrgyzstan’s relations with the West


11/02/2009


Closure of US base will not spoil Kyrgyzstan’s relations with USA and European countries, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told today at the press conference, answering journalists’ questions.


The President grounded this decision on that US leadership ignored its responsibilities and did not finish investigation of Kyrgyz citizen Alexander Ivanov’s murder. All these issues brought to such a decision of Kyrgyzstan, as a sovereign state.


At the same time, K. Bakiyev said that Kyrgyzstan will continue cooperation with all countries, Russia and the western countries.

 


President Bakiyev will run for the next presidential term

 

11/02/2009

 

Kurmanbek Bakiyev intends to run for the next term of presidency, President Bakiyev said today at the press conference with the participation of heads of local mass media at Ala-Archa state residence.


“The Constitution gives me the right to run for the second term and I can enjoy this right. In accordance with the Constitution I have a right for two presidential terms”, the head of the state said.

 

 


Development of strategy to fight HIV in Central Asia


11/02/2009 A meeting of the term task group of the Council for Healthcare under the Integration Committee of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) will be held on 10-11 February in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).
The meeting is devoted to the development of conceptual documents on institutionalization of the Regional AIDS Fund (RAF) in Central Asia and development of Regional Strategy to Fight HIV-infection epidemic in Central Asia.


Executive Director of the Central Asia AIDS Control Project Professor Meymanaliev said the decision to form a task group was made at the fifth meeting of the Healthcare Council under the EurAsEC Executive Committee held in November 2008 in Dushanbe. The decision was made to delegate one expert from each of the three countries of Central Asia, Russia and Belarus to the task group.


Taking into account the spread rate of the HIV infection in Central Asia, the countries of the region need to develop not only a common regional strategy to counter the epidemic of the HIV infection, but also effective mechanisms for its implementation into practice.


Institutionalisation of the Regional AIDS Fund is one of such mechanisms, Meymanaliev said. Today, it functions within the frames of the Project funded by the World Bank and the Department for International Development of Great Britain.


Since 2006, the RAF has extended funds to finance more than a hundred national and regional initiative projects aimed at supporting the implementation of national programmes on the fight against HIV and AIDS for the total amount of over US$6.8 million.


However, the Fund operating today has its own timeframe: the activity of the RAF is to be closed in mid-2010.

 

That is why it is important today for the countries of the region to think through the issue of extension of the Fund’s activity under the aegis of the EurAsEC following the end of the period of its financing by the international organizations.


That is why, along with the development of the regional strategy to fight HIV infection, the members of the task group will also elaborate the conceptual documents on the institutionalization of the Regional AIDS Fund in the countries of Central Asia: they will discuss and develop the draft of the conception, the charter and agreements on the institutionalization of the Central Regional AIDS Fund within the frames of the EurAsEC.


All the documents will be submitted for approval to the Healthcare Council under the Integration Committee of the EurAsEC during its next meeting to be held in June 2009 in Moscow.


According to the UNAIDS estimations in 2007 42,200 people in Central Asian region lived with HIV and AIDS, including 12,000 people in Kazakhstan, 4,200 in Kyrgyzstan, 10,000 in Tajikistan, and 16,000 in Uzbekistan.

 

As of 1 January 2009 11,709 HIV-infected and AIDS-diseased were registered in Kazakhstan, 2,031 – in Kyrgyzstan, 1,422 – in Tajikistan. In Uzbekistan the incidents of infection made up 13,184 as of 1 January 2008.

 


The withdrawal of “Manas” airbase is approved by appropriate parliament committee


10/02/2009


The Kyrgyz parliament’s defense committee supports the initiative by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to cancel the US contract on Manas airbase.


Since K.Bakiyev announced the annulment because of the US 2001 invasion of Afghanistan the proposal, now under legislative review, it has earned broad domestic support.


Leila Sydykova, head of the congressional defense committee, voiced support for terminating the contract with the US troop location on Manas base in national territory.


L.Sydykova also called for a congressional review of 12 agreements signed with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization coalition involved with the US in the invasion of Afghanistan.


The legislator called the government to make a written report on the damages the base inflicted on national security, the economy and environment from 2001 to 2008.

 


Santa Clauses of the world’s sixteen states visited “Ruh Ordo”


09/02/2009

 

Within the framework of the second international winter festival of Santa Claus and his friends, the mythical heroes of the world’s sixteen states visited the “Ruh Ordo” cultural center named after Chingiz Aitmatov in Issykkul oblast, Kyrgyzstan.


“Kyrgyzstan is a heavenly state. I have not seen such a beautiful nature in the world. This cultural center strikes with its beauty and ideas”, - said the Uzbek Santa Claus (Karbobo).


Kambarkan ethnographic and folklore ensemble performed musical compositions of various states of the world for all participants of the festival.



“I’m glad to familiarize with this country and its people. I’m sure now your country will be more nearer and interesting for many citizens of Europe”, - said the Santa Claus from Denmark.

 


Memorandum signed between UNDP and directorate on development of small hydroelectric power stations in Kyrgyzstan


05/02/2009


A memorandum on mutual understanding between the United Nations Development Porgramme (UNDP) and the directorate on development of small hydroelectric power stations in Kyrgyzstan signed in Bishkek today.
Director of the directorate on development of small hydroelectric power stations Felix Kulov and the UNDP Permanent Representative in Kyrgyzstan Neal Walker signed he document.


The document is aimed to reduce emissions of hothouse gases.

 


“Unknown Route” became one of the nominees of “Nika” film prize


 

05/02/2009

 

Kyrgyz film producer Temir Birnazarov’s “Unknown Route” film became one of the nominees of the “Nika” film prize (Russia), the Vecherniy Bishkek newspaper reported.


The film was shot in 2008 due to the state funds. About 80 thousand dollars were spent for the film’s shooting. The film won the Grand Prix at the II International Film Festival “Didor” in Dushanbe, the jury’s special prize at the Fifth Jubilee Forum “Eurasia” in Astana, the Second Issykkul International Film Festival of the SCO in the nominee “The best debut of the year”.


The film tells the current condition of our state, narrating the history of villagers with a symbolic name the Future.

 

 


K.Bakiyev participated in a meeting of EurAsEC Interstate Council


05/02/2009

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev participated in a meeting of the Interstate Council of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) in Moscow on February 4. The presidential press service reported it.


The heads of state of the organisation’s member countries signed an agreement on establishing the EurAsEC Anti-Crisis Fund with funds of $10 billion. Russia will contribute $7.5 billion, and Kazakhstan will contribute $1 billion. The other member countries will decide on their share in the fund over the coming month. The fund is being created to help overcome the world economic crisis’ negative effects on member countries’ economies and finances.


The next EurAsEC summit will take place in Minsk.


EurAsEC was founded in 2000 by five countries – Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Uzbekistan joined the organization in 2006, but suspended its membership in late 2008.

 


K.Bakiyev attended a meting of the CSTO Collective Security Council in Moscow


05/02/2009


Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev, Secretary of the Security Council Adahan Madumarov, Defense Minister Bakytbek Kalyev attended a joint meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Council of Defense Ministers and the Committee of Secretaries of Security Councils of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Four issues discussed and approved at the joint meeting.


1. About collective rapid reaction forces of the CSTO.
2. About budget of the CSTO for 2009.
3. About the CSTO Secretary General.
4. About the date and place of conducting the next session of the CSTO Collective Security Council in 2009.


The Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry’s press service reported that the above-mentioned issues also discussed at the meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council, which attended by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
 

 

The Year of Aitmatov to be summed up in May


04/02/2009

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev signed a decree on conducting solemn events to sum up results of the Year of Chingiz Aitmatov, the presidential press service reported.


According to the decree, it is expected to hold the solemn event on summing up the Year of Chingiz Aimatov in May 2009 at the Aalam Ordo cultural-ethnographic center with a purpose of keeping and further development of historical and cultural legacy and revive Kyrgyz people’s cultural wealth as well as open Aitmatov’s theater that will be the spiritual center of Kyrgyz people.


The government will render all kinds of assistance in conducting the solemn event according to the decree.

 


K.Bakiyev: Kyrgyzstan to close the US military base


04/02/2009
 

Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev announced Tuesday that his country would close a U.S. air base supporting NATO’s military operations in Afghanistan.


K.Bakiyev spoke shortly after President Dmitry Medvedev said Russia would provide Bishkek with a $2 billion loan and $150 million in nonrepayable aid.


“Kyrgyzstan will close the U.S. military base in Manas after Washington refused to negotiate better compensation,” K.Bakiyev told reporters late Tuesday after holding talks with D.Medvedev in the Kremlin.


“Kyrgyzstan’s government made a decision to finish the term of the presence of the base … we are starting concrete actions to close the base”, K.Bakiyev said.


K.Bakiyev said that the Kyrgyz government initially had agreed to host the U.S. military for only one or two years. “Eight years passed. We repeatedly discussed with the United States the issue of economic compensation for staying at the base in Kyrgyzstan, but we didn’t find understanding,” K.Bakiyev said.


K.Bakiyev mentioned the 2006 killing of a Kyrgyz citizen by a U.S. serviceman who was sent home despite an initial promise by U.S. officials to keep him in Kyrgyzstan until the incident was resolved. The lack of a trial sparked public outrage in Kyrgyzstan at the time.

 


Russia, Kyrgyzstan signed bilateral agreements


04/02/2009
 

Russia and Kyrgyzstan signed agreements on Russian gratis assistance and a state loan to Kyrgyzstan, on the repayment of a part of the Kyrgyz state debt with property and the writing off the remaining part of the debt upon Tuesday negotiations of Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


The Russian and Kyrgyz governments signed an agreement on the construction of the Kambarata hydropower plant. The presidents signed a memorandum on bilateral economic, credit and financial cooperation.


Russia will grant $2 billion worth of loans and $150 million financial aid to Kyrgyzstan, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday.


He said the money “would help stabilize the Kyrgyz budget and support key infrastructural projects, including those in hydropower.”


The loan is a confirmation to the alliance between Russia and Kyrgyzstan, he said. “It derives from the bilateral alliance. Things are not easy for the world, including Russia, but we still think it necessary to develop economic relations with Kyrgyzstan and to implement large investment projects, which will assist socioeconomic development of the region,” he said.


“The agreements will be fulfilled in the near future,” Medvedev said.


Russia and Kyrgyzstan signed agreements on Russian gratis assistance and a state loan to Kyrgyzstan, on the repayment of a part of the Kyrgyz state debt with property and the writing off the remaining part of the debt upon Tuesday negotiations of Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Kurmanbek Bakiyev.


The Russian and Kyrgyz governments signed an agreement on the construction of the Kambarata hydropower plant. The presidents signed a memorandum on bilateral economic, credit and financial cooperation.

 


Kyrgyzstan establishes cooperation with NATO


03/02/2009


First deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan R. Kazakbaev met today


with NATO Special Representative for Caucasus and Central Asia R. Simmons. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.


During the talks the sides discussed the issues of bilateral cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and NATO. The sides also exchanged opinions on the issues of international and regional security, situation in Afghanistan.

 


A. Japarov will take part in a meeting of Interstate Council of EurAsEC


03/02/2009


. Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov left for Moscow to participate in a meeting of Interstate Council of Eurasian Economic Community on February 4, 2009 in the Russian capital.


The agenda of the extraordinary summit of the Eurasian Economic Community includes two key issues, namely the establishment of a EurAsEC anticrisis fund and the foundation of a EurAsEC high-tech centre.
Several joint documents are supposed to be signed in Moscow.

 


Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations to meet with NATO Special Representative


03/02/2009


Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations Akylbek Aitbaev will meet today afternoon with NATO Special Representative for Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons.


At the meeting the sides plan to discuss the issues of cooperation. As known, Emergency Ministry and NATO cooperate in frames of Partnership for Peace program.

 


Russian military men modernized radio-locating station in Kyrgyzstan


03/02/2009


Russian military men modernized radio-locating station in the north of Kyrgyzstan. The press service of the Defense Ministry told the Kabar Agency.


Today solemn ceremony of handing over of modernized radio-locating station and beginning of its exploitation will be held in Issyk-Ata region of Chuy oblast.


Modernization of the station was fulfilled in accordance with the plan of joint actions of the CIS united air-raid system for 2009.


Modernization will prolong life time of the radio-locating system for 10-12 years.


Defense Minister of the republic and representatives of Russia will take part in opening ceremony.

 


Golden Book of Kyrgyzstan published


03/02/2009


The Golden Book of Kyrgyzstan biographical collection has been published. The book is a true golden collection about the people who made significant contribution to the development of political and economic situation in Kyrgyzstan and promoted flourishing of science and culture, Lina LLC Director General Giyas Khalilov told Trend News on Feb. 1.


According to Khalilov, the book has been created due to the need to write in the history of Kyrgyzstan the names of those who deserve to leave mark on history. The book is divided into five sections. Every person included in this elite edition presented information on his personal and public life. That will help the reader to trace the path of formation and development of these extraordinary individuals.


Giyas Khalilov, first leader of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Kyrgyzstan Adil Niyazoglu and representatives of different nationalities were included in The Golden Book of Kyrgyzstan.
 


President Bakiyev leaves for Russia


03/02/2009


President Kurmanbek Bakiyev will leave for Russia today. During the visit he will meet with the Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev.


On February 4 the Kyrgyz leader will take part in a session of CSTO Council and in a special session of Inter-state council of EurAsEC.

 


Kyrgyzstan established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Benin


02/02/2009


A ceremony of signing the protocol on establishing diplomatic relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Benin was held on January 29 at the embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Russia. The foreign ministry of Kyrgyzstan reported it.


Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Russia R.Attakurov and ambassador of the Republic of Benin to Russia Vissinto Aiy d’Almeida signed the document.


January 29, 2009 is the day of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states according to the protocol.

 


First Deputy PM O.Babanov meets with NATO Special Representative


02/02/2009


First Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Omurbek Babanov met with NATO Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons. O.Babanov warmly welcomed the interlocutor and expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and NATO. He congratulated R.Simmons on upcoming 60th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.


O.Babanov told the Kyrgyz military and civil specialists’ participation in NATO programs has strengthened human potential of Kyrgyzstan and expressed hope for continuation of active cooperation in this field. He also thanked for operative assistance after the last year’s destructive earthquake in Alai region of Osh oblast, where was completely destroyed Nura village.


The Kyrgyz Deputy PM expressed Kyrgyzstan’s interest in expanding and continuing joint projects.
R.Simmons expressed satisfaction with the established level of cooperation between NATO and Kyrgyzstan within the framework of partnership for peace program.

 


400 thousand tourists visited Issykkul oblast in 2008


02/02/2009


The number of tourists that visited Issykkul oblast in 2008 made up 396.3 thousand tourists. A source in the regional state administration told it. In order to develop tourism the regional state administration conducted the tenth international fair “Issykkul-2008”.


Health-resort centers participated in international tourism fair in Almaty and the 3rd Bishkek International Fair “Tourism and Fair BITF-2008”.

 

 

I.Chudinov: We succeeded in minimizing the influence of world crisis


30/01/2009


“We succeeded in minimizing the influence of world crisis”, - Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov said during a meeting of the heads of local self-governments and executive powers.


According to I.Chudinov, the country has felt positive changes for the last four years in economic, political and social fields. “The GDP has increased in two times for the last four years. In 2005, it was made up 94.4 billion soms. This year the GDP makes up 185 billion soms. The rate of foreign state debt against GDP reduced from 86 percents to 49 percents and reached economically safe level. The volume of international monetary reserves has increased in 2.2 times, the foreign trade in 3.1 times”, - told I.Chudinov.


“We doubled the GDP in the country for four years”, - added the Kyrgyz PM.

 


NATO Representative to visit Kyrgyzstan


30/01/2009


The NATO Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Robert Simmons, will visit Kyrgyzstan between February 2 and 3, 2009, the foreign ministry of Kyrgyzstan reported.


It is expected to discuss issues of further development of active and mutually beneficial cooperation, which exists between NATO and Kyrgyzstan within the framework of joint programmes. The parties would consider plans for the future and possible spheres of cooperation: problems of international and regional safety, issues of fighting with terrorism, border security and readiness for emergency situations.


During the visit a new contact officer of the NATO in Central Asia will be introduced.


Besides, R.Simmons plans to participate in opening of a depository library at the foreign ministry’s diplomatic academy, meet with journalists and students of higher educational institutions.

 


2008 was fruitful for Kyrgyz cinematography - ministry


29/01/2009

 
The past year – 2008 was fruitful for Kyrgyz cinematography. It was told at the culture and information ministry’s expanded meeting devoted to results of 2008.


In 2008, Kyrgyz film producers won valuable prizes at international festivals, particularly, the film “Unknown Route” of Temir Birnazarov won special prize of “Eurasia” international film festival, special prize of the Second Issykkyl film festival “For the best debut work”, Grand-Prix of “Didor” Central Asian festival, named the best film of the year in Kyrgyzstan, and nominated by the Russian film academy for NIKA prize as the best foreign film.


The film “Boz Salkyn” of Ernest Abdyzhaparov received special prize of the international film festival “Listopad” in Minsk. The film “All right” of Akzhol Bekbolotov received special prize of the film festival of Asian contingent.


The film “Songs from the southern seas” of Marat Sary uulu received special prize of the international Rome film festival “For the best production work”.

 


A.Japarov presented a national development strategy for 2009-2011


29/01/2009


The Kyrgyz government has developed a national development strategy for 2009-2011, which envisions several economic scenarios for the country.


The strategy carries a price tag of $8.2 billion, Economic Development and Trade Minister Akylbek Japarov said. The draft of the document was presented at a session of three parliamentary factions on Wednesday.
“The state budget will provide $4.8 billion to fund the implementation of the national development strategy. We plan to receive another $2.8 billion from the private sector and investment projects, while the remaining $600 million will be provided by international financial institutions,” A.Japarov said.


The strategy is based on global trends and the preliminary results of Kyrgyzstan’s economic development in 2008, the minister said.


The document’s first scenario is strategic and suggests GDP growth of 7%-7.5% a year. The second scenario is basic and envisions the country’s annual GDP increase of 5%-5.6%. The third scenario is anti-crisis, with GDP growth at 2.8% a year.

 


Russia attaches great importance to cooperation with Kyrgyzstan


28/01/2009


Prime Minister Igor Chudinov held a meeting with the Russian delegation at the head of deputy chairman of Russian Government Igor Sechin.


Members of the Kyrgyz Parliament, co-chairman of the Kyrgyz-Russian Intergovernmental commission on trade and economic, scientific and technical and humanitarian cooperation, Minister of Energy of Russia Sergey Shmatko, representatives of Kyrgyz and Russian energy companies.


The sides discussed prospects of Kyrgyz-Russian cooperation and the issues of preparation of President Bakiyev’s visit to Russia. “A lot of work done lately for successful and progressive development of Kyrgyz-Russian cooperation”, I. Chudinov said.


Igor Sechin stressed that Russia attaches great importance to cooperation with Kyrgyzstan.

 


President Bakiyev received deputy chairman of Russian Government


28/01/2009


Today President Kurmanbek Bakiyev received deputy chairman of Russian Government Igor Sechin and Minister of Energy Sergei Shmatko. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov also took part in the meeting. The presidential press service reports.


At the meeting the sides touched upon preparation of Kyrgyz President’s visit to Russia.

 


AUCA Open House on Saturday, January 31st


28/01/2009


The American University of Central Asia would like to welcome applicants and their parents for the Open House Day from 12:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31st. Come and visit us to find out what AUCA offers – meet our current students and faculty, learn about our academic programs, requirements and procedures for admissions and financial aid.


There will be presentations held by each department according to the following schedule:


Conference Hall 1 Room 109


13:20 Economics Anthropology
13:50 Business Administration Sociology
14:20 Software Engineering American Studies
14:50 International and Business Law European Studies
15:20 International and Comparative Politics Preparatory Department
15:50 Journalism and Mass Communications Psychology
In the end, at 4:30 p.m. in room 315 there will be a special Questions and Answers session with parents where they can speak to the University representatives.
 


President K.Bakiyev addressed to the nation


28/01/2009
 

In a televised address January 27, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said reforming the “state machine” would be his top priority. He added that “important decisions” would be forthcoming in the next few months.


“Decisions should be worked out without delay, quickly, with the participation of citizens and meet the standards of a modern state. Executive discipline must be strictly controlled. Only then will the state be able to provide quality services to the public,” K.Bakiyev said.

“It is necessary to improve the performance management system and the system of power in the country,” the president continued.


K.Bakiyev went on to say that his administration would seek to strike a “reasonable balance between innovation and the preservation of national identity, between the market and government regulation, [and] between the ideas of democracy and control of the country.”


The president called for an end of partisan political rancor. “Those supporting constructive proposals will be heard, regardless of party affiliation and political preference,” he concluded.

 


I. Aidaraliev became Minister of Agriculture


26/01/2009


By the decree of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, Aidaraliev Iskenderbek Rysbekovich has been appointed the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, the presidential press service reports.

 


Minister of Foreign Affairs appointed


26/01/2009


By the decree of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, Sarbaev Kadyrbek Telmanovich, former Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to People’s Republic of China has been appointed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, the presidential press service reports.

 


President Bakiyev will introduce the First Vice Prime Minister


26/01/2009


By the presidential decree Babanov Omurbek Toktogulovich has been appointed the First Vice Prime Minister.

 
Today the President Bakiyev will introduce him to the Government office, the presidential press service reports.

 


25 thousand 390 ethnic Kyrgyz people live in Kyrgyzstan, who moved from, other countries


23/01/2009


25 thousand 390 ethnic Kyrgyz people have returned to historic homeland, Vice-Prime Minister Ukhtomkan Abdullaeva said at the Kyrgyz Parliament session.


80% of ethnic migrants moved from Tajikistan, 17% from Uzbekistan and 3% from Turkey, China and other countries. There was signed agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan about the simplification in the process of getting Kyrgyzstan’s citizenship in the frame of State program “Kairylman”.

 


The real growth in non-manufacturing business in 2009 to make up about 8 percents


22/01/2009


The real growth in non-manufacturing business in 2009 will make up about 8 percents and it will be provided due to sectors of trade, transport and communication, tourism. It says in the document of the National Bank “The basic directions of monetary and credit policy for 2009-2011”.


According to the document, the rates of economic growth in the medium-term outlook will increase in connection with stabilizing macroeconomic situation in the country as well as outside the country and will make about 6 percents in 2010 and 2011.

 


Coins with picture of Chingiz Aitmatov to be issued in Kyrgyzstan


20/01/2009


Its planned to issue collection coins with picture of Chingiz Aitmatov this year. Chairman of the National Bank Suerkul Abdybaly tegin told journalists at the Kabar Agency.


According to his words, the National Bank auctioned on December 18, 2008 new silver collection coins “Burana” and “Bishkek”.


“Exchange of collection coins for the last year made 50 thouand soms”, deputy chairman of the National Bank said.

 


Defense Minister met with US General


19/01/2009


Defense Minister of Kyrgyzstan Bakyt Kalyev met today with US Forces Commander, General David Petraeus, the press service of the Ministry reports. At the meeting the sides discused the ssues of cooperation in the sphere of military science and defense of two countries. D. Petraeus also intends to meet with Prime Minister Igor Chudinov.

 


US General David Petraeus to meet with PM Igor Chudinov


19/01/2009


US General David Petraeus, who arrived in Bishkek yesterday, will meet today with Prime Minister Igor Chudinov. He laso plans to meet with the Defense Minister. Sources in the Government say that meeting of D. Petraeus with President Bakiyev is not planet yet. The US General will leave Bishkek tomorrow.


“We look forward to discussing the future of the base there and we certainly have no plans to change anything frankly,” Petraeus told reporters before his upcoming visit to Kyrgyzstan.

 


US General David Petraeus to arrive in Bishkek


17/01/2009


United States Central Command chief David Petraeus will arrive today in Bishkek from Dushanbe. After the meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, the US General told that the next stop of his tour will be Bishkek and he will discuss in Kyrgyzstan the future of Manas air base.

 


The wrestling championship takes place in Bishkek


17/01/2009


The republic’s championship on wrestling is started in Bishkek’s Kojomkul sports palace. Head coach of the national team on wrestling Anarbek Usenkanov told a correspondent of the “Kabar” News Agency.


About one hundred wrestlers from all over regions of the republic would have matches today. The championship attends by more than two hundred sportsmen.


Winner of the championship would participate in the international tournament devoted to the memory of Olympian champion Alexander Medved, which starts on January 22 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

 


Igor Chudinov: The GDP growth for 2008 has made up 7.6 percents


17/01/2009


The GDP growth for 2008 has made up 7.6 percents. Prime Minister Igor Chudinov told it at a meeting of the state committee of Kyrgyzstan on taxes and dues.


He told the last year was not easy for Kyrgyzstan. “However, we’ve kept the dynamic economic growth and fulfilled all social obligations, which undertook the government. For the first time, we’ve raised the level of tax collection and customs revenue 50 by 50”, - said I.Chudinov.

 


Agreement on financing between Kyrgyzstan and IDA ratified


17/01/2009


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a law of the Kyrgyz Republic on ratifying the agreement on financing (urgent assistance to energy sector) between Kyrgyzstan and the International Development Association, signed on December 22, 2008 in Bishkek.

 


Kyrgyz Santa Claus’s official site launched


16/01/2009


A presentation of the Kyrgyz Santa Claus’s official site (www.kyrgyzsanta.org) took place in Bishkek at the Dasmia restaurant. The state agency on tourism reported it.


Representatives of the republic’s mass media, famous tourist operators, rectors of the tourism academy and the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University attended the presentation.


The site will expand the territory of informing people about Kyrgyzstan, popularize the International Festival of Santa Clauses and develop the republic’s tourism field.

 


Kyrgyzstan entered twenty the best water supply states


16/01/2009


Kyrgyzstan entered twenty the best water supply states. Canada, Norway, New Zealand, Chile, Bolivia and Brazil lead the list of the very richest pure water states. Kyrgyzstan, which holds 20th position, closes the list after Tajikistan, USA, Slovakia and Estonia.
 


E.Karabaev dismissed from the post of foreign minister of Kyrgyzstan


16/01/2009


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a decree to dismiss Karabaev Ednan Oskonovich from the post of foreign minister of Kyrgyzstan in connection with transferring to other work. The presidential press service reported it.


E.Karabaev worked as the country’s foreign minister staring from February 8, 2007. He was also the foreign minister of Kyrgyzstan between 1992-1994.
 


Deputies approved ratification of international documents


16/01/2009


Deputies approved ratification of international documents, the parliament’s press service reported.


At the parliament’s session director of the state patent service Ulan Melisbek presented a bill on ratification of the agreement on mutual protection of rights for results of intellectual activities, received and used in the course of military-economic cooperation within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, signed on October 6, 2007 in Dushanbe.
 

 

Today is the Old New Year


13/01/2009


Although Soviet Russia officially adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1918, the Russian Orthodox Church continued using the Julian calendar. The New Year became a holiday which is celebrated by both calendars.


As in most countries which use the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day in Russia is a public holiday celebrated on January 1. On that day, joyous entertainment, fireworks, elaborate and often large meals and other festivities are common. The holiday is interesting for combining secular traditions of meeting the New Year with the Christian Orthodox Christmastide customs, such as fortune-telling and kolyadki (carol-singing). Divination is special on Old New Year’s Eve.


The New Year by the Julian calendar is still informally observed, and the tradition of celebrating the coming of the New Year twice is widely enjoyed. Russians also get a chance to celebrate two Christmases (December 25 by the Gregorian calendar and January 7 by the Julian calendar), as well as two New Years on January 1 (New New Year) and January 13 (Old New Year). Although New Year, unlike Christmas, is not religious, it is still celebrated twice.


Usually not as festive as the New New Year, for many this is a nostalgic family holiday ending the New Year holiday cycle with traditional large meals, singing and celebratory drinking.

 


Premiere of documentary film “Great Chingiz” will be held in Bishkek


13/01/2009


Presentation of documentary film “Great Chingiz” will be held in Bishkek on January 15 at the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan. Director of the Language and Literature Institute named after Ch. Aitmatov of the National Academy of Sciences Abdyldajan Akmataliev told the Kabar Agency.


Materials from family archive of Ch. Aitmatov are used in the film.

 


Kyrgyzstan to create the centre of grains and by-products examination


13/01/2009


Kyrgyzstan will found the centre of grains and by-products examination. Igor Chudinov, the Prime Minister of the country, signed the corresponding decree, declared the media-department of the government.


According to the department, the government passed document in order to provide high quality of the grains and by-products, purchased at the cost of the state budget, and the grains and by-products, put to the governmental material reserves.


The structure will be created on the basis of the ministry of Agriculture, Water and Processing Industries of Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

Daniar Usenov became chief of the Presidential Administration


12/01/2009


Today President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has appointed Daniar Usenov the head of the Presidential Administration by his decree.


Former chief of the Presidential Administration Medet Sadyrkulov sent in resignation on January 8.

 


Kyrgyzstan and Italy discussed cooperation in the sphere of vocational education


12/01/2009


Director of the State Agency on Vocational Education Nurlan Askarov met today with representative of Italian Trade Chamber to Kyrgyzstan Georgio Fiacconi, the press service of the State Agency reports.


During the meeting the issues of cooperation in the sphere of vocational education and training of personnel in the sphere of servicing between Italy and Kyrgyzstan were discussed.


On the results of the meeting project agreement on cooperation between the State Agency on Vocational Education and Italian Trade Chamber in Kyrgyzstan.

 


Republican free style wrestling championship to be held in Bishkek


12/01/2009


Republican free style wrestling championship to be held in Bishkek on January 17-18. Trainer of combined team of the republic Anarbek Usenkanov told the Kabar Agency.


About 300 sportsmen of various weight categories will take part in competitions. Sportsmen, who win the first, second and third places will participate in competitions of world scale, he said.

 


Three new kinds of butterflies discovered in Kyrgyzstan last year


12/01/2009


Famous Russian scientist entomologist Petr Ustyuzhanin from Novosibirsk told that during expedition to Kyrgyzstan last summer he discovered three new kinds of butterflies. Soon they will be described and become property of entomology of Kyrgyzstan.


According to his words, this group has been in Kyrgyzstan for three weeks in the area of Lenin peak in the south of Kyrgyzstan at the height of three thousand meters.

 


A meeting with representatives of the Saudi Arabian ministries took place in the foreign ministry


10/01/2009


The Kyrgyz foreign ministry’s leadership had a meeting in Bishkek with representatives of the Saudi Arabian oil and mineral resources ministry, agriculture and healthcare ministry. The foreign ministry’s press service reported it.


The delegation arrived in Bishkek to conduct meetings with ministries and departments of the republic to establish and expand interdepartmental cooperation. During the meetings, the Kyrgyz side pointed out the interest of Kyrgyzstan in activating Kyrgyz-Saudi cooperation.


The results of Kyrgyz-Saudi cooperation in 2008 were discussed. It was also determined the main directions of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia for the nearest years.


The parties agreed to activate bilateral relations, particularly organize high-level visits, create Kyrgyz-Saudi Business Council, expand legal base and etc.

 

 

K.Bakiyev conducted traditional working meeting with his administration


29/12/2008

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev of Kyrgyzstan conducted traditional working meeting with heads of departments of his administration led by chief of the presidential administration Medet Sadyrkulov. Secretary of State Dosbol Nur uulu and Secretary of the Security Council Adahan Madumarov also attended the meeting.

The head of state received information about preliminary results of the year. Besides, he gave instructions to prepare a presidential decree on increasing salaries of the National TV/Radio Broadcasting Corporation by 50% starting from January 1, 2009.

Issues of optimising official powers of ministries and heads of state administrations were also discussed at the meeting.

 

 

E.Karabaev: Kyrgyzstan pays special attention to energy projects

 

23/12/2008

 

Kyrgyz foreign minister Ednan Karabaev received Andrea Studer, deputy permanent representative of the Swiss Cooperation Office.

 

During the talks, the parties discussed the outcome of 2008 and tasks for 2009. Minister Karabaev stressed that Kyrgyzstan is seeking to step up the pace of development in the fields of economy, mining, tourism, agriculture and is carrying out active work to create an information and research base of modern technologies, i.e., those industries that can attract the attention of European investors, as well as in the field of transport communication. According to the Minister, in the light of contemporary challenges and threats (financial, energy, food crisis) Kyrgyzstan pays special attention to energy projects.

 

Ednan Karabaev also stressed the importance of the second meeting of the bilateral trade and economic commission and the need to organize the next meeting in 2009. The minister voiced his appreciation to the Switzerland for invaluable assistance in the development of mountain areas through the Central Asian Mountain Program (CAMP), implementation of which will be completed by 2010. Swiss representative received a draft agreement on youth policy cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Swiss Confederation and a project to equip a gym in order to develop rehabilitation at the rehabilitation-diagnosis hospital of the Centre of health-social assessment and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.

 

 

China to help in reconstructing Torugart and Irkeshtam checkpoints

 

23/12/2008

 

Within the framework of official visit of the Kyrgyz frontier service’s leadership to China between December 14 and 21, 2009 issues of developing cooperation between the two states were discussed. In particular, the Chinese side expressed readiness in reconstructing and rehabilitating Torugart and Irkeshtam checkpoints. The funds would be allocated by the defense ministry of China, the Kyrgyz frontier service reported.

 

Besides, the delegation visited the sixth armoured division in Beijing garrison and familiarized with military equipment, combat training.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan and China signed cooperation agreement between frontier services

 

23/12/2008

 

Kyrgyzstan and China have signed an agreement on cooperation between frontier services. The document was signed during the Kyrgyz delegation’s visit to China between December 14 and 21, 2008. The delegation included collaborators of the frontier service of Kyrgyzstan.

 

The agreement on cooperation between the frontier service of Kyrgyzstan and the defense ministry of China was signed on issues of improving guarding and protection of state borders of the two states and forming effective mechanism of cooperation in the field of boundary safety.

 

The parties, according to the agreement, would exchange experience, information and jointly analyze violations at Kyrgyz-Chinese border.

 

 

USAID supports training on the use of charts of accounts and future compliance with IPSAS

 

22/12/2008

 

The USAID Economic Reforms to Enhance Competitiveness Project (EREC) jointly with the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic will conduct training in the Accounts Chamber of the Kyrgyz Republic on the use of new Chart of Accounts on December 22-24, 2008. Trainees will come from all ministries and agencies and the Accounts Chamber in Bishkek.

 

The training will focus on the preparation of financial statements under the current and the yet to be adopted IPSAS standards using the cash basis of accounting. The course content will cover illustrative consolidated financial statements, the application of chart of accounts by budgetary institutions, accounting for fixed assets, inventory, values, financial assets and liabilities with extensive practical examples.

 

Training will be delivered by local consultants who are familiar with the Ministry of Finance accounting system and who also participated in the development of a Chart of Accounts.

 

After adoption of the Regulation on accounting in budgetary institutions it is planned to conduct similar training events in regions.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia intend to cooperate in the field of vocational education

 

22/12/2008

 

Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia intend to cooperate in the field of vocational education.

 

Director of the state agency for vocational education of Kyrgyzstan Nurlan Askarov met with the director for financial affairs and management of the general organization for technical education and vocational training of Saudi Arabia.

 

It is expected to develop a draft agreement on bilateral cooperation between institutions of vocational education of two states.

 

Besides, during the working visit between December 22 and 24, representatives of Saudi Arabia would also familiarize with vocational lyceums of Bishkek and Chui oblast.

 

 

Heating and power plant may be built in Suluktu

 

22/12/2008

 

It is studying an issue on constructing heating and power plant in the town of Suluktu, Batken oblast of Kyrgyzstan. President of “South Korea” Investment Fund Jumakadyr Akeneev told at a press conference at 24.kg news agency.

 

He told the company plans to build the heating and power plant with a capacity of 2.5 billion kilowatt-hours a year. “About one billion dollars would be spent for the plant’s construction”, - said J.Akeneev.

 

It is expected to present the project in January 2009.

 

 

Russia to represent interests of CIS partners at G20 summit

 

20/12/2008

 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has invited the leaders of Tajikistan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to coordinate positions so that Russia could represent the collective interests of its partners at a G20 summit in London in April 2009.

 

“Certain results will be summed up in late March and early April, and a [G20] meeting in London will be held in early April. I would like us to compare notes so that Russia, which will take part in this G20 meeting, could in fact represent our collective interests, because only collective actions can be a response to the current crisis,” Medvedev said at an informal multilateral summit in Borovoye, Kazakhstan, on Friday.

 

The global economic crisis is affecting all economies worldwide differently, Medvedev said.

 

“Some have been affected more and some less, but our economies - the economies represented at this table - are interrelated so closely that changes in one of them will have an impact on the other economies,” he said.

 

“We should coordinate our actions in this situation. I will tell you about the events that have happened of late and in which I have taken part - I mean the meeting of the Group of 20 major economies in Washington,” Medvedev said.

 

 

Boney M will give a one day concert in Bishkek

 

20/12/2008

 

Famous West Germany-based pop and disco group Boney M will give a one day in Bishkek at the Russian National Drama Theater on December 21.

The concert is organized by “Alana” concert group.

 

 

K.Bakiyev attended informal multi-party summit in Kokshetau

 

20/12/2008

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev on December 19 attended an informal multi-party summit of the heads of states of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Tajikistan. The presidential press service reported it.

 

The participants of the summit exchanged opinions on development of regional cooperation within the framework of CSTO, EurAsEC and CIS. Besides, it was discussed issues of world financial crisis, international and regional security, issues of Afghanistan’s restoration and others.

 

 

Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s meeting with Nursultan Nazarbaev took place

 

20/12/2008

 

Before the informal multi-party summit of the heads of states, which took place in Kokshetau (Kazakhstan) on December 19, President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev met with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev, the presidential press service reported.

 

The presidents discussed issues of further deepening bilateral relations, fulfillment of earlier achieved agreements, and exchanged opinions on world financial crisis.

 

 

President Bakiyev to take part in informal summit of CIS leaders

 

19/12/2008

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has left today afternoon for Kokshetau city of Kazakhstan.

 

President Bakiyev will take part in the informal summit of CIS leaders on December 19-21.

 

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs met with head of AKDN Representation in Kyrgyzstan

 

19/12/2008

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Ednan Karabaev met with head of Aga Khan Development Network Representation for the Kyrgyz Republic Nurjehan Mawani to sum up the results of cooperation for 2008 and discuss plans for 2009. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.

 

At the meeting E. Karabaev stressed the successful implementation of such projects as Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP), projects in the sphere of education, agriculture, microcrediting and others.

 

Discussing priorities of cooperation for the enxt year, the sides agreed to make maximum efforts for realization of agreements achieved during the official visit of Aga Khan Prince to Kyrgyzstan on November 5-6, 2008.

 

 

IWPR discuss migration issues in Central Asia

 

19/12/2008

 

The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) will hold today in Bishkek a regional round table “Migration process of Central Asia – consequences of crisis”. Representatives of state structures, mass media and independent experts from Central Asian countries – Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will take part in it.

 

Various aspects of migration process in Central Asian countries and its influence on social and economic development of countries of the region.

 

 

Special services should combat extremism, ensure economic security –K.Bakiyev

 

KABAR, December 19. The fight against extremism and efforts to ensure Kyrgyzstan’s economic security should be high on the agenda of the country’s special services, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told an assembly marking the 90th anniversary of the Kyrgyz national security service, which took place in the national state philharmonic society’s building on December 18.

 

“An urgent task facing the republic’s national security agencies today and in the future is to step up their crackdown on extremism and any attempts to promote, advertise and incite ethnic and religions hatred,” Bakiyev said.

“Systemic efforts to maintain the country’s economic security are no less important,” the president said.

 

It is crucial for security services from CIS nations and member-countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to cooperate in combating terrorism, religious extremism and drug trafficking, he said.

 

“Measures to counter these threats, which are of a global nature, will be effective only if they are taken jointly,” he added.

 

“There was practically no social trust in the authorities before March 24, 2005 (National Revolution Day),” Bakiyev said. “We have managed to win back this trust. In the past three years, we have shown to the people of Kyrgyzstan through actual deeds that the authorities can be trusted,” he said.

 

 

E.Karabaev met with Head of OSCE Center in Bishkek A. Tesoriere

 

18/12/2008

 

Minister of foreign affairs of Kyrgyzstan Ednan Karabaev met with Head of OSCE Center in Bishkek Andrew Tesoriere.

 

The parties discussed issues of summing up joint cooperation for 2008 and outlined plans for 2009.

 

In 2008, the activity of OSCE was directed to continue implementation of projects on reforming the country’s law-enforcement bodies, penitentiary system, lawmaking. The parties determined main directions of further cooperation: border safety management, legislative base, state management, ecological threats, regional cooperation.

 

The main direction of cooperation at the current phase are issues of opening a customs center in Bishkek for training specialists from customs service of Afghanistan.

 

Minister E.Karabaev told that issues of developing water-energetic complex of the country, rehabilitating uranium waste products would be priority in 2009, except opening the customs center in Bishkek.

 

 

E.Karabaev met with Head of EBRD Office in Kyrgyzstan Kenji Nakazawa

 

18/12/2008

 

Minister of foreign affairs of Kyrgyzstan Ednan Karabaev met with Head of EBRD Office in Kyrgyzstan Kenji Nakazawa.

 

During the meeting it was discussed the results of outgoing year and plans for 2009. Minister E.Karabaev called EBRD to take active participation in investment projects and support the government’s measures aimed to stimulate business activity in the country.

 

K.Nakazawa informed about a situation in banking sector and about the office’s activities in conditions of world financial crisis. He also informed about plans for 2009 and launching projects on rehabilitating Osh-Batken road and on water supply of Bishkek.

 

The parties agreed to activate efforts on strengthening cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and EBRD.

 

 

E.Karabaev met with ADB Country Director in Kyrgyzstan Lan Wu

 

18/12/2008

 

Minister of foreign affairs of Kyrgyzstan Ednan Karabaev met with ADB Country Director in Kyrgyzstan Lan Wu. The parties summed up results of the outgoing year and outlined plans for 2009. E.Karabaev said the outgoing year’s cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and ADB was enough successful. Kyrgyzstan received grant aids from the Asian Development Bank to implement numerous infrastructure projects.

 

Lan Wu informed the minister about opportunity of rendering assistance to Kyrgyzstan to cover the deficit of budget for 2009.

 

Discussing the plans for 2009, the parties exchanged opinions on necessity of activating efforts on strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s cooperation with ADB. There were named projects on construction of Bishkek-Torugart highway, infrastructure projects in Issykkul oblast and others.

 

 

E.Karabaev meets with UN Resident Coordinator for Kyrgyzstan Neal Walker

 

18/12/2008

 

Minister of foreign affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Ednan Karabaev met with United Nations Resident Coordinator for Kyrgyzstan Neal Walker.

 

The parties discussed issues of current cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and agencies of the United Nations, including implementation of projects aimed to support socio-economic development of the country.

 

E.Karabaev expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation with the UN.

 

Issues of carrying out an action plan that initiated by the United Nations on rendering support to the government in overcoming the difficulties of winter period 2008-2009 were also touched upon.

 

 

Protocol on mechanism of rendering military technical assistance to CSTO states-members ratified

 

17/12/2008

 

President of the Kyryz Republic Kurmanbek Bakiyev signed the Law “On ratification of Protocol on mechanism of rendering military technical assistance to Collective Security Treaty Organization states-members in case of rise of agression threat or act of aggression, signed on October 6, 2007 in Dushanbe”, the presidential press service reports.

 

 

President Bakiyev received President of Sebat International Education Institute

 

KABAR. December 17. President of the Kyrgyz Republic Kurmanbek Bakiyev received Mr. Orhan Inandy, President of Sebat International Education Institute. The presidential press service reports.

 

At the meeting O. Inandy briefed the head of the state about the activity of the Institute.

 

President Bakiyev highly appreciated the activity of Sebat and stressed that the Institute makes significant contribution to development of education system of the republic.

 

“I would like to ask you to open your schools in remote regions of the country and to focus on non-admission of dissemination of religious extremism among pupils”, the President said.

 

 

OSCE Centre organizes seminar to improve criminal process standards in Kyrgyzstan

 

16/12/2008

 

Improving the handing of criminal cases through more effective co-operation between law enforcement and judicial bodies and the proper use of evidence was the focus of a seminar organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek today.

 

More than 20 participants from state, law enforcement, judicial bodies and international agencies discussed criminal process management and offered recommendations on ways to ensure better use of evidence and observe human rights during court trials.

 

“The OSCE Centre has invested substantial resources to enhance the forensic capacity of the Interior Ministry. This seminar aimed to raise the knowledge and understanding of modern forensic science and working methods among the courts and prosecutors, which is equally important,” said Knut Dreyer, the OSCE Centre’s Police Reform Adviser.

 

Leila Sydykova, a Member of Parliament who took part in the seminar, added: “This seminar helped create awareness about problems in law enforcement reform, and laid the basis for enhanced interaction between law enforcement and judicial institutions to better protect the rights and interests of citizens”.

 

The seminar was part of the OSCE Centre’s Police Reform Project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of the Kyrgyz Police and ensure that human rights are observed during police investigations.

 

 

K.Bakiyev ratifies agreement on financing grant project between IDA and Kyrgyzstan for the Capacity Building for Economic Management

 

16/12/2008

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a law on ratifying the agreement on financing grant project between Kyrgyzstan and the International Development Association (IDA) for the Capacity Building for Economic Management, signed on September 22 in Bishkek. The presidential press service reported it.

 

 

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister received Irani Ambassador

 

16/12/2008

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Ednan Karabaev received Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Reza Saburi, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.

 

During the meeting the results of Kyrgyz –Iranian relations for 2008 were summed up. The sides stressed that this year cooperation of two countries has developed dynamically, a number of events were organized, such as official visit of Iranian Foreign Minister M. Mottaki, the 9th meeting of Kyrgyz-Iranian Intergovernmental commission in Bishkek, official visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs E. Karabaev to Iran and others.

 

At the meeting the main directions of cooperation of Kyrgyzstan and Iran for 2009 were determined.

The sides agreed to activate trade and economic relations.

 

 

E. Karabaev met with Pakistani Ambassador Tanvir Hashkeli

 

16/12/2008

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ednan Karabaev met with Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Tanvir Hashkeli.

 

During the meeting the sides discussed the current condition of bilateral Kyrgyz-Pakistani relations, main results of joint work in 2008 and plans for 2009.

 

Concerning perspectives of cooperation, the Minister stressed that its necessary to pay attention to conducting bilateral visits and meetings, including a meeting of Intergovernmental commission, development of inter-parliamentary links and top level visits.

 

In the sphere of development of trade and economic cooperation, the sides stressed importance of organization of meetings of business circles of two countries under the auspices of Trade and Industry Chambers of Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, development of economic contacts of Kyrgyzstan with Pakistani provinces and activation of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the sphere of energy and transport communications.

 

 

K.Bakiyev: Heads of ministries and departments would be personally liable for non-fulfillment of recommendations of the Investment Council

 

KABAR, December 16. A meeting of the Investment Council under the Kyrgyz President that presided by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev took place in the Government House today.

 

Opening the meeting, the head of state told the meeting will sum up results of activities of the Investment Council for the last period – from May 2007 till the present day. “We attach a great importance to issue of improving business environment in the country. We have achieved good results and we should never rest content with what has been achieved. It is necessary to increase pace of works”, - said K.Bakiyev.

 

It was heard a report of the Investment Council’s Secretary Taalaibek Koichumanov about activities of the Council.

 

Summing up the meeting’s results, President K.Bakiyev said the Investment Council has showed its effectiveness due to building stable partnership relations. He assured members of the Investment Council that the relations between the state and investors would be constructed on mutual trust and respect for the welfare of investors and the state.

 

The head of state has drawn attention of the government and members of the Investment Council to necessity of carefully studying proposals on simplifying and improving customs and tax procedures.

 

He also noted the necessity of introducing proposals and draft normative acts by the customs committee during the first quarter of 2009.

 

The head of state ordered the government to submit proposals on additional measures in the field of improving checking of entrepreneurs for the next meeting.

 

The head of state has touched upon issues of further improvement of the country’s rating on doing business. He asked the government to pay special attention to two issues.

 

First. It is necessary to prescribe the responsibility of each department for concrete progress in the rating. The main attention should be paid to issues of controlling implementation of already accepted measures.

 

Second. The government by the end of the year should put forward package of measures aimed to counteract negative tendencies. In the medium-term outlook it is necessary to raise Kyrgyzstan’s position at the international rating on doing business. It should be improved in two times.

 

K.Bakiyev told the next meeting of the Investment Council will take place in March 2009. At the government’s expanded meeting devoted to results of 2008, which will take place in February 2009, it will be considered issues of personal responsibility of heads of state agencies, including mayors, governors, ministries for non-fulfillment of recommendations of the Investment Council, the head of state added.

 

 

E. Karabaev met with Korean Ambassador

 

16/12/2008

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Ednan Karabaev met with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kyrgyzstan Kim Beng Ho.

 

According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the aim of the meeting was to discuss the results of joint work in 2008 and tasks for 2009.

 

The sides also discussed a number of issues on development of bilateral cooperation and the results of forum “Cooperation Central Asia + the Republic of Korea” held on December 8-11 in Seoul.

 

At the meeting E. Karabaev stressed that 2008 was successful in developing cooperation between the two countries. The important event was transforming Consular department to the Kyrgyz Embassy in Seoul and opening of the Korean Embassy in Bishkek. The sides agreed to activate further bilateral cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and South Korea.

 

 

Grant Agreement for CAREC Transport Corridor 1 (Bishkek-Torugart Road) Project ratified

 

16/12/2008

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a law on ratifying Grant Agreement for CAREC Transport Corridor 1 [Bishkek-Torugart Road] Project between Kyrgyz Republic and Asian Development Bank dated 24 November 2008 and signed in Bishkek. The presidential press service reported it.

 

 

E. Karabaev met with German Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

15/12/2008

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan E. Karabaev met with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Germany to Kyrgyzstan Holger Gren, to discuss joint work done in frames of bilateral Kyrgyz-German relations during 2008 and perspectives for 2009, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.

 

E. Karabaev stressed the contributionof the German Embassy in Bishkek into forming and realization of the document “Strategy of EU for Central Asia: priorities for Kyrgyzstan”

 

At the meeting the agreement is reached to continue organization of visits of businesmen to expand trade and economic relations on the level of small and mid-sized business.

 

Discussing perspectives for 2009, E. Karabaev and H. Gren emphasized necessity to attract German investors in large scale projects of Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

Kyrgyz Prime Minister met with Russian Government members

 

15/12/2008

 

Prime Minister Igor Chudinov held bilateral meetings in Moscow with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Finance Minister Alexander Kudrin and Energy Minister Sergey Shmatko during his visit to take part in the 22nd meeting of the Interstate Council of the Eurasian Economic Community .

 

First, Chudinov held a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Shmatko, who is the co-chairman of the Kyrgyz-Russian intergovernmental commission for trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation. They discussed several issues related to developing bilateral relations and increasing the efficiency of the agreements and contracts, which were signed earlier as part of this commission.

 

Then the Kyrgyz prime minister held a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aleksey Kudrin. At the bilateral meeting, Chudinov and Kudrin touched on the issues connected with the current situation on the global financial market, implementation of joint investment projects, coordinating and drawing up measures to prevent similar cataclysms from happening on domestic markets.

 

 

E. Karabaev met with Turkish Ambassador

 

15/12/2008

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan E. Karabaev received today Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Turkish Republic to Kyrgyzstan S. Alpman to sum up the results of bilateral cooperation for 2008 and to discuss plan of actions for 2009. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.

 

At the meeting the sides stressed that this year was full of mutual visits of various level. At that the main event was the official visit of Kyrgyz Prime Minister to Turkey and official visit of Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs A. Babadjan to Kyrgyzstan. Besides, inter-parliamentary cooperation and cooperation on the level of ministers of two countries is activated this year.

 

In order to expand trade and economic cooperation, the Fifth meeting of Kyrgyz-Turkish inter-governmental commission on trade and economic cooperation and “Kyrgyzstan-Turkey” business forum were held.

Stressing the readiness to organize official visit of Turkish President A. Gyul to Kyrgyzstan in 2009, E. Karabaev focused attention to necessity to hold joint work on development and signing agreements of mutual interest between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. Besides, the sides agreed to make maximum efforts for realization of agreements, reached in the course of visits in 2008.

 

 

“Russian vanguard” exhibition continues in Bishkek

 

15/12/2008

 

An unprecedented exhibition “Russian vanguard”, organized by AsiaUniversalBank in the framework of the large-scale cultural program “For all times”, opened on November 20, 2008. For the first time the residents of Kyrgyzstan will get an opportunity to learn more about one of the brightest phenomena of art of XX century that was called “Russian vanguard”, and to see original canvases by Kazimir Malevich, Vasily Kandinsky, Lubov Popova, Alexandra Exter, David Shterenberg and many other masters of vanguard painting. “Russian vanguard” exhibition is one more present made by AsiaUniversalBank to the country.

 

A common feature of all Russian vanguard trends was absolute renunciation of cultural heritage, negation of continuity artistic creative work. Russian vanguard has equally substantial destructive and creative roots: nihilism combines with creativeness, aimed at creating of something new in the in essence. These pioneering art phenomena was specified by the terms “modernism”, “new art”, “futurism”, ”cube futurism”, “leftist art” and others.

 

“Russian vanguard in Kyrgyzstan” art exhibition will last till December 20, 2008

 

 

I.Chudinov and Russian Energy Minister S.Shmatko discussed issues of cooperation in the field of hydro-power engineering

 

12/12/2008

 

Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Igor Chudinov met with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko in Moscow today.

 

The parties discussed issues of implementing decisions of Kyrgyz-Russian intergovernmental commission on cooperation and issues of cooperation in the field of hydro-power engineering.

 

S.Shmatko said that Russia is interested in construction of Kambarata hydroelectric power stations.

I.Chudinov, in his turn, told that these projects are priority for Kyrgyzstan.

 

The parties discussed the possibility of allocating 2 billion dollars by the Russian side for Kambarata and mechanisms of distributing these funds.

 

 

 

Bishkek hosts conference on issues of commerce development within the framework of WTO

 

04/12/2008

 

A regional conference on issues of commerce development within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO) will take place today at the Hyatt Hotel, a source in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) told “Kabar” News Agency.

 

The conference will take place on the threshold of Kyrgyzstan’s entering in WTO. Ministers of economic and commerce departments of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Bulgaria would attend the conference’s works.

 

The problems and perspectives of entering Central Asia in the World Trade Organization and problems of harmonizing national legislations of the states of Central Asia with the requirements of WTO and international practice would be discussed at the conference.

 

 

An exhibition opens in Bishkek devoted to Chingiz Aitmatov’s Year

 

04/12/2008

 

An exhibition devoted to the Year of Chingiz Aitmatov has opened in Bishkek. The exhibition’s organizer Anar Madalieva told it at a press conference in Bishkek.

 

The project is aimed to create an area for creative works in the field of art and development of Kyrgyz painters’ potential.

 

“We believe in cooperation with other states through exchanging cultural values. We are also ready to show the works of Kyrgyz painters to the world and invite painters of other countries to exhibit their works in Kyrgyzstan”, - said A.Madalieva.

 

The works of 12 painters of Kyrgyzstan exhibited here. The exhibition will last till December 26.

 

 

K.Bakiyev received ADB Vice-President Xiaoyu Zhao

 

04/12/2008

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev received Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Xiaoyu Zhao.

 

Welcoming X.Zhao, the head of state congratulated him on assuming an office of the ADB Vice-President and expressed thanks to the bank for close cooperation.

 

He also thanked the bank for financial and technical assistance in implementing projects in the fields of transport, agriculture, emergency situations, education, health care and infrastructure development.

 

“The bank’s policy, carrying out in Kyrgyzstan, is enough flexible and quickly reacts to the world tendencies, and of course, aimed to solution of priority tasks of our republic”, - said Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

 

The head of state also informed about updating the country’s development strategy for 2009-2011.

In his turn, Xiaoyu Zhao thanked Kurmanbek Bakiyev for warm the reception and conveyed the greetings of the President of the Asian Development Bank.

 

The parties discussed issues of further development of relations between Kyrgyzstan and the Asian Development Bank in the light of new economic situation in the world and against a background of the global financial crisis and its consequences.

 

 

A law on ratifying the protocol on common rules of licensing of import and export of goods as well as related to separate kinds of activities of EurAsEC signed

 

03/12/2008

 

President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a law on ratifying the protocol on common rules of licensing of import and export of goods as well as related to separate kinds of activities of the member-states of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), signed October 25, 2004 in Moscow. The presidential press service of Kyrgyzstan reported it.

 

 

Igor Chudinov meets with ADB Vice-President Xiaoyu Zhao

 

03/12/2008

 

Prime Minister Igor Chudinov of Kyrgyzstan has met with Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Xiaoyu Zhao. Minister of economic development and trade Akylbek Japarov and finance minister Tazhikan Kalimbetova also attended the meeting.

 

In his welcoming speech I.Chudinov said that the Asian Development Bank is one of the important partners of Kyrgyzstan. Since 1994 the bank has rendered assistance in the country’s economic development worth 60 million US dollars.

 

He also said the current year was not easy not only for Kyrgyzstan but also the whole world. However, Kyrgyzstan could have kept the stable economic growth due to efforts for development of priority directions.

 

“We are thankful for the assistance that aimed to priority directions of the country and correspond to the development strategy of Kyrgyzstan till 2010. In 2009, it would be signed four projects worth 60 million US dollars if the Council of Directors of the World Bank would approve them. Not simple tendencies in the world economy compel to consider measures on keeping stable economy in the republic. We will keep the social orientation of our budget and develop priority projects in the field of transport and energetic sectors of the country”, - said I.Chudinov.

 

He also told that it is needed additional efforts for the government in energetic complex and offered donors to reconsider directions of financial resources in the field of energy and agriculture of the country.

The ADB Vice-President said the bank’s leadership is ready to cooperate with Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

T. Kalimbetova: ADB is the second largest international finance institute, which renders aid to Kyrgyzstan
 

03/12/2008


ADB is the second largest international finance institute, which renders aid to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikan Kalimbetova, Finance Minister of Kyrgyzstan told today at a meeting of ADB Vice President Zhao Xiaoyu with Prime Minister Igor Chudinov.


According to her words, the volume of resourses of ADB makes $673 million and this institute annually renders $ 60-65 million of aid to Kyrgyzstan.
“Today we talked about possibilities to increase the aid rendering to our republic. In particular the main attention was focused on continuation of work in frames of construction hihways and all projects in agriculture sphere.
 


Representatives of Russia and Central Asian countries discuss in Bishkek economic cooperation


03/12/2008


Representatives of Russia and Central Asian countries discuss in Bishkek economic cooperation issues on december 10 during the International Conference “Economic cooperation of Central Asian countries with the Russian Federation: condition, problems and perspectives”.


Prime Minister Igor Chudinov, representatives of the Kyrgyz presidential administration, heads of committees of the Jogorku Kenesh, represenetatives of the largest enterprises on energy, communication, industry and services sphere will take part in the conference.


The Russian delegation, which arrive in Bishkek includes of representatives of the Russian presidential administration, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Regional Development , CIS Executive Committee, representatives of the Eurasian Bank of Development, trade representatives of Russia in Central Asian countries and top managers of Inter RAO EES, Rosatom, Gasprom, Zarubejneftegas.

 


The 16th OSCE Ministerial Council to be held in Helsinki


03/12/2008


The 16th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will take place in Helsinki, December 4-5. The foreign ministry of Kyrgyzstan reported it.


Foreign minister Ednan Karabaev will represent Kyrgyzstan at the OSCE Ministerial Council.


It is expected to consider and adopt a political declaration of ministers, further actions in the field of border security, human rights, trafficking of human beings, participation of the member-states in restoration of Afghanistan and others.


E.Karabaev will deliver a speech at plenary meetings on December 4.


Besides, E.Karabaev is expected to meet with OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut.

 


OSCE Centre encourages student engagement to increase quality of higher education in Kyrgyzstan


03/12/2008


Raising the quality of higher education by engaging and empowering the student community was the aim of a conference in Bishkek that took place on December 3 and supported by the OSCE Centre.


“Student governance can provide some checks and balances in overseeing the proper use of university resources and improving transparency in the educational process. We received positive feedback from six universities that participated in this project and hope to see more universities adopt such practices,” said Kimberley Bulkley, Senior Economic and Environmental Advisor at the OSCE Centre.


A project launched two years ago and supported by the OSCE Centre, helped increase the quality of higher education in Kyrgyzstan through a series of training courses for student unions, councils, Universities’ senates and provided consultations and expertise.


“The role of students in assessing and improving the education quality is crucial. This project facilitated developing mechanisms to empower student organizations. We hope to further increase the involvement of students in the education process,” said Natalia Bragina, the Director of the NGO Association of Education, which co-organized the conference with the Eurasia Foundation - Central Asia.
 


M. Kongantiev met with regional representative of UN High Commissioner on Human Rights for Central Asia


03/12/2008


Minister of Internal Affairs, major-general of militia Moldomusa Kongantiev received regional representative of UN High Commissioner on Human Rights in Central Asian countries Dimitr Shalev on his request. The press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reports.


During the constructive dialogue the sides discussed a number of problems in the sphere of human rights.
Minister Kongantiev invited D. Shalev to take part in a seminar on legislation and human rights, which will take place in the Ministry of Internal Affairs in near days.

 


UNDP Poverty Reduction Program allocated 165 thousand dollars for development of Kyrgyzstan’s pilot villages


02/12/2008


It was allocated 165 thousand dollars in the kind of grants by the UNDP Poverty Reduction Program in 2008 for development of Kyrgyzstan’s pilot projects. Specialist of the UNDP for PR Aida Mambetkulova told it to “Kabar” News Agency.


These grants were used in creation of small productions in villages. In A.Mambetkulova’s words, 220 small enterprises were opened and over 500 working places created in 2008 alone with the support of the UNDP Poverty Reduction Program.
 


CIS IHCF strengthens ties with UNESCO


01/12/2008


The CIS Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund (IHCF) has strengthened ties with UNESCO. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between UNESCO and the IHCF at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on November 28, BelTA learnt from IHCF press secretary Alexander Kalugin.


The memorandum will create additional opportunities for the development of the mutually beneficial cooperation between UNESCO and the IHCF in the areas of education, science, culture, information and mass communications, sport, tourism, archive-keeping and youth policy.


“We have achieved great progress in the development of our relations,” UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura said while signing the memorandum. “The document covers the key areas of our cooperation.”


According to IHCF Chairman Zhanseit Tuimebayev, in view of the global financial crisis and its impact on all the areas of human life, the money allocated for humanitarian projects should be distributed as efficiently as possible. According to him, this can be achieved through coordinated efforts.


The IHCF was founded in 2006 upon the decision of the heads of government of 7 countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Armenia). Azerbaijan joined the fund in June 2008.
 

 

Employees of Finance Ministry discussed with Korean colleagues the issues of avoiding double taxation

 

27/11/2008

 

Employees of the Finance Ministry of Kyrgyzstan visited Seoul city, where he met with their Korean colleagues and discussed the issues of avoiding double taxation, the press service of the Finance Ministry reports. During the trip the second round of talks on signing inter-governmental agreement between Governments of Kyrgyzstan and Korea on avoiding double taxation. The first round of talks was held in Bishkek on October, when there were discords

 

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey to arrive in Bishkek

 

27/11/2008

 

The official visit of Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Babadjan to Kyrgyzstan starts today, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.

 

During the visit, which will last till November 29, the Turkish Minister plans to meet with President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, Prime Minister Igor Chudinov and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ednan Karabaev.

 

The condition and perspectives of bilateral cooperation, the issues of organization of official visit of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Kyrgyzstan in 2009, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation are planned to be dicussed in these meetings.

 

 

Ambassador J. Azylov presented credentials to chairman of the European Union


26/11/2008


Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic in BENILUX countries and in France, head of mission of Kyrgyzstan in EU, NATO and UNESCO J. Azylov presented credentials to chairman of the European Union Jose Manuel Barroso. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.


After the ceremony of presenting credentials the sides discussed the issues of current condition of bilateral relations and perspectives of their further development.


For giving more impulse to bilateral cooperation, the sides agreed to organize a visit of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to European Union institutes in 2009.


Mr. J. M. Barroso stressed that the EU intends to support efforts of Kyrgyzstan on fulfilling political and economic reforms.
 


Tajik, Kyrgyz security council secretaries’ meeting expected to result in signing of cooperation document


25/11/2008


Tajik and Kyrgyz security council secretaries are meeting in Batken, Kyrgyzstan today afternoon to discuss the joint border delineation issues, the AsiaPlus reported.


Security Council Secretary Amirqul Azimov and his Kyrgyz counterpart Adakhan Madumraov are supposed to discuss the progress of implementation of decisions made at the previous meeting that was held in Isfara, Tajikistan on April 29 this year.


At first, the security council secretaries will hold a bilateral meeting and after this, they will hold an extended-format meeting with participation of members of the government commissions of the two countries.


The meeting is expected to result in signing of the preliminary document on providing security of the common border and continuing mutually beneficial cooperation.


We will recall that the April 29 meeting participants agreed to set up commissions at levels of heads of provinces and districts of the two countries for preventing and settling conflict situations. They also agreed to ban any economical activity in the disputable territories until the border delineation work is completed.
 


E.Karabaev: Kyrgyzstan attaches importance for strengthening Kyrgyz-Emirates cooperation


25/11/2008


Minister of Foreign Affairs Ednan Karabaev met with Chairman of architectural inspection committee of United Arabic Emirates Mr. Tilyl Ali Muhammad Khuri on November 24 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. During the meeting, E.Karabaev noted that Kyrgyzstan attaches importance for strengthening Kyrgyz-Emirates cooperation and also expressed sincere gratitude to Mr. Tilyl Ali Muhammad Khuri for providing charitable activities in Kyrgyzstan.


Moreover, the Minister acquainted with priority spheres of Kyrgyz economy for investments.


In his turn, Mr. Tilyl Ali Muhammad Khuri expressed readiness for widening and strengthening Kyrgyz-Emirates cooperation in trade and economic spheres, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported.

 


Aibek Alybaev appointed director of judicial department of Kyrgyzstan


25/11/2008


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a decree to dismiss Kochkorbaev Imanilla Nurkamilovich from the post of director of the judicial department of Kyrgyzstan, the presidential press service reported.


Alybaev Aibek Tashibekovich is appointed a new director of the judicial department of Kyrgyzstan according to the president’s another decree.
 


I.Boldjurova participates in international conference on education in Geneva


25/11/2008


KABAR, November 25. Minister of education and science of Kyrgyzstan Ishenkul Boldjurova participates in the 48th session of the international conference on education (ICE) in Geneva.


The theme of the 48th session of the ICE is “Inclusive Education: the Way of the Future”. It is organized by the International Bureau of Education (IBE).


It is expected that this conference will enrich the debates about the concept of inclusive education, look more carefully into the role of governments in the development and the implementation of policies on inclusive education, draw attention to education systems that offer opportunities for life-long learning and emphasize the role of teachers to meet the learners’ diverse expectations and needs.According to the ministry’s spokesperson Mira Osmonalieva, I.Boldjurova will deliver a report on the theme: “Inclusive Education: approaches, scale, contents”.
 


A week of Aitmatov’s films to be held at cinema house


25/11/2008


A week of Aitmatov’s films will take place at the republican cinema house. Collaborator of the department on cinematography under the ministry of culture and information K.Soronbaev told it.


He told the week will open on December 5 with participation of cinematographers – authors of Aitmatov’s films, and amateurs. The week’s program includes well-known films such as “The White Steamer”, “Mother’s Field”, “Red Apple” and others.


Besides, according to an order of acting director of the cinematography department Abibilla Pazylov, on December 12 (Chingiz Aitmatov’s birthday) cinema shows of Aitmatov’s films would be organized at all movie theaters of the country.


The week is devoted to the 80th anniversary of People’s Writer of Kyrgyzstan Chingiz Aitmatov.

 


Kyrgyzstan’s government expects the reduction of direct foreign investments


25/11/2008


In connection with the world financial crisis in Russia and Kazakhstan, the government of Kyrgyzstan expects the reduction of direct foreign investments. Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov told yesterday during President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s meeting with members of the government, representatives of business associations and donor communities.


In his opinion, it is necessary to keep the volume of export in the country and overcome the risks regarding energy development. “The best way is the strict observance of limits of energy consumption and policy of energy saving”, - said I.Chudinov.


The government plans to concentrate on two directions: prevent crisis appearances in the banking system and render effective assistance to the real sector through supporting domestic demands on local goods and services.
 


Ilyas Davydov appointed minister of industry, energy and fuel resources


25/11/2008


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a decree to dismiss Balkibekov Saparbek Esenovich from the post of minister of industry, energy and fuel resources of Kyrgyzstan.


Davydov Ilyas Abdullovich is appointed the minister of industry, energy and fuel resources of Kyrgyzstan according to the president’s another decree.
 


K.Bakiyev: We need additional economic policy measures


24/11/2008


President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev during a meeting with participation of members of the government led by Prime Minister Igor Chudinov and representatives of international organizations, business-associations and donor community pointed out the necessity of accepting additional economic decisions. “The financial assistance is not enough. We need additional economic policy measures, especially, the business needed in it. We would discuss today with you the issue: what is necessary to do for business in order to keep its business activity, - said K.Bakiyev.


The president told the state, business associations and donor communities have made a lot of works for the last two years. “It was accepted a new Tax Code. It was simplified the regulations of business, particularly, it was reduced checking of entrepreneurs by law-enforcement bodies. It was created single window. However, these are not enough and in the course of today’s meeting we will exchange opinions on current situation and discuss additional measures”, - said K.Bakiyev.
 


ADB grants Kyrgyzstan 15.4 million dollars to create favorable conditions for doing business


24/11/2008


Minister of economic development and trade of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov and director of the Asian Development Bank’s Office in Kyrgyzstan Lan Wu have signed a grant agreement in the amount of 15.4 million dollars. The grant will be aimed to create favorable conditions for doing business, the ministry’s press service reported.


2.9 million dollars of them would be directed to events on implementing this program, and 12.5– to support the country’s budget.


As a result of the program, it will be improved business-environment and investment climate that will increase the volume of domestic and external investments.
 


800 mln.soms allocated from the state budget to avert food crisis


24/11/2008


It is allocated 800 million soms from the state budget to avert food crisis, finance minister Tazhikan Kalimbetova told “Kabar” News Agency.


“In order to fulfill the decree of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, the “Agroprodkorporation” is set up that aimed to accept measures on averting food crisis. The corporation’s creation will not allow raising elemental prices for primary foodstuffs such as flour, vegetable oil, sugar”, - said the minister.


“The corporation’s goal is to support domestic agricultural commodity producers and it has already prepared a program on implementing its activities”, - she said.

 


Head of OSCE Center in Bishkek awarded “Sheriktesh” Medal


22/11/2008


A scientific practical conference “Experience and perspectives of cooperation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and OCSE” devoted to the 5th anniversary of signing of Memorandum of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek’s Police Reform Programme.


Minister of Internal Affairs Moldomusa Kongantiev, head of OSCE Center, Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere took aprt in the event.


Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere is awrded “Sheriktesh” Medal.

 


Fifth anniversary of OSCE Police Reform Programme in Kyrgyzstan marked with conference


22/11/2008


Almost 100 officials participated in a conference today that marked the fifth anniversary of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek’s Police Reform Programme. The Interior Ministry and the OSCE Centre co-organized the event.


The police programme’s achievements and perspectives for further co-operation and improvements were discussed at the conference. Presentations highlighted the programme’s different sections: community policing, forensics, police education and human rights.


Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said the programme had been successful.


“Today we commemorate five years of fruitful co-operation,” he said. “The Kyrgyz Police Reform Programme is admired by regional partners. Crucially, this programme has sought to build trust and respect for the judicial and law-enforcement system among citizens. This is vital for any democratic, progressive society. I consider it important that we continue to work towards having the Kyrgyz authorities assume full responsibility for all parts of the programme within a realistic time frame.”


Interior Minister Moldomusa Kongantiev added: “The OSCE’s assistance to the Kyrgyz Police programme helps strengthen law and order as well as the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms. Police officers support the reform. The OSCE Centre’s substantial material technical support has increased quality and improved crime prevention and disclosure. In addition, officers learned about police spirit, respect of citizens and protection of rights during study tours to European Union countries and at workshops in the Police Academy. There is no doubt in the effectiveness of the OSCE Police project in Kyrgyzstan.”


In addition to officials from the OSCE Centre and the Interior Ministry, the anniversary conference attracted participants from non-governmental organizations and the Police Academy.


The OSCE Police Reform Programme was launched in 2003 with a co-operation agreement between the OSCE Centre and the Kyrgyz Government. Under the programme, a stage-by-stage reform of Kyrgyz police was carried out by the government, relevant ministries and civil society institutions.
 


Safe and Sustainable: New Sanitation System in Kyrgyzstan


22/11/2008


With new technological innovations for humanitarian aid – like the solar powered ambulances in Mumbai, or SMS technologies spreading aid and awareness – it can be easy to lose sight of more basic initiatives to address the most basic human needs. An international conference on Ecological Safety, held earlier this month in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, called attention to a dangerous sanitation issue by offering an inspiring and feasible solution.


The problem: international donors are still promoting pit latrines, says Dr. Claudia Wendland of Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF), but most families can’t afford to pay for safe emptying of the pits. In humid climates like those found in Central Asia, Caucasus and Eastern Europe, the latrines can become dangerous as a result, often leaking and polluting puddles in nearby streets and gardens, leaking into streams or even leaching into groundwater. Contamination ruins an already-limited clean drinking water supply, and puts the local community, particularly children, at risk for bacterial disease.


A new and more sustainable sanitation system promises to change the game, if advocates can generate the resources and policy action necessary to support it. According to Sascha Gabizon, executive director of WCEF, dry or low-flush urine diverting toilets, combined with natural filtration ponds to purify grey water from sinks and showers, is a much safer sanitation system that can be implemented at a cost similar to that of the latrines.


One major aim of the conference was to demonstrate the feasibility of this system on a local level, and to push for legislation that supports leapfrogging to this and other sanitation systems that reuse nutrients and save water.


According to a release from the WECF:


The 200 participants of the conference were invited to visit 3 demonstration projects showing how wastewater from kitchens and bathrooms was efficiently cleaned using a “soil filter,” a sealed pond in which sand and plants clean the wastewater to achieve the quality of bathing water, The participants also visited 2 different types of dry urine diverting toilets. The cost of the toilets vary between 200 and 450 Euro, including a wash facility and light, this is much cheaper than having to build a flush-toilet and connecting to a sewage system, which in most villages does not exist in any case. The cost of the soil filter for 5 people amounts to about 950 euro, also less expensive than connecting to a sewage system.


“In regions without central water supply … they can be used without flushing water, are hygienic and safe and reuse the nutrients from urine and faeces in agriculture. Ponds and constructed wetlands are natural systems for treating wastewater in cases where flushing toilets exist,” says Wendland.


Gabizon says the WCEF strategy is to first demonstrate the new sustainable sanitation systems “in a variety of small and large scale applications, from households to schools to entire villages.” This phase will rely on aid funding. “However, once their efficiency and cost benefits demonstrated, we hope that all countries in the EECCA region will join the water and health protocol, and thus work under a common legally binding framework, where performance based targets will be set, which would mean that pit latrines would no longer be an acceptable solution but that a variety of other solutions would be available. Our aim is that each household and each school or other public building has access to a safe sanitation system.”
 


Vice Prime Minister congratulated agriculture workers on their professional holiday


21/11/2008


The First Vice Prime Minister Iskenderbek Aidaraliev congratulated workers of agriculture sphere on their professional holiday on behlaf of the President and the Government during the solemn meeting in the historical museum in Bishkek.


In his congratulating speech I. Aidaraliev told that the agricultural sector is developing every day. He also emphasized that agricultural workers fulfilled tasks of the President Kurmanbek Bakiyev on food security in the country.


After his congratulating speech I. Aidaraliev handed over awards to workers of agricultural sphere.
 

 

IMF announces staff-level agreement with Kyrgyzstan on arrangement under the exogenous shocks facility

 

04/11/2008

 

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission visited Bishkek during October 22-31, 2008 for discussions with the Kyrgyz government and the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic. The mission and the authorities have reached an agreement in principle on an economic program that can be supported by an 18-month arrangement under the Exogenous Shocks Facility, providing financial support of at least US$60 million, says the IMF press release. This agreement requires the approval of the IMF Executive Board, which is expected to consider it in early December.

 

The authorities' economic program aims to address the adverse consequences of the exogenous shocks that have hit the Kyrgyz economy, including the increase in international food and energy prices and the shortfall in domestic power generation due to low water levels in the Toktogul reservoir. The program also aims to manage the effects of the slowdown in regional economic growth and potential spillovers from the international financial crisis.

 

The program focuses on reducing inflation, supporting economic growth, and protecting the poor. Central to the authorities' efforts to reduce inflation has been a tightening of monetary policy, reflected in a sharp increase in interest rates this summer. In the period ahead, with inflation starting to decline and growth projected to slow, monetary policy will aim to bring down inflation further, but will also be responsive to the changing underlying economic conditions. Fiscal policy will similarly aim to balance the need to help reduce inflation with the need to support growth and provide targeted protection to the poor. While the focus of the program is on macroeconomic policies, the authorities will continue to advance their structural reform agenda to improve macroeconomic management and ensure strong growth over the longer term.

 

 

ADB increases funding for Kyrgyz Republic water infrastructure project

 

Бишкек, 04/11/2008

 

KABAR, November 4. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is granting an additional US$30 million for a project that will provide cleaner drinking water and better sanitation services to 1.5 million people in the provinces of Chui, Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Batken in the Kyrgyz Republic.

 

The Community-Based Infrastructure Services Sector Project was initially approved in 2000, with ADB extending a US$36 million loan. The additional Asian Development Fund grant will ensure completion of the project.

 

Sharp increases in the prices of steel, cement, pipes, and petroleum products during the project implementation period have raised the average per capita cost of constructing water supply infrastructure to US$80 from US$20. Climate change and drought have also limited the use of spring and groundwater near the project areas, so the water pipe networks had to be connected to distant water sources, further raising the scale and cost of the project.

 

"Unless additional funding is provided, many communities hoping to benefit from the project will remain without safe water supply and sanitation," said Shakeel Khan, Senior Urban Development Specialist of ADB's Central and West Asia Department.

 

Since the loan was approved, 118 out of 240 subprojects have been completed. The additional funding will enable the government to complete the remaining subprojects.

 

The project will rehabilitate existing systems and build new ones to provide better living and health conditions. It will also improve the organizational and managerial capabilities of the sector agencies. Many systems had failed because they were poorly designed and maintained.

 

An integrated approach has been adopted towards a sector suffering from inadequate delivery, fiscal difficulties, aging infrastructure, and institutional constraints. The project will also support the Government's objectives of decentralization, poverty reduction, and human development through communities helping themselves.

 

"Having to cope with poor and unsafe water and sanitation services result in large financial and social costs for the poor population. In rural areas, people often walk long distances to obtain water from untreated sources," said Mr. Khan.

 

Combining the ADB loan approved in 2000 and the new ADB grant, along with US$16.5 million in contributions from the Kyrgyz government and beneficiaries, the total project cost now stands at US$82.5 million.

 

ADB helps Kyrgyz Republic improve investment climate

 

04/11/2008

 

The Kyrgyz Republic's drive to achieve higher and broad-based economic growth is being supported by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) program to improve the business and investment environment.

 

ADB's Investment Climate Improvement Program includes three subprograms. The first subprogram grant is estimated at US$15.4 million. Indicative grant amounts for subprogram 2 and subprogram 3 are US$20 million each. An additional US$600,000 technical assistance will provide implementation support.

 

The Kyrgyz Republic, a landlocked country with a small population base of just over 5 million, needs to attract investments and diversify its economy. Economic growth has been modest and volatile, and driven largely by one commodity, gold. Unemployment and underemployment have been persistently high. About 35% of the population lives below the poverty line and 7% in extreme poverty.

 

"Taking better advantage of the country's natural resources as well as expanding growth potential in the non-resource sector will require significant improvements in the investment climate," said Sona Shrestha, a Senior Economist with ADB's Central and West Asia Regional Department.

 

“Investors currently face a challenging environment characterized by an inefficient regulatory regime, financing constraints, and infrastructure bottlenecks."

 

The program will focus on reforms that will reduce entry and exit barriers and compliance costs for businesses. It includes measures to improve the enforcement of financial contracts which will help lower credit risk and improve investor access to finance.

 

The program will also create a clear legal and regulatory framework for public-private partnerships in infrastructure. Infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in power and transport, add considerably to the cost of doing business. It is clear that the infrastructure investment requirements cannot be met with government's resources alone.

 

"The Program enjoys support at the highest level of the government, so this is a unique opportunity for ADB to advance difficult but necessary reforms," said Ms. Shrestha.

 

E.Karabaev met with Special Representative of the UN Sec.Gen. Miroslav Jenca

 

04/11/2008

 

Minister of foreign affairs of Kyrgyzstan Ednan Karabaev met with UN Secretary General’s Special Representative and the Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA) Miroslav Jenca.

 

During the talks, E.Karabaev pointed out that Kyrgyzstan attaches a great importance to activity of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy. He expressed assurance that the center will assist in developing mutually beneficial cooperation between states of the region, peaceful solution of disputes, particularly, issues of security and projects that handed over earlier by the minister to the Head of the Regional Center.

 

 

OSCE Centre brings together Central Asian states, civil society and business in fight against terrorism

 

04/11/2008

 

Partnerships between state authorities, civil society and the private sector to combat terrorism are the focus of an OSCE Centre conference, which starts in Bishkek today.

 

The two-day event is held in co-operation with the Kyrgyz State Committee on National Security and the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry, and brings together representatives from Central Asian security services, parliaments, NGOs, media, the private sector and international organizations including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Co-operation Organization, and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the OSCE press release says.

 

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ednan Karabaev, who is opening the conference, said: "We can only gain from the participation of the private sector, civil society and media in countering terrorism. Such partnerships have yielded good results in world practice, and therefore the Kyrgyz Republic initiated this conference on the regional level."

 

The conference aims to explore the forms and methods of partnerships, the role of the banking sector and NGOs in the struggle against terrorism, the role of religious organizations, educational awareness raising, and the role of media in combating extremism. Experts and legal specialists, including OSCE Mission to Georgia's anti-terrorism adviser and the director of the Kyrgyz state agency on religious affairs, will hold presentations.

 

Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said "The multiple forms of terrorism require a coherent and co-ordinated response that calls for measures both from government and civil society; from the public and private financial sectors; from the uniformed and non-uniformed services; and from ordinary citizens, all working together in the face of a shared danger. This is what lies at the heart of the public-private partnership concept."

 

"Human rights and rule of law are central to counter-terrorism strategy. To undermine them is to play into hands of the terrorists. A successful counter-terrorist strategy supports dialogue, diversity and tolerance within sciety. It does noe block them”, he added.

 

Kyrgyzstan will use one of the ports of Iran for its own commodity circulation

 

04/11/2008

 

KABAR, November 4. Iran is expected to provide Kyrgyzstan with one of its southern ports. It was discussed at the meeting of Kyrgyz-Iranian intergovernmental commission for trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation.

 

Kyrgyzstan will use this port for its own commodity circulation.

 

The Iranian side will consider it and express its opinion within three months.

 

U.S. government launches loan guarantee program for Kyrgyz students

 

05/11/2008

 

The United States government launches a loan guarantee program for students of Kyrgyzstan, the U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Tatiana C. Gfoeller told at the news conference on Wednesday, November 4, 2008.

 

The United States Agency of International Development (USAID) has signed an agreement with the two Kyrgyz financial institutions, according to which the USAID provides guarantees covering up to 50 percent of judicial loans’ given by a microcrediting company and a bank. The total amount of money allotted is $1.5 million.

 

The funds will reportedly provide education for technical college students mostly from the country area of Kyrgyzstan. Students will obtain both masters and bachelors degree only in universities of Kyrgyzstan. “We have no doubts that this program will be successful, as Kyrgyzstan has over 240,000 students,” the Ambassador said.

 

OSCE holds two-day conference on terrorism counteraction in Bishkek

 

04/11/2008

 

A two-day conference on terrorism counteraction starts under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Bishkek on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, press service of the OSCE office in Kyrgyzstan reported.

 

Close attention will be paid to the partnership in fight with extremism among authorities, civil society and private sector.

 

This event is taking place in cooperation with the Kyrgyz State Committee of National Security and the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This conference is also aimed at forms and methods of partnership, role of Mass Media, bank and non-governmental sector, religious organizations, educational programs among youth and their position in counteraction to terrorism.

 

OSCE Mission advisor on terrorism counteraction in Georgia, Head of the Kyrgyz State Agency on Religious Issues, Kanybek Osmonaliev and other law experts and specialists will make their presentations during the conference.

 

Other participants are the representatives of the Kyrgyz Parliament, non-governmental organizations, including the United Nations, Commonwealth of Independent States, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Collective Security Treaty Organization.

 

WB debates on granting $5mln to Kyrgyzstan energy development

 

04/11/2008

 

The World Bank is deciding whether to grant $5 million to Kyrgyzstan’s energy sector development, Tajikan Kalimbetova the Minister of Finance told.

 

The memorandum on financial assistance to Kyrgyzstan’s energy field was signed between the World Bank and our ministry during the recent visit of Kalimbetova to Washington. “The decision will be drawn in the coming days, we hope it will be positive for our country,” the minister said.

 

Besides, the minister noted that the World Bank has already aided the Kyrgyz agriculture with $6 million as a part of the WB’s general support of $10 million, whereof $4 million was earlier channeled to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Labor and Social Development.

 

Kyrgyzstan receives $16.5mln investments from Turkey in 2008, Premier says

 

03/11/2008

 

“Kyrgyzstan received $16.5 million of foreign direct investments from Turkey in 2008, which is 30 percent higher than in 2007,” Igor Chudinov, Kyrgyz Prime Minister said on Kyrgyzstan-Turkey business forum in Ankara (Turkey) on Friday, October 31, 2008.

 

In 2007 the Kyrgyzstan - Turkey trade turnover hit $93.9 million, while export made - $43 million. “Turkey’s part of Kyrgyzstan’s sales amount made 2.2. percent in 7 months, while in 2008 it was 2.1 percent of the same period of 2007,” Chudinov added.

 

Turkish funds are involved in construction industry, light industry, service sphere and trade. “Despite the gained development level, the potential of bilateral economic relations is not fully used. Within the next few years we need to activate investing cooperation. Economics deregulation, administrative barriers elimination, legal environment improvement and liberalization of internal and external trade regimes are taking place in order to improve investing climate,” Chudinov said.

 

Kyrgyz Premier starts official visit to Turkish Republic

 

31/10/2008

 

The Kyrgyz Premier Igor Chudinov starts his official visit to the Turkish Republic today. The official delegation headed by Chudinov took part in the World Economic Forum of Europe and Central Asia in Istanbul and headed to the capital of the country Ankara.

 

In Ankara the head of government is going to attend the Ataturk mausoleum, meet with his Turkish counterpart Erdogan in closed format and hold extended talks with delegation members of the both parties, expected to result into a range of bilateral documents.

 

The President of the Turkish Republic Abdullah Gul will receive the Kyrgyz Premier today morning. While the afternoon will me marked with visiting the diplomatic block Oran and setting foundation of the Kyrgyz Embassy in Bishkek.

 

EU Parliament to strengthen cooperation with Kyrgyzstan

 

31/10/2008

 

EU Parliament is certain about strengthening of cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, Ona Yuknevichiene head of the European delegation said meeting with Ednan Karabaev the Kyrgyz Minister of Foreign Affairs in Bishkek on October 30, 2008.

 

The Minister highly appreciates productive work of the European Union and Kyrgyzstan, namely under the new EU Central Asian Strategy. Such issues as trade, economic development and attracting European investments to Kyrgyz economy are of high interest for the country.

 

The head of the delegation in her turn expressed certainty about future cooperation development between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union and between its parliaments.

 

USAID provides Kyrgyz hospitals with diesel generators

 

30/10/2008

 

USAID will provide diesel generators to several hospitals of Kyrgyzstan. The relevant memorandum has been entered into by the Kyrgyz Minister of Health Care Marat Mambetov and the U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Tatiana C. Gfoeller, the USAID office in Kyrgyzstan reported.

 

The organization is going to cover purchasing and deliver of diesel generators and supplies to the local hospitals and teach medics the basic user skills.

 

The Kyrgyz party in its turn is going to cover expanses from set up and maintenance of the generators.

 

UNDP make Halloween party for Bishkek street children

 

30/10-2008

The United Nations Development Program in Kyrgyzstan organizes a Halloween party for street children under the project of Professional Education for Street Children of Kyrgyzstan, Aida Mambetkulova, the organization employee said.

 

“The project volunteer students teach homeless children English and wish to tell more about culture and traditions of the West and though this contribute to their comeback to normal life,” Mambetkulova said.

 

One of the main missions of the project is to attract children to life making processes such as choosing education, future profession and adaptation to the society.

 

Bishkek hosts first Human Rights Dialog of Kyrgyzstan-EU

 

29/10-2008

 

Bishkek hosted the first meeting under the Human Rights Dialog between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union, the EU office in Kyrgyzstan informed.

 

The EU Central Asian strategy adopted in June 2007 and Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed between Kyrgyzstan and EU make provisions to dialogs on human rights in each Central Asian state.

 

The meeting’s agenda included issues of legal system reforms and national legislation improvement in the field of human rights. The parties have also touched such topics as rights of prisoners, torture and ill treatment in prisons, freedom of expression, public gathering, religion and press, as well as rights protection of refugees, women and children.

 

The next meeting under the Human Rights Dialog of Kyrgyzstan-EU will run in Brussels in 2009.

 

The European delegation is headed by the personal representative of the EC Council Secretary General, head of the human rights and EC democratization department Jacques Pele.

 

Kyrgyz Premier to attend SCO heads of government Council’s meeting in Astana

 

29/10-2008

 

Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov leaves for Astana (Kazakhstan) to attend the regular meeting of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states, press service of the Kyrgyz government informed.

 

Chudinov will reportedly head the delegation and meet with counterparts on Thursday, October 30. The meeting is expected to result into a joint communiqué and range of cooperation documents entering.

 

The President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev plans to meet the delegations’ heads.

 

From Astana Chudinov is heading to Turkey with an official visit.

 

Chingiz Aitmatov memory day to run under 2nd International CIS Movie Festival in Kyrgyzstan

 

23/10-2008

 

Memory day in honor of the legendary Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov will run under the International Issyk-Kul CIS Movie Festival.

 

The movie Goodbye, Gulsary by Kazakh director Ardak Amirkulov, made after Aitmatov’s novel will be screened in Cholpon-Ata movie theater on October 23.

 

The leading role in this movie is played by the well-known Kyrgyz actor - Dorgubek Kydyraliev. Goodbye, Gulsary won a Grandpre of the 5th anniversary Eurasia movie festival (Astana, Kazakhstan) in September, 2008. The film is included in the full-length movie category of the 2nd Issyk-Kul Movie Festival.

 

Today, the festival will introduce a Kazakh-German-French-Russian movie Song of the South Seas by Kyrgyz director, Marat Sarulu.

 

2nd Central Asian Forum on Drug Use and Contagion in Jails unfolds in Bishkek

 

29/10-2008

 

Second Central Asian Forum on Drug Use and Contagion in Jails runs in Bishkek on October 29-31, 2008. The forum is focused on the theme “Accesses to medical and social services while in jails and after release. Problems and solutions.”

 

The forum united correction officers from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan, rightists and officials to talks about current infectious deceases’ rates in correction institutions, drug use precautions and preventive measures in jails.

 

The forum is organized by the Kyrgyz Justice Ministry under the Dostup (Accesses) project, sponsored by the Netherlands Foreign Ministry. The project is implemented by the AIDS-fund East-West and other international organizations.

 

Moscow delegates to mark 5th anniversary of Russian Kant airbase

 

24/10-2008

 

Moscow government delegation headed with Boris Silaev came to take part in the official celebration of the 5th anniversary of the Russian Kant airbase.

 

The official delegation from Saint Petersburg is expected to join their colleagues Friday night, the first secretary said. “Our visit is timed to the birthday of the airbase. We brought audio and video techniques for about 200 thousand rubles and other things on the airbase’s staff request. The main goal of our visit is to give a new impulse to our relationship,” Boris Silaev a vice-head of Foreign Economic Relations Department under the Moscow City Hall said.

 

The delegates intend to renew talks on Moscow House construction in Bishkek. Moscow House successfully works in many countries across the world as a cultural and business center. Bishkek is dragging out the issue because the house chosen for the cultural center creation still lays in ruins after the revolution of 2005 and it is difficult to specify terms of the deal, Silaev said.

 

Moscow House has been registered as a legal body in February 2008 and already holds cultural events in Kyrgyzstan, Moscow House’s Director Ruslan Abdygulov said. “Among them are My Tongue -My Friend contest for Russian language teachers in Kyrgyz schools, traditional gifts for WWII veterans, local sportsmen support, boxing tournament, Christmas and New Year presents. We could do much more if Moscow House would eventually get a place of residence,” Abdygulov said.

 

“The third annual honey fair will take place with support of Moscow City Hall in the Bishkek Sport Palace named after Kojomkul on November 1-10.

 

Kyrgyz-French-German film Tengri stars at Amazonia International Festival (Brazil)

 

23/10-2008

 

Kyrgyz-French-German film Tengri will participate in the Amazonia International Festival (Brazil), Taalaybek Bapanov.

 

The 5th Amazonia International Festival will run on November 7-13, 2008 in Manaus city. Albina Imasheva, the leading Kyrgyz actress will represent the movie at the festival.

 

Tengri is also proposed for the Oscars American Movie Academy Award. The movie already passed the registration for participation in The Best Foreign Movie nomination. Besides, there are proposals from 80 countries, but in the end only 5 films will have a chance to compete.

 

At current moment, 300 movie academics from all over the world started to examine proposed movies.

 

New Tax Code comes into force

 

21/10-2008

 

New Tax Code comes into effect in Kyrgyzstan. The bill has been finally signed by the President Kurmanbek Bakiev after years of heated debates between the Kyrgyz government and business circles, presidential press service reported on October 20, 2008.

 

“The new Tax Code reportedly contains a number of principle trends of county’s taxation system development, economic challenges to stimulate business growth and investment climate improvement; tax administration improvement; fight with inconsistency and defects in the Kyrgyz tax legislation; harmonization of the tax code with other branches of the law; raising of predictability of tax payments and tax bases’ enlargement though growing number of honest tax payers; tax benefits reduction,” the press service noted.

 

The new bill clarifies and explains in details fundamental principles of taxation, types and system of taxation, rights, commitments and responsibilities of tax payers and agencies. The bill significantly simplifies tax procedures and calculations and cuts down the number of taxes to pay from 16 to 8.

 

The new bill is expected to stir up development of several branches of Kyrgyz economy. For instance, mining industry will have a speed up automation of basic funds and taxation regime stabilization.

The new Tax Code of Kyrgyzstan is becoming operational since January 1, 2009.

 

Bishkek hosts motorfestival of European films

 

20/10-2008

 

Motorfestival of European films will run in Bishkek Film House on October 20-26, the festival organizers informed the news agency “24.kg”.

 

The program includes screening of 14 films of French, Holland, German, Spanish, Polish, Australian, Lithuanian, Hungarian and Check authors.

 

October 22-28 the motorfestival will move to Karakol city, Issyk-Kul region and October 24-30 the films will be shown in the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan, city of Osh.

 

Popular Hollywood actor Mark Dacascos visits Kyrgyzstan

 

20/10-2008

 

Famous Hollywood actor, known for excellent martial arts skills, Mark Dacascos arrived in Bishkek last Sunday, October 19 for participation in the 2nd Issyk-Kul film festival. The actor attended the festive opening of the festival in the National Philharmonic of Toktogul Satylganov last night.

 

“I’ve heard a lot about Kyrgyzstan and came to see all the beauty of this country and especially the Lake Issyk-Kul with my own eyes. This is my first visit here,” the actor told reporters.

 

 

Chingiz Aitmatov’s week unfolds in Kyrgyzstan

 

21/10-2008

 

Week of known Kyrgyz writer, public activist, philosopher and academician Chingiz Aitmatov started in Bishkek today.

 

The week includes a number of memorial events, such as International Forum Chingiz Aitmatov and Modernity, the 3rd Bishkek International Theater Festival Art-Ordo and 2nd International Cinema Festival of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states. Journalists, art lovers, writers, thinkers, intellectual elite from across the world as well as culture ministers of the Turk-speaking states’ union TURKSOY.

 

The official closing ceremony and concert will take place in the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic on October 26 in Bishkek.

 

Kyrgyzstan joins Asia Cooperation Dialog

 

Kyrgyzstan has joined international Asia Cooperation Dialog organization, press service of the Kyrgyz Ministry for Foreign Affairs reported.

 

Meeting of ACD member states’ foreign ministers ran in Astana, October 16. The meeting participants unanimously voted for Kyrgyzstan’s joining, despite a moratorium for any new members.

 

Kyrgyzstan is the 31st member of the organization comprising Kazakhstan, Thailand, Russia, India, China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Kuwait and other.

 

Tasks of the ACD include poverty reduction, development of energy, transport, finance and economies’ integration.

 

With joining the Asian Cooperation Dialog Kyrgyzstan obtains a right for being involved in political, socio-economical projects and trade, investment and scientific programs.

 

CIS to announce 2009 Energy Year

 

09/10-2008 15:45, Bishkek – News Agency “24.kg”, By Igor GORBACHEV

 

A Year of Energy is what Commonwealth of Independent States intends to name 2009, CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev told reporters after the Foreign Ministers Council’s session, which ran on Thursday, October 9, 2008 in Bishkek.

 

This issue has been reportedly discussed at the informal CIS summit in Saint-Petersburg, after what the initiative was introduced to the Executive Council by Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. “Energy is a clue point of cooperation between the CIS member states as it is topical for every country. A special working group will be formed to define directions of cooperation in this field, work out certain documents and a plan,” Lebedev noted.

 

The Kyrgyz Minister for Foreign Affairs Ednan Karabaev stated that this issue will be clarified tomorrow during the CIS leaders’ summit. The option is that 2009 may be named a Year of Youth.

 

Kyrgyzstan, Russia to protect fellow-countrymen’s rights

 

10/10-2008 12:43, Bishkek – News Agency “24.kg”, By Daniyar KARIMOV

 

Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Russia agreed to protect fellow-countrymen’s rights and confirmed their intentions with a bilateral application signed in Bishkek on October 9, 2008.

 

Kurmanbek Bakiev and Dmitry Medvedev stressed importance of favorable conditions for ethnic cultures, language and religions identity preservation of Russian community in Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyz community in Russia. The countries should continue cooperation in external labor migration and arrange legal, social and humanitarian issues.

 

In terms of the application signed the both parties oblige to strongly criticize and suppress discrimination of any kind, as well actions of organizations, groups and persons aimed at fueling ethnic clashes and violence.” Leaders of the countries expressed intentions to create worthy living conditions for both Kyrgyz citizens in Russia and Russians in Kyrgyzstan and noted importance of bringing the two nations closer to each other.

 

Kyrgyz, Russian leaders talk about investments and economic cooperation

 

09/10-2008 11:16, Bishkek – News Agency “24.kg”, By Daniyar KARIMOV

 

Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Russia will pay close attention to potential investments and widening of economic cooperation between the two countries, Kyrgyz presidential press service reported in view of official visit of the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Kyrgyzstan.

 

The Russian delegation arrived in Bishkek today consists of leadership of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Defense Ministry, Transport Ministry, Economic Development Ministry, OJSC Gazprom head and some other officials.

 

The two presidents will discuss the progress of interaction in the political, economic, humanitarian, military and military-technical spheres, as well as in the regional and international problems. The visit of Medvedev is expected to result into a bilateral regulation.

 

The parties also intend to ink a joint protocol between the Russian Customs Service and Kyrgyz State Customs Committee on mutual information exchange management and costumes paper work simplification.

 

Among other documents to be signed in the course of the Russian president’s visit to Kyrgyzstan are protocol of amendments to the Kyrgyz-Russian Decree on trade representations as of October 8, 1992 and cooperation programs to be implemented by the foreign ministries of the two countries in 2009. Besides, the parties will consider potential cooperation in power energy and oil and gas branches of industry.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan to sign cooperation memo with Gasprom

 

Kyrgyz Minister of Industry, Energy and Fuel Resources Saparbek Balkibekov will sign a memorandum of cooperation with Aleksey Miller, Director General of the OJSC Gazprom (Russia) in Bishkek today.

 

Another well-known Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg head of the Renova set of companies will sign a trilateral protocol of intent in Bishkek, elaborated by joint efforts of the Eurasian Bank, Kyrgyz Energy Ministry and the Renova group.

 

The documents are results of the meeting of the Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov with Aleksey Miller and Victor Vekselberg that took place in close format in Bishkek today.

 

CIS leaders announce 2009 Year of Youth

 

Leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States member states pronounced 2009 a Year of Youth, Kyrgyz presidential press service reported.

 

The decision is fixed in one of the 19 documents signed by the CIS heads of state in Bishkek today. The list includes the following resolutions and agreements:

 

1. On CIS Economic Development Strategy draft trough 2020.

2. On defining energy cooperation as the key area of collaboration between the CIS member-states in 2009.

3. On a plan of activities on CIS further development concept:

- On CIS chairmanship.

- On national coordinator-states – CIS members.

- On cancellation of CIS Council’s of the Heads of State decisions.

4. On next CIS Council Heads of State summit.

5. On CIS chairmanship.

6. On border interactions of CIS member states.

7. On CIS Trans-regional and Border Cooperation Council establishment.

8. On plan of major events on celebrations of the 65th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War1941-1945.

9. On the common jubilee medal on 65th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War Victory.

10. On Cooperation in sphere of information security and Complex plan of 2008-2010 Cooperation Concept implementation within CIS.

11. On join efforts in fight against illegal drug and precursor trafficking in CIS.

12. On illegal migration counteraction program 2009-2011.

13. On CIS cooperation on providing security to persons subject to state guardianship.

14. On CIS Economic court chairmanship.

15. On CIS Economic Court Deputy Chairman.

16. On CIS honorary diploma awarding.

17. On shut-down of CIS collective peacekeeping efforts in the Georgia-Abkhazia conflict.

18. On announcing 2010 a Year of Science and Innovation inCIS.

 

Official visit of the Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to Kyrgyzstan starts on October 10, 2008. In fact Lukashenko arrived in Bishkek on October 9 to partake in summits of the EurAsEC Interstate Council and CIS Council of the Heads of State where he was elected a chairman of the first one.

 

The Belarus delegation reportedly consists of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Culture, Industry, Mayor of Minsk and other officials.

The visit of Belarus leader is expected to result into a number of joint agreements to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in foreign policy, culture and finance, social and labor sphere, local media and television. Capitals of the two countries – Minsk and Bishkek will officially become brother cities.

 

Official visit of Alexander Lukashenko will open Days of Belarus Culture in Kyrgyzstan effective for humanitarian cooperation and close-up of the two nations.

 

On October 11, Lukashenko will attend opening ceremony of the Belarus MT3 tractor factory in Kara-Balta town.

 

 

EurAsEC Interstate Council members sign important papers in Bishkek

 

Members of Eurasian Economic Community Interstate Council signed a number of important joint agreements after the summit took place in Bishkek on Friday, October 10, 2008.

 

Agreements on Customs Union and Single EurAsEC Economic Space establishment, on 2007 results of EurAsEC economic development, on prospects of future development, on budget message of EurAsEC Interstate Council “2009 Budget Politics” and EurAsEC budget draft 2009.

 

The Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko was appointed a chairman of the EurAsEC Interstate Council.

 

 

Meeting of five Central Asian states’ heads result in complete understanding, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister says

 

“Meeting of the five heads of state of the Central Asian region resulted into a complete understanding – all thorny issues settled and agreement on mutual commitments’ observation reached,” Ednan Karabaev the Kyrgyz Minister for Foreign Affairs said in an exclusive interview with the news agency 24.kg” after the unscheduled meeting of presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan which ran in Ala-Archa residency outside Bishkek on Friday.

 

“The parties managed to reach consensus on every issue raised at the meeting – on hydro-energy support, fuel resources supply, water accumulation in the Toktogul and Nurek reservoir,” Karabaev noted.

 

The minister has stressed that all earlier problematic issues are settled now and responsible institutes and agencies of the whole five member states were tasked with certain measures to be taken in the nearest possible.

 

 

Acting Foreign Minister attends OSCE meeting in Madrid (Spain)

 

The acting Kyrgyz Minister for Foreign Affairs Ednan Karabaev is participating in the regular meeting of the OSCE states’ foreign ministers, in Madrid (Spain). Minister Ednan Karabaev has reportedly met the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Marc Perrin de Brichambaut. The sides discussed prospects of cooperation development between OSCE and Kyrgyzstan. The minister noted that Kyrgyzstan highly appreciates cooperation of the OSCE in such issues as security, democratization, freedom of speech, human rights, economy and ecology.

 

 

EC is granting 1.2 billion euros for democratic values development

 

The European Commission allots Kyrgyzstan €1.2M for development of the democratic values in the country. Half of the amount has already been allocated, another half will be transferred in 2008, the European Commission Charge d'Affaires Jörg Volker Ketelsen said at the presentation of court trails’ monitoring in Bishkek on November 29, 2007.

 

The allotted funds will go for public sector and “non-governmental activists” development. “This is a significant amount of money, it should be enough to cover all needs. The total amount the EU allots for such purposes reaches €1.1 billion,” Mr Ketelsen added.

 

 

UNESCO safeguards endangered museum collections in Kyrgyzstan

 

UNESCO has launched a new project in Kyrgyzstan for the preservation of endangered ethnographic collections. This initiative will help local museums to develop their conservation methods as well as the management, care and documentation of their ethnographic collections.

 

In Kyrgyzstan, museums involved in the project are the State Historical Museum in Bishkek, the National Museum of Fine Arts named after G.Aitiev also in Bishkek, and the Issyk-Kul Historical and Cultural Museum in Cholpon-Ata.

 

The project’s aim is to upgrade conservation laboratories and to improve environmental conditions in museum storage areas. Over the next year, UNESCO will conduct several training sessions for Kyrgyz museum professionals on preventive conservation, restoration and on collection photo copyright and management.

 

The project is a part of UNESCO's worldwide Program for the Preservation of Endangered Movable Cultural Properties and Museum Development that was developed in partnership with the International Council of Museums.

 

The total project cost is $264 000.

 

 

Over 50 Japanese companies to invest in Kyrgyz economy

 

Over 50 Japanese companies showed interest to invest in Kyrgyz economy. 18 of the companies intend to invest in the mining industry, 5 – in the computer technologies’ development, 5 - in the sphere of tourism, the press service of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

 

21 companies named the lack of a direct flight from Japan to Kyrgyzstan the major obstacle for the investments, 18 noted the lack of information about Kyrgyzstan, 15 – the Kyrgyz infrastructure underdevelopment.

 

 

World Bank grants $2M to Kyrgyz social fund

 

The World Bank granted $2 million to Kyrgyz social fund for implementation of computer-aided system, by sponsoring the special project. First lot of computers and software had already arrived to the country. “It will significantly fasten the process of pensions accounting and payment. The project will also help to prevent the avoidness stealing and improper use of money.

 

 

Kyrgyz, US Special Forces complete annual training

 

U.S Special Forces completed annual training of Kyrgyz National Guard servicemen. During a month ten U.S. instructors trained Kyrgyz servicemen how to conduct military operations in the mountain and living areas, how to release hostages and render help. Shooting also was a part of the training program.

 

The soldiers shot at nights and days using the U.S. military guns with modern optics. The official farewell ceremony took place on September 26, 2007. The U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Lee Litzenberger and Kyrgyz National Guard’s commander Alymkul Asankojoev attended the event.

 

The U.S. instructors awarded Kyrgyz servicemen diplomas and tags of the U.S. Special Forces. And Kyrgyz side in its turn gave Americans national souvenirs.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan welcomed 109 per cent more tourists in 2007

 

According to preliminary calculations, the number of tourists who visited Kyrgyzstan during six months of 2007 increased by 109 per cent compared to 2006. The increase of investments to the tourism industry reached 50 per cent this year.

 

This year’s slogan is: “Tourism opens new opportunities for women”. Now women play the most important roles in the industry working as guides and managers. But still there are a lot of things to do. It is time to consider opening of a special agency “Kyrgyz tourism” or “Kyrgyz travel”. The foreign tourists visited Issy-Kul Lake, mountain areas, cities and small towns.

 

 

The Official visit of Emomali Rahmon to Kyrgyzstan

 

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon visits Kyrgyzstan on September 18-19, 2007.

 

The Kyrgyz officials said that it is expected that the sides will sign several bilateral agreements. They will also approve intergovernmental agreements on regulating resettlement process and protecting migrants’ rights, on joint usage of energy and water resources in 2007 -2008 years, on banning allocation and building of new objects at Kyrgyz-Tajik border until the border is delimited and demarked. The sides will sign agreements on pastures’ rent at the Kyrgyz territory and on establishing brother ties between Kara-Kul (Kyrgyzstan) and Nurek (Tajikistan) towns. Tajik Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Mahmudjon Sabirov said that during the visit Rahmon will pay special attention to the issues of regional and international security in fight against terrorism, extremism, organized crime and drug trafficking. The agenda of the meeting also includes the topic of national interests’ protection in water-energy economy.

Last time the Tajik president visited Kyrgyzstan in 1998.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan to open an Embassy in South Korea in 2008

 

Kyrgyzstan intends to open its embassy in South Korea in 2008, the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry has reported. The Press Service Department said that Kyrgyz Foreign Affairs Minister Ednan Karabaev and South Korean Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Lee Keng Yul discussed the opening of the Kyrgyz Embassy in Seoul. South Korea also wants to open a diplomatic mission in Bishkek soon. The Kyrgyz official said that the Kyrgyz side will render every kind of assistance to the friendly country. The Press Service Department added that the sides discussed upcoming visit of Kyrgyz Prime Minister Almazbek Atambaev to South Korea which is scheduled for November 12-15, 2007.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan returns to Constitution of 2003

 

Kyrgyzstan has returned to the edition 2003 of the Constitution. The Constitutional Court of Kyrgyzstan canceled the two last editions, saying that the parliament exceeded its powers adopting it. The parliament violated the constitutional requirements and expelled the people and the Constitutional court of Kyrgyzstan from the process. The deputies did not pay attention to the fact that the Constitution of 2003 was adopted via referendum. According to the Kyrgyz legislation, it could have been changed or amended only via the nationwide voting. According to the verdict, all legal acts adopted on the basis of the two latest variants of the Constitution also must be canceled if they contradict the Constitution of 2003. Only court decisions may not be canceled. The court’s decision is final and cannot be disputed.

 

 

Latvian PM: Latvia interested in developing relations with Kyrgyzstan

 

“Latvia is interested in developing relations with Kyrgyzstan,” Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis said today at the meeting with Kyrgyz colleague Almazbek Atambaev. He said that the countries have many cooperation opportunities. He said that one of the main reasons for the visit is interest of Latvian businessmen to expand businesses. “Kyrgyzstan is a brotherhood country and it is important for our investors,” A.Kalvitis said. A.Kalvitis said that the Latvian government is separated from business. However, the state supports business circles and the cabinet will always follow this principle. Answering a question of journalists on opening a Latvian bank in Kyrgyzstan, he said that it is a serious event and is the result of business ties development between the countries. The Prime Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Latvia signed bilateral cooperation agreement on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation today. “It’s time to start working together. Our countries did not have full economical or political relations since the USSR collapsed. However we have a lot of common problems – inflation, growth in food prices. Moreover, Latvia gained success in veterinary and farming development. We are ready to share our experience,” Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis said. A.Kalvitis noted that it is his first visit to Central Asia and to Kyrgyzstan particularly. Latvia is interested not only in trade-economical relations’ development but also in legal basis renewal. The visit to Kyrgyzstan is a serious step towards perspective cooperation. The Latvian authorities will consider the opportunity of financing the Kyrgyzstan’s aid funds.

 

 

“The Eye of Asia” ethno-cultural festival in Kyrgyzstan

 

Kyrgyzstan will host the ethno-cultural festival “The Eye of Asia” in September 2007. Kyrgyz and Japanese performers will take part in the festival, the Kyrgyz Embassy in Japan reported. The festival will take place at the Issyk-Kul Lake and then in Bishkek. The event includes cultural exchange program, and scientific seminar on alternative power sources development.

 

 

Kyrgyz, Indian doctors discuss adaptation to high-mountains

 

Local and Indian doctors are discussing problems of human body’s adaptation to high-mountains, the press service of the Kyrgyz Health Ministry has reported. The press service said that this and other issues were included to the agenda of scientific-practical conference: “Problems of high-mountain physiology and medicine”. The sides will sign MoU on Kyrgyz-Indian cooperation at the joint working session on August 29, 2007. “Kyrgyz-Indian high-mountain medical center will be founded as the basis to implement those initiatives. The sides will discuss the issue of its creation at the meeting

 

 

Youth public chamber to be founded in Kyrgyzstan

 

The youth public chamber will be founded to solve youth problems, to protect their rights and to promote new ideas, the deputy director of the State Department on youth affairs Olga Bryzgalova. She said that right now the department works out its structure, defines ways of cooperation on implementing the state program of youth policy. They have held two meetings already; the next meeting of the initiative group is scheduled for September 6, 2007. The final meeting will be held on September 27, where all youth organizations both governmental and non governmental, and leading Kyrgyz politicians are invited. “The chamber will have more powers, it will involve various youth bodies. It will let to attract public attention to life of the growing generation,” Bryzgalova said.

 

 

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev meets with assistant of the UN Secretary General, Assistant Administrator of UNDP

 

On May 29, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev met with assistant of the UN Secretary General, Assistant Administrator of UNDP, a director of UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS Mrs.Kori Udovicki. President Bakiyev stressed that the Kyrgyz government closely cooperates with many UNDP organizations. “Dozens of projects work in Kyrgyzstan in the system of education, health care, security, ecology and many other spheres. But I would like that Kyrgyzstan would have more such projects”, said the head of the state.

 

President congratulated Mrs.K.Udovicki on her recent appointment to this high post. Mrs.K. Udovicki thanked the Kyrgyz President and told that she has arrived in Bishkek having known that the Kyrgyz Government has good relations with UN organizations.

 

In May French journalist will start the shooting of the film-report about uranium tailing dumps in Mailuusuu region. The correspondent of the French Agency of Press Hugo Van Offel told during the meeting with Minister of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan Turatbek Djunushaliev. The author of the film told that he wants to show the danger of the uranium tailing dumps and consequences of ecologic damage in the region in case of uran’s fall into Mailuusuu river. With this purpose the journalist plans to go to Mailuusuu, to meet with residents and visit suburbs, where tailing dumps are located. The film-report will be demonstrated both in European channels and in Kyrgyzstan.

 

On May 30 Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambaev has signed a resolution on approving a draft agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Asian Development Bank on financing the southern region’s agriculture development project. The project aimed to raise the living standard of population and provide sustainable growth of farmers’ incomes of Batken, Osh and Jalalabad regions. Finance minister Akylbek Japarov is authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

New Indian Ambassador presented his credencials

 

On January 23, 2007 President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev received credentials from H.E.Mr. Joty Sarub Pandeys, the Ambassador of India to Kyrgyzstan. Accepting his credentials, President K.Bakiyev said Kyrgyzstan’s relations with the greatest power in Asia are based on the trust and constructive partnership.

 

President K.Bakiyev noted that Kyrgyzstan highly estimates relations of mutual respect, friendship with India, and intends to more effectively use the accumulated experience for advancement of political dialogue and cooperation in economic and humanitarian fields. President K.Bakiyev assured newly appointed Indian Ambassador that the government of Kyrgyzstan will support and render assistance in carrying out the Indian diplomatic mission in Kyrgyzstan.

 

National Coordinators discuss the forthcoming SCO Summit in Bishkek

 

Preparations for the forthcoming Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek this year is the main subject of discussion at an SCO national coordinators' meeting that opened in Beijing on January 23, 2007. The coordinators discuss a number of key political, economic and military matters connected with the SCO activities this year.

 

The present meeting of national coordinators is the first one for Bolat Nurgaliyev, newly elected Secretary-General of the SCO, who officially entered upon his duties on January 22, 2007. The SCO is reaching out to a new level and is entering the stage of mature and productive work. The organizational development stage has been traversed in the main. The structure of SCO agencies has been formed. It is important that the Organization demonstrate its self-sufficiency while remaining open to cooperation and interaction with everyone.

 

Kyrgyz President signed the new Constitution

 

On January 15, 2007 the Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev signed a new edition of the Constitution, which the Parliament had adopted on December 30, 2006. The signing ceremony was attended by acting Prime Minister Felix Kulov, the Chairwoman of the Constitutional Court Cholpon Baekova, the Secretary of State Adahan Madumarov, and the Speaker of the Parliament Marat Sultanov.

 

Colors of Kyrgyzstan

 

No one knows for sure when the nomadic herdsmen of Kyrgyzstan first began transforming rough, dirty sheep fleece into a gloriously soft product called felt wool. For certain, the process, which is an intensive, hands-on method involving scalding hot water, soap and rigorous pounding, reaches back through the centuries, said Aizada Sopueva, a businesswoman and feltmaker from Kyrgyzstan. Inspired by the rugged mountain scape of the landlocked Central Asian country, herdsmen dyed the wool with bright colors and quilted the sheets of pressed wool with the life and forms they found around them - the curl of a ram's horn, the outline of horses, the shape of flowers.

 

Equal parts art and necessity, the compacted wool was used to create hats, tunics, bags, and vibrant rugs to make the herdsmen's yurts warm and inviting. Today, the craft is celebrated nationwide, but is rarely seen in this part of the Western world. On Friday, Missoula's Amira Rug Gallery will host an all-day “trunk show” of this functional Kyrgyz art brought to Montana by Sopueva and her business partner, Paula Halverson Goldman of Absarokee. This small sampling of Kyrgyz felt is for purchase, and includes a wide selection of quilted carpets called “shyrdaks,” which are dyed in traditional greens and reds, and in more contemporary colors, which include plums and blues. Handmade slippers, purses, belts and stuffed animals, all made from felt, will also be available. The duo's fledgling business, called Aizada Imports, is the result of a vacation Goldman took to Kyrgyzstan in 2004, when she signed up for a three-week horseback trek led by Sopueva's uncle. Sopueva was asked to come along and translate, Goldman said. “When you are with someone three weeks day in and day out, you get to know them pretty well,” Goldman said. Before the trek finished, Goldman was impressed by the smart, hardworking Kyrgyz college student. At the time, Goldman was ready to leave behind her 20-year import business in London and return home to Montana, and was looking for import opportunities. The 20-year-old Kyrgyz woman and the 50-year-old Montanan put their heads together.

 

Goldman was fascinated by the felt wool and knew it would have appeal for Westerners - particularly for Montanans because the colors and feel of the products echoed a Western sensibility. Not only are the rugs beautiful, functional and easy to care for, they are inspired by an environment much like Montana, Goldman explained. But in order to purchase, order and create more contemporary designs, Goldman knew she needed a translator and someone in Kyrgyzstan to help transactions go smoothly. Intrigued by the prospect, and excited for an opportunity to export to America, Sopueva agreed to partner with Goldman. “It's been a wonderful experience,” said Sopueva, who is now 23 and touring Montana and the United States for the first time. Not only is she putting her college degree to work and earning a salary far above average in Bishkek, a Kyrgyz city of 1 million, the business has provided women artisans with employment opportunities that allow them to stay home in their rural villages, tending their families and other chores in and around the felt work.

 

Most of the items are sold at Goldman's Billings shop called Aizada Imports, and during trunk show tours across the state, such as the one hosted by Amira Rug Gallery. Owner Lea Sanders said she is honored to host the Kyrgyz show because the work is so unique. “People have heard about it and I've gotten all kinds of requests for special items - one woman called and said she was interested in ordering saddle blankets,” Sanders said. “I think there is a lot of interest in this because I think people here really feel a kinship with the place that produced it. This is wool, it's about warmth and it's about the weather - and these rugs and other items have been around and serving people as long as shepherds have been making these things. “I also think people get it that these things are handmade and will last a long time.”