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Kyrgyzstan comes to Surajkund

 

 

DIFFERENT STROKES: Folk artistes from Kyrgyzstan in action at the ongoing Surajkund Crafts Mela in Faridabad, Haryana, on Thursday.— Photo: Shanker Chakravarty

 

 

Kyrgyzstan will suggest alternatives of Transit Center

 

Kyrgyzstan will suggest alternatives of reorganization of the American Transit Center at Manas after 2014. It was stated by the Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev on January 12 during the official visit of the Kyrgyz President to Turkey.

 

According to him, initially the issue of Manas military base was considered as an amendment to the Cooperation and Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Charter. “But it was taken into a separate protocol. Before the CSTO Charter prescribed that consultations were needed when member countries allow the opening of military base of third country on their territories. Today the addition was made that if there would be no official objections from the members. But this is not related to agreements signed earlier like with the Transit Center at Manas,” Ruslan Kazakbaev said. As the minister noted, they will suggest alternatives to transform the Transit Center into a civil traffic center with possible involvement of Russia, US and Turkey.

 

 

Turkey may open its market for Kyrgyzstan on quota basis

 

It is possible that Turkey will open its market for Kyrgyzstan through the quota system. It was announced by Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev during Kyrgyz President’s official visit to Ankara (Turkish capital). According to him, Kyrgyz delegation has handed over a draft of agreement on quota for working migrants from Kyrgyzstan. “Any country protects own internal market.

 

It is very complicated to get permission for work in any field. We have the simplified quota mechanism agreement with Kazakhstan, Russia and South Korea. In its turn we are working at agreement on total cancellation of quotas for Kyrgyz nationals. If we achieve the result Kyrgyzstan will become the first country which has a clear access to Turkish market. Probably such spheres like medical service, tourism and agriculture would be open for Kyrgyz citizens. Nowadays our citizens are working illegally there and it very hard to protect their rights in Turkey. So, we will do everything possible to find new markets,” said Ruslan Kazakbaev.

 

As the minister noted that in 2011 the agreement on visa-free travel was signed with Turkey. “Intergovernmental procedures were made by Kyrgyz Republic but Turkey hasn’t ratified the agreement. We consider that this issue will be resolved in near future,” added Ruslan Kazakbaev.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan intends to take an active part in Afghanistan’s restoration

 

Kyrgyzstan intends to take an active part in Afghanistan’s restoration. The Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev told the news conference during official visit of the Kyrgyz President to Ankara, Turkey. According to him, international financial institutions, developed countries intend to render a huge financial aid to Afghanistan.

 

“Kyrgyzstan hasn’t participated in none of big financial projects over Afghanistan’s restoration till now except a dozen of small projects when businessmen themselves “laid a road.” Turkey has enormous influence on Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan asks to render assistance that we can participate in big projects in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” Ruslan Kazakbaev said.

 

As the minister noted it is planned within next three months that groups of strategic planning of two countries (Turkey and Kyrgyzstan) will discuss specifically all issues connected with participation in Afghanistan’s restoration.

 

 

Turkey keen to help in attracting tourists to Kyrgyzstan

 

Turkish authorities have expressed a desire to help in attracting tourists to Kyrgyzstan. The Culture and Tourism Minister Ibragim Zhunusov told journalists. He is accompanying President Almazbek Atambaev, who is on an official visit to Ankara. According to the minister, advertising of Kyrgyzstan plays a very important role. “There is a feeling that we promote our country only within its boundaries. At a meeting with the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism we agreed that we would prepare commercials.

 

The Turkish promised to transmit them free of charge. We plan to carry out much work to attract tourists before summer season,” the official said. He noted that it is necessary to introduce proper order in travel companies’ activities that work in Kyrgyzstan. “Now they work out of control, only by license.

 

In Turkey the Minister of Culture and Tourism controls all private travel companies and issues licenses. We will follow the same way. This will favor the development of tourism. We advertised our travel companies before, but did not get anything in return. We must license them. Surely travel companies will oppose this initiative. But I think we must change the law. In Turkey, the core ministry controls the hotels’ activities, determines the quality of their work, status and policy. I will send my staff to survey the experiences of Turkish in order to introduce this practice in the republic,” Ibragim Zhunusov added.

 

 

Relations between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey attain absolutely new level

 

Relations between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey attain absolutely new level. The President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambaev told a news conference in Ankara. According to him, cooperation passes from formalities to the nitty-gritty. “The head of Turkey Abdullah Gül was right when saying that Kyrgyzstan passed its spring and we are beginning a new period of development.

 

I think Turkic-speaking countries have to develop at same pace as Turkey. Then states of Turkic world will get stronger. It is very important not to forget own history,” Almazbek Atambaev said.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan: We will eliminate areas of corruption

 

In Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Finance officials have assured the World Bank that they intend to “eliminate corruption schemes related to the state budget.” The agency’s head Akylbek Japarov stated this at a meeting with the head of the World Bank Office in Kyrgyzstan Alexander Kremer. According to him, “severe reduction of inefficient expenses, full transparency in government procurement and minimization followed by reduction deficiencies in the management of public finances to zero” are in prospect.

 

Alexander Kremer in his turn noted that the concerned areas are also on a priority basis for the World Bank Office in Kyrgyzstan. They will let work together productively and efficiently.

 

The both sides emphasized the necessity to hire local consultants in projects of international financial institutions openly, quickly and without interference from any party.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan to reform public service system


Kyrgyzstan’s public service system must drop 3,200 lakh officials. It is the opinion of the Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov. According to him, from this, the state treasury will be able to save 1 billion soms. “The main task of the government is optimization of state service system and elimination of agencies’ overlapping functions. First of all 1.2 thousand of 3 thousand cars in the officials’ car fleet will be reduced. In the first stage we will cut 700 cars. Only 21 plate numbers of KG Series - cars for ministers and Prime Minister will be assigned to the Government. If ministers violate road laws, they will be deprived of a state plate number,” Omurbek Babanov said. He also said that 2 inspections are created.

 

They will combine the functions of 14 previously existing ones. “The Technical and Environmental Inspection will include nine inspections and the number of employees will be reduced from 700 to 400. Also they create the Veterinary and Food Inspection, which will undertake the former duties of four inspections. The number of Financial Police employees will be cut from 418 to 200 people.

 

The interdepartmental commission headed by Vice Prime Minister Joomart Otorbaev and Minister of Economy Temir Sariev will be organized as well. It will select staff of Financial Police on basis of their competence, non-participation in corruption. Selection must be carried out openly by passing a polygraph and with participation of the media. Investigation of financial crimes should only be made only by the Financial Police. Structural units of the Government will be reduced from 21 to 14,” the head of the government added.
 


President addresses press conference

 

In Kyrgyzstan, even the President must go to jail, if he is a corrupt. The President Almazbek Atambaev said at his first press conference held on December 29. According to him, the law will be foremost above any post. “No matter what rank an official has, he must answer with the utmost rigor of the law. I let the government know beforehand that if they steal, all will be in jail. There will not be such lawlessness as before, when everyone was stealing as much as he wanted. We must stop the practice when officials are proud of contacts with criminals, photos with them. It is inadmissible,” the President added.


He further said that he could not allow the US military base to continue, which might pose a threat to the country. According to him, it was wrong in the very beginning to establish the military center on the civilian airport. “Iran poses big threat, whose missiles can easily reach Kyrgyzstan. Just imagine what can happen if Iranians firing missiles against the US base will hit peaceful population of the country? This shouldn’t be allowed therefore I think that this base cannot stay as a military one. However, there is another question if the US will agree to redesign this base into civilian one. I am glad that many from American side understand that such position is not my political game under Russian influence. I am just taking care of my people,” Almazbek Atambaev said.

 

Touching upon the national issues, he mentioned that “Anticorruption Agency under the State National Security Committee will not catch small fries, but large bribe takers.” According to him, the decision to create the agency was made to speed up the work. “Otherwise we had to make amendments in the law before it started operating. But we don’t have time for procrastination. We have declared total fight against corruption and must do so that not those who stole galoshes, but who inflicts real damage to the country should be in prison,” he said.


As the head of state noted, all spheres of governance are riddled with corruption and even among those agencies which are created to fight against it. “We need to subject these people to the glare of truth,” Almazbek Atambaev added.


Speaking about the country’s foreign policy, he said, “From now on authorities will make foreign policy which is in the interests of the state.” According him, all these years, Presidents were making a foreign policy which confronted with people’s interests. “Ordinary people were suffering of it. I consider that from now on Kyrgyzstan shouldn’t abandon anybody. We must follow all our promises,” said Almazbek Atambaev. As he noted, relations with neighboring states have become better in the last year. “In order to save this trend we need to be honest with our partners. And it is not a secret that someone doesn’t want to see Kyrgyzstan as a strong country. They are sending their agents to the country in order to prevent our development. We must do everything to make our country developed,” added Almazbek Atambaev.
 


EU transfers €7 mln to Kyrgyzstan for social reforms

 

The European Union has transferred €7 million to Kyrgyzstan to support social reforms and state financial management. According to the sources, financial assistance was provided under the “Support program for sectoral policies in the field of social protection - Kyrgyzstan 2010.” “The program’s total sum is €12, 250 million which must be allotted during 2011 and 2012 financial years to fulfill conditions related to the reform in targeted sectors,” the message reads.


The EU is one of the chief donors to the country that provides this kind of assistance. Support program for sectoral policies assists social protection reforms, in particular, social allowance payments, children protection (including establishment of local departments for families and children protection) and state financial management reform. The program gives priority to improving the system of internal audit and control and improvement of medium-term fiscal program.
 


USA contributes over $1billion to Kyrgyzstan in 20 years


The United States of America have contributed over $1 billion to Kyrgyzstan during 20 years. It was announced by US Ambassador Pamela L. Spratlen in address to citizens of Kyrgyz Republic. She recalled, on December 25, 1991, President George H.W. Bush officially recognized the independence of Kyrgyzstan, saying, “The United States applauds and supports the historic choice for freedom… We will move quickly to establish diplomatic relations and build new ties.” On February 1, 1992, the US flag was raised above the first foreign embassy in Bishkek.


Today the Kyrgyz Republic leads Central Asia in political reform with a new constitution, a government chosen by its citizens through admirably competitive and open elections, and leadership whose primary goal is to guide the country on a path of progress and stability. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has attributed Kyrgyzstan’s achievements to “the strong character of the Kyrgyz people, the incredible resilience that you have shown since independence, but, most importantly, the path of democracy that you have chosen now…You are pioneers. Look around you in this region. You are trying to do something that no one else has done,” said Pamela L. Spratlen.


We stand firmly in support of the people of the Kyrgyz Republic who have cast their votes for effective representative government that will create jobs and economic growth, improve rule of law and access to justice, promote the protection of human rights, and reinforce health and education sector reforms. Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations twenty years ago, we have contributed over one billion dollars in assistance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other US Government institutions. We are fully committed to cooperating with the government and people of the Kyrgyz Republic to meet the most urgent development needs throughout the country. As the business environment improves, we hope to expand trade and investment ties.
 


Babanov elected PM of Kyrgyzstan

 

Omurbek Babanov, 41, has been elected by the parliament to be the new Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan. He represents the Respublika party and has pledged to achieve stability, eradicate corruption, and fight crime. He has told parliament "the nation wants to have more jobs, peace, and stability." A total of 113 members of parliament (out of 120) voted in favor of Babanov, with just two votes against.

 

The situation in Kyrgyzstan is still fragile after former President Kurmanbek Bakiev was ousted in April 2010 during violent protests. This was followed by ethnic clashes between Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in the south of the country two months later that left more than 400 people dead and caused widespread damage in the two largest southern cities, Osh and Jalal-Abad.
 


Parliament elects the new Speaker

 

The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has elected Asilbek Zheenbekov, the single candidate slated by the majority coalition, as the new Speaker of the Parliament; 78 deputies supported his candidacy following results of the secret ballot. The candidate from Ata-Zhurt opposition party Kurmanbek Osmonov has gotten only 25 votes.

 


Over 4 K articles in the Kyrgyz language appear in Wikipedia

 

Over 4 thousand articles in the Kyrgyz language appeared on Wikipedia (free encyclopedia). The Soros Foundation-Kyrgyzstan informs. Reportedly, an electronic encyclopedia is actively replenished since the beginning of 2011. “The week of Wikipedia has been held. The participants of the first republican meeting of Wikipedians learned the basic principles and rules of materials placement, the differences of classical and virtual encyclopedia and discussed common mistakes of users. Project proponents intend developing the encyclopedia. The project includes 5 higher education establishments: 3 in capital and 1 each in Osh and Naryn universities. All of them were connected to Wi-Fi,” the message reads.

 


Anniversary of Bakiev’s ouster becomes holiday

 

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has signed a law making April 7, the anniversary of then-President Kurmanbek Bakiev’s overthrow in 2010, a national holiday, according to a December 19 presidential statement. Parliament December 17 passed the bill on making April 7 Day of the People’s April Revolution. The law was effective as of December 19.
 

 

Osh University opens Fergana peace-making centre

 

The centre for the Study of Peacemaking and Development in the Fergana Valley opened December 14 at Osh State University. The centre is a joint initiative of the NGO Peaceful Development in the Fergana Valley and Osh State University with financial support from the UNDP, according to the university.

 

The centre is meant to use research, exchanges of information, and scholarly programs to strengthen institutional mechanisms of peace-making, conflict analysis and evaluation of potential for development in the Fergana Valley.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan to minimize government establishments

 

The new government of Kyrgyzstan has planned to establish 14 ministries, a state committee, 6 state agencies, 8 services, 2 inspectorates, and 3 funds. According to sources, a working group has worked out a project of the new structure of the government. “It is offered to approve a post of the first vice Premier over real sector, three vice Premiers (over economy and investments, social sector, and Chief of Staff to the Government).

 

There are following ministries:

 

Ministry of Economy and Antimonopoly Policy;

Ministry of Agriculture and Melioration;

Ministry of Transport and Roads;

Ministry of Energy;

Ministry of Finances;

Ministry of Culture and Tourism;

Ministry of Justice;

Ministry of Emergency Situations;

Ministry of Defense;

Ministry of Interior;

Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

Ministry of Health;

Ministry of Educations and Science;

Ministry of Sports and Youth Policy.

 

 

Transition to a new structure of government will save money

 

Transition to a new structure of government will save over 1 billion soms, acting Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov stated at a recent session of the Majority Coalition Council. This way he commented upon a question about what was an economic necessity of optimizing the cabinet structure. According to Omurbek Babanov, during this year we have been receiving a great deal of suggestions on government reduction.

 

“The interdepartmental commission took into consideration all recommendations and prepared a draft of a new cabinet structure. By our calculations, the savings from optimizing the structure of government will be about 1 billion soms,” he added.

 

 

Bill on status of ex-President has been signed

 

A bill on ex-President status of Rosa Otunbaeva has been signed. According to the bill accepted on December 1, 2011: 1) Provide ex-President Rosa Otunbaeva with: a once-a-month pay which equals 75 per cent of President’s official salary. Additional to identify that the amount of salary will grow with President’s salary; free government call and other types of communications on the territory of Kyrgyzstan; free medical attendance in the Presidential Administration Therapeutic Center. 2) Formalize for the ex-President: State summer residence No.1 of the Presidential Administration for the lifetime use; Personal driver and car from the Presidential Administration and fuel provision and technical service in accordance with the identified regulations.

 

Besides, National Security State Committee is obliged to protect the ex-President in full measure; the Government is obliged to promote a free-of-charge use of the airport’s and railway stations’ assembly rooms and budget the outcomes of official bodies, issuing from the Bill.

 

The Bill comes into force starting with official publishing.

 


Ban encourages new leadership to pursue dialogue and reconciliation


The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the new leadership in Kyrgyzstan to encourage national dialogue and reconciliation as the Central Asian country seeks greater stability in the wake of last year’s overthrow of the government and subsequent deadly ethnic clashes.


Ban offered both his congratulations and the continued support of the United Nations to the people and country. “He encourages the new leadership of the country to continue pursuing a policy of national dialogue and reconciliation,” the statement noted.

 


New President forms his team

 

New president Almazbek Atambaev is forming a new team. He has signed another appointment which made Farid Niyazov, 53, a councillor of President. Farid Niyazov is a famous journalist who has worked with Russian newspapers Komsomolskaya Pravda and Kommersant. He was leading the SDPK campaign headquarters which won the elections of 2011 with a great breakdown in 60 per cent.

 

Farid Niyazov finished Kyrgyz Agricultural Institute of Vladimir Skryabin (today’s Agricultural Academy) with diploma of water engineer.

 

He began a career with Communist Party in 1983 with a position of instructor.

 


Karakol airport to receive international flights

 

International Airport in Karakol city will be able to receive flights from the nearest cities of Russia. The flight between Almaty and Karakol is already in operation.

 

The local airport was founded in 1971, worked successfully and brought profit. However, due to the collapse of the USSR, it fell into decay. The last flight took place in 2002.

 

Now, the airport has got the status of an international airport. In future, the flights will come from Astana, Karaganda cities of Kazakhstan, as well as near Russian cities - Omsk and Novosibirsk.

 


Kyrgyzstan, India to have joint counter-terrorist exercises


Kyrgyzstan and India will have joint counter-terrorist exercises, according to SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) official web-site. As noted, Kyrgyz soldiers will have special forces trainings with Indian colleagues under name “Kanzhar – 2011.”


20 Kyrgyz soldiers have already flown to India. The arrangement will take place on Nakhan city’s boot camp of Special Forces, in framework of a memorandum signed in 2011. From Indian part will participate 9th airborne forces commandos battalion.


The trainings will promote cooperation improvement in the sphere of Special Forces actions against terrorists in mountainous zones of two countries.

 


Kyrgyz name new GKNB chairman


The President Almazbek Atambaev December 5 appointed a new chairman of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB). Shamil Atakhanov, the new GKNB chairman, replaces Keneshbek Dushebaev, who had led the agency since April 2010.

 

Atakhanov, a Social Democrat like Atambaev, has been deputy prime minister in charge of security agencies.
 

 

Kyrgyzstan is the most probable partner for Georgia in Central Asia

 

Kyrgyzstan is the most probable partner for Georgia in Central Asia; we have connections at the vibration level. It was said by Mikheil Saakashvili on the December 1 meeting with students and journalists.

 

According him Kyrgyzstan resembles the Georgia of 7-8 years ago. “I envy you. If I start my student’s life again I would like to be in some Kyrgyz University. Not mountains but also national mentalities are similar to our countries.

 

Therefore, we are similar with our problems with politics and mentality and we are united in peoples’ optimism,” said the President of Georgia. “Now, there is a kin between Kyrgyzstan and Georgia at the vibration level.

 

We have even warmer relations than it were at the times of USSR when we were obliged to be friends,” stressed Mikheil Saakashvili.

 


Turkey writes off foreign debt of Kyrgyzstan

 

In the capital of Kyrgyzstan, the new President signed an agreement with the leader of Turkey for writing off Kyrgyz foreign debt. On December 1, President Almazbek Atambaev and Turkish President Abdullah Gul signed a document earlier prepared by governments of two counties.


Recall, the principal amount of the debt of Kyrgyzstan by the loan of the Export Credit Bank of Turkey to be written off makes up $49.2 million.


The loan was issued by the intergovernmental protocol on intention signed between governments of Turkey and Kyrgyzstan on April 28, 1992 in accordance with the loan agreement between the National Bank of KRG and the Export Credit Bank of Turkey dated January 15, 1993.


The loan was designed for financing commercial and investment projects and was renegotiated on repeated occasions.

 


Kyrgyzstan swears in new President
 

Kyrgyzstan has inaugurated a new President in the first peaceful transition of power in the former Soviet Central Asian nation. Almazbek Atambaev was sworn in as head of state in a ceremony on Thursday in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, amid tight security across the country. He claimed 62.5 percent of the vote in October's presidential election.

 

Authorities hope Atambaev's inauguration will usher in an era of stability, which has eluded the country since the April 2010 overthrow of former President Kurmanbek Bakiev.

 

Kyrgyzstan's first two presidents were overthrown in public uprisings. Outgoing President Roza Otunbaeva, who wrested power from Bakiev, earned international plaudits for agreeing to relinquish power.

 

 

 

Politicians of friendly countries invited to the inauguration of the President

 

Politicians of friendly countries are being invited to the inauguration of the President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambaev. Following is the list of VIP-persons that are expected to attend the ceremony on December 1.

 

Abdullah Gül (Turkey); Mikhail Saakashvili (Georgia); Karim Masimov (Kazakhstan); Akil Akilov (Tajikistan); Ilgizar Sobirov (Uzbekistan); Anatoly Rubinov (Belarus); Kasymguly Babaev (Turkmenistan); Ismail Tiliwaldi (China); Sergey Naryshkin (Russia); D. Battulga (Mongolia); Andrei Beljaninov (Russia); Sergei Vinokurov (Russia); Rustam Minnikhanov (Tatarstan); Ramzan Kadyrov (Chechnya); Parkhad Turdu (Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China); SCO Secretary General Muratbek Imanaliev; OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zaner; EurAsEC Secretary General Tair Mansurov; the Chairman of CIS Executive Committee - Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev; CSTO Secretary General Nicolay Borduzha; the Secretary General of the Turkic states cooperation council Khalil Akyndzhy; EU Special Representative for Central Asia Pierre Morel; UN Secretary General’s Special Representative, Miroslav Jenca; the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Grigory Karasin; the US Assistant Secretary Robert Blake;Edappakat Ahamed (India); Kh.A. Sattulah (Iran); the chairman of the Muftis Council of Russia Ravil Khazrat Gainutdin; Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
 

 

Kyrgyz airplane crashes into Georgian air freighter


Kyrgyz airplane crashed into Georgian air freighter at Erzurum airport in Turkey on November 1. The Turkish media outlets report this was the fault of the Kyrgyz pilot who hit against Georgian air freighter.


The collision severely damaged the air freighter of a Georgian company whose name was not disclosed.

 

The airplane cannot depart because of received damages and needs a repair. Both airplanes delivered humanitarian aid for victims affected by earthquake in Van region, Turkey.

 


US President Barack Obama hails Kyrgyz election


US President Barack Obama hailed Kyrgyzstan with holding presidential election. “I congratulate the people and government of Kyrgyzstan for October 30 democratic and peaceful presidential election,” Obama said.


The US President’s statement notes the people of Kyrgyzstan “have taken an important and courageous step on the path of democracy and demonstrated their commitment to an orderly and open transition of power.” According to AFP.

 

“The president's praise for the election came despite concerns expressed by the international observer mission led by the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe that there were some shortcomings with the vote count.”
 

 

New president inauguration may be held within 30 days

 

The inauguration of a new President may be held within 30 days after the announcement of final election results by the Central Election Commission. Under the law the final election results must be announced not later than 20 days after voting day.

 

That is why inauguration ceremony of a new head of state may take place in December. Hopefully, the date of this event will not coincide with New Year holidays.
 

 

Know the new leader Almazbek Atambaev


A supporter of two popular revolts to depose authoritarian leaders, the silver-haired Prime Minister pledges a more inclusive form of leadership to suit the "nomadic and democratic spirit" of the people in the mountainous Central Asian state.


A self-made businessman, 55-year-old Almazbek Atambaev has front-line experience of a leader overstepping his mark. He stood side-by-side with Kurmanbek Bakiev when the Tulip revolution of 2005 ousted Kyrgyzstan's first post-Soviet leader, Askar Akayev.


Atambaev claims he was poisoned by a glass of water served to him in his office during a brief spell as prime minister under Bakiev, whom he accused of breaking pre-revolutionary promises to weed out corruption.


Under Akayev, Atambaev had grown frustrated when the state reappropriated factories he had purchased with the proceeds of his first business: a publishing house that made him a rich man in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan. A sometime poet with a passion for classic novels, Atambaev himself translated books from his native Kyrgyz language into the Russian he polished during his student years in Moscow.


He bought the KyrgyzAvtoMash plant for around half a million dollars, putting his education in engineering and economic management to use by transforming the run-down factory into a thriving producer of car radiators. He managed to retain the plant and sold it after Akayev - to whom he lost a presidential election in 2000 - was eventually forced from power in Kyrgyzstan's first revolution.


After falling out with Bakiev, Atambaev once more found himself in opposition - losing his second presidential election in 2009 - until the April 2010 revolution that set in motion reforms to make parliament the main decision-making body.


He played guitar and listened to rock music in the 1970s. But he was never a radical in opposition. His pragmatism and anti-corruption stance found favor with investors keen on the country's metals resources.
In December 2010, he became Prime Minister again.


He has also built ties with Moscow, visiting Prime Minister Vladimir Putin several times.


In comments sure to please Moscow, he has stated his opposition to extending the U.S. lease on the base beyond its current expiry date in 2014.


Some ethnic Uzbeks in the south of Kyrgyzstan have called him "another Putin"; their best bet for protection from a repeat of the violence between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks that killed nearly 500 people in June 2010. His support base in the Russian-leaning north of Kyrgyzstan contrasts with the Kyrgyz nationalist followers of his main opponents in the presidential election, most of whom live in the more agrarian south.
Atambaev has called for prison sentences for anybody who incites ethnic or inter-regional hatred.

 

 

Almazbek Atambaev wins with 63% of vote

 

Former Prime Minister Almazbek Atambaev October 30 cruised to an apparent decisive victory in the presidential election, leading with 63.13% of the vote. His two nearest rivals, Adakhan Madumarov (Butun Kyrgyzstan) and Kamchybek Tashiev (Ata-Zhurt), trailed with 14.71% and 14.31%, respectively, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC), with 99.65% of precincts reporting. Sixteen candidates were on the ballot.


Voter turnout was estimated at 60.2%. If officials certify the totals, no run-off will be necessary, since Atambaev won more than 50% + 1 of the votes.


Turnout varied regionally. Talas province in the north had the highest nationwide (80.77%), while the south voters were apathetic. In Osh city, turnout was only 49.36%. Overseas, Kyrgyz embassies and consulates operated 29 precincts, compared to 2,289 in Kyrgyzstan.


Percent voting: Almazbek Atambaev – 63.24; Adakhan Madumarov – 14.76; Kamchybek Tashiyev – 14.33; Temirbek Asanbekov – 0.92; Omurbek Suvanaliev – 0.87; Tursunbai Bakir uulu – 0.83; Kubatbek Baibolov – 0.83; Anarbek Kalmatov – 0.73; Arstanbek Abdyldayev – 0.47; Marat Imankulov – 0.32; Kubanychbek Isabekov – 0.18; Kurmanbek Osmonov –0.13; Akbaraly Aitikeev – 0.11; Toorobai Kolubayev – 0.1; Sooronbay Dyikanov – 0.07; Almazbek Karimov – 0.07; against all – 0.51.

 

 

Atambaev set to win presidential election


The Prime Minister Almazbek Atambaev is set to win October 30 presidential election, gaining over 50 percent of the vote, with over 80% of the ballots counted, the Central Election Commission said citing preliminary data. A candidate who gains over 50% of the vote wins the election. Sixteen candidates took part in the presidential polls. Atambaev left his closest rivals far behind.


Kyrgyzstan, a nation of around 5 million people on China's western fringes, is home to both US and Russian military air bases, making its fortunes the subject of lively international interest.


The Kyrgyz overthrew previous President Kurmanbek Bakiev in April 2010 amid anger over corruption and stagnating living standards. October 30 election had been touted as the culmination of a movement for political reform away from the strong authoritarian model that has prevailed in the country since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.


The two Presidents that ruled the country over the first two decades of its independence, Bakiev and Askar Akaev, were both unseated in public uprisings.


International observers have largely praised the run-up to the elections.


Outgoing President Roza Otunbaeva, who has been running the country as interim leader since April 2010, earned international plaudits by agreeing to step down to make way for the election winner. Atambaev's most vigorous opponents were two popular nationalist politicians - Kamchibek Tashiev and Adakhan Madumarov.


As of early Monday, they appeared to have performed less impressively than many had expected, both capturing less than 15 percent of the vote with only one-tenth of the ballots left to count. None of the other 13 candidates running looked set to earn even 1 percent of the vote.


Earlier in the day, Otunbaeva, a seasoned diplomat who served as ambassador in Washington and London, said she was certain the election was being held in full compliance with the law.


"Any claims that administrative resources have been deployed or that the election is not being held according to the rules or unlawfully are unfounded," she said.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan ready for elections, experts say


Election observers are generally pleased with preparations for the upcoming October 30 presidential election and have praised the work of the Central Election Commission (CEC). The CEC is doing a good job, said Alikbek Jekshenkulov, leader of the Akyikat Party and a former foreign minister, adding, “All the information has been open and provided by the CEC in full.”

 

The Coalition for Civil Society and Democracy, in its analysis for October12-22, said it “is pleased” with the work of the CEC, adding that the CEC has paid attention to complaints from NGOs and citizens. The OSCE report for October 4-17 said most CEC meetings have been open to observers, candidates and the media. An analyst from the Election plus Centre expects election turnout to reach at least 60% of the 2.8m registered voters. The people want peace, a normal job and stability, and everyone is expecting to get this from his or her candidate.

 

Jekshenkulov didn’t estimate turnout, but said, “I see that the public has a keen interest in the elections, and the turnout of Kyrgyz citizens at the polling stations will be high.”

 

Kyrgyzstan is ready for elections now more than ever. ... These elections are stained with blood, and for this reason the people are hungry for voting day,” said a political scientist.
 


Kyrgyz Government to abolish visas for citizens of 46 countries


The Kyrgyz government has decided to allow the citizens of 46 countries to stay in the country for three months without obtaining a visa. Economic Regulations Ministry said at the cabinet session on October 25 that the introduction of the no-visa regime for those people visiting Kyrgyzstan would bring additional money to the country's economy in the long run.


Acting Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov however said at the session that the treasury might lose $1.3 million-$1.5 million immediately after abolishing the visa requirement, as a short-term visitors' visa costs $70 per person. But he said in the future the move would bring significant profits to Kyrgyz businesses and the government in the form of taxes because more foreigners would visit the country.


Most of the countries whose citizens would be exempt from the ban are from Europe, Asia, and North and South America.
 


Kazakhstan favors Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan – China rail line


Kazakhstan is interested in implementing the transcontinental project on construction of the Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan – China railroad. It is officially reported on October 27 at Astana. Accordingly, Kyrgyzstan intends to implement 40 national projects in the near future.

 

The construction of the railway line, which will connect three states, is among them. The Kazakh companies have a great experience in implementation of large-scale projects.

 


Kazakhstan takes the first place among the investors


Kazakhstan takes the first place among the investors that put money into the Kyrgyzstan’s economy. It was officially reported on October 27.


Accordingly, 247 joint ventures involving Kyrgyz capital are registered in Kazakhstan, and 334 joint ventures involving Kazakh capital are registered in Kyrgyzstan. Scope of activity is diverse - trade, construction, manufacturing, agro-processing, transportation, communications... Banking sector has become particularly attractive for the Kazakh business.

 

 

Core Committee passes election budget submitted by CEC

 

The core parliamentary Committee for Budget and Finances has passed election budget submitted by the Central Election Commission (CEC). According to the CEC, the budget 2011 envisages 179 million soms; taking into account holding two rounds of elections, the CEC needs 226 million more.

 

The increase is caused by paying out three months wages to heads and secretaries of district and territorial commissions in accordance with new legislation. Personnel of the CEC have also increased. System administrators are working under each election commission and they have to be paid out wage.

 

Members of the core Committee acceded to the CEC request and allotted 409 million soms for elections. (One dollar is equal to approximately 45 soms).

 

 

CEC registers 21 people as the presidential candidates


The Central Election has finally declared that 21 people are officially registered as the presidential candidates. According to the deputy chairman of the agency Gulnara Zhurabayeva,  the CEC excluded Marat Sultanov from the list of contenders; he withdrew his application.


Recall, before the Ata-Meken parliamentary faction’s leader Omurbek Tekebaev refused to run for the Kyrgyz President.

 

 

Kyrgyzstan favors concept of Eurasian space

 

Creation of common Eurasian space is a good idea that will be endorsed in Kyrgyzstan, acting Deputy Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov said during his journey around the city.

 

According to him, Kyrgyzstan is integrated politically and economically with neighbors. “It is known we have submitted an application on joining the Customs Union. We will welcome a suggestion of Vladimir Putin.

 

This is a very good idea. But we have to know conditions,” said Omurbek Babanov.

 

 

It is necessary to create new Silk Road from Central Asia to India

 

It is necessary to create new Silk Road from Central Asia to India for closer cooperation. It was stated by the OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier at the meeting with journalists in Bishkek. According to him, Kyrgyzstan is a member of the OSCE and that is why it should take part in all the processes.

 

“Recently the issue of restoration of the Silk Road has been discussed in New York. Transportation of goods will help to develop cooperation.

 

All the countries of Central Asia region can support this initiative,” said Lamberto Zannier. He added that the cooperation with other states will let reduce tension in Central Asia.

 

 

Kyrgyz economy on the path of growth

 

After a sharp drop in 2010, Kyrgyzstan’s economy is successfully recovering, UN Radio’s Russian service reported October 6 citing UNDP experts.

 

In the first eight months of 2011 the GDP growth was 7% mainly because of the rapid growth of commercial production – 19%. One fifth of Kyrgyz GDP comes from gold mining, and high prices of gold played a role, but even without it, UNDP experts say, Kyrgyz economic growth is impressive.

 

Agricultural production grew 2% in spite of the drought; the inflation rate is being reduced while salaries grew 10%.

 

 

Embassy of Saudi Arabia opened in Bishkek

 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened its embassy in Bishkek. In this context, a delegation of Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on working visit in Kyrgyzstan. It is noteworthy here that Kyrgyzstan opened its embassy in the said country four years ago, which is also accredited to Egypt, Qatar and Kuwait.

 

At present, 138 citizens of Kyrgyzstan are living in Saudi Arabia. Kyrgyzstan intends to open its full fledged diplomatic mission in Kuwait soon.

 

 

Officially, 20 persons are registered as presidential candidates

 

Officially, 20 presidential candidates are registered according to the Central Election Commission (CEC).

As Toktaim Umetalieva and Nariman Tiuleev have been excluded from elections due to not sufficient number of signature sheets, the Supreme Court is considering the supervisory complaint of the CEC filed the day before. Recall, Toktaim Umetalieva and Nariman Tiuleev won the suit in the first instance.

 

Thus, the list of presidential candidates comprises: Kamchybek Tashiev, Adakhan Madumarov, Kubatbek Baibolov, Marat Sultanov, Roman Omorov, Omurbek Suvanaliev, Temirbek Asanbekov, Anarbek Kalmatov, Shamshybek Medetbekov, Iskhak Masaliev, Kurmanbek Osmonov, Almambet Matubraimov, Marat Imankulov, Akylbek Zhaparov, Kubanychbek Isabekov, Almazbek Atambayev, Arstanbek Abdyldaev, Sooronbay Dyikanov, Zhumabek Toktogaziev, Almazbek Karimov.

 

 

Kyrgyz-Kazakh investment fund to start working till the end of October 2011

 

Kyrgyz-Kazakh investment fund will start its work by the end of October 2011. The Minister of Economic Regulation Uchkunbek Tashbaev said at the meeting with the first Vice Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov. According to him, all issues related to the establishment of the fund have been solved from the Kyrgyz side. The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan is deciding the issue of funding jointly with the investment fund.

 

The official also said about the adoption of a new edition of the Law “On inspections” that includes criteria for risk during audits.

 

Omurbek Babanov said that the Ministry of Economic Regulation needs to expedite the issue of creating of Kyrgyz-Kazakh investment fund. In addition, we need to prepare presentation materials on 40 national projects for international donors. He instructed the Minister of Economic Regulation to make suggestions to improve the tourist appeal of the country including on strengthening the responsibilities of relevant agencies and managers of hotels and boarding houses to ensure the safety of tourists.

 

 

Roza Otunbaeva: Kyrgyzstan needs to make good friends

 

Kyrgyzstan needs to make good friends. The President for transitional period Roza Otunbaeva said on September 26. “We don’t have diplomatic relations with many countries, for example, with states of Latin America. There are 40 if not 50 states. We don’t reach them; the same is with countries of Africa.

 

This is limit of our possibilities, all that we did for this historical time, over a period of 20 years. We are lucky to become members of such mature unions as OSCE, Organization of Islamic Conference. Actively working there, we are “embracing” somehow over 100 states but there more 100 we are not reaching yet,” she said.

 

 

People are interested in future - Roza Otunbaeva

 

I sympathize with those in Kyrgyzstan who think about what I’ll do after the presidency, the President for transitional period Roza Otunbaeva stated on September 26. “My fellow countrymen are interested in my future. Yes, I have a possibility to be engaged in something. I can work at the UN. They say now, there should be more women. I can work in peacemaking organizations. I did this in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. But I do not incline to it. I had a meeting with the UN Secretary General. And if I had wanted, I would have had the opportunity to say that I want to work there,” she said.

 

 

President congratulates compatriots on Orozo Ait


The president for transitional period Roza Otunbaeva has congratulated compatriots on Muslim holiday Orozo Ait. “The sacred month of Ramadan is a time of enrichment of inner world and spiritual cleansing for a true Muslim. In the course of strict fasting every day opens up new possibilities of gaining moral purity for a patient Muslim. Believers of our country, being the ambassadors of the good will, following the holy duty of a man and a Muslim, with pure intentions call on people to peace, friendship, unity, tolerance,” said in the message of felicitation.


The people of Kyrgyzstan, like other peoples of the world, strive for stability and prosperity. To be sure, that when there are no various divisions, when people finally love their neighbor, only then mankind will be able to receive blessing and the mercy of God will come. The month of Ramadan gives us a chance and an opportunity to strengthen unity. I sincerely wish - let your 30-day sacred fast will be blessed, peace will be in your families, the people of Kyrgyzstan will live in tranquility and harmony! Let God give each of us prosperity, success, tolerance and health,” noted in the text.

 


Chinese ambassador outlines cooperation directions


Electricity export from Kyrgyzstan to China remains one of the main directions in the cooperation between the two countries. It was stated by the Ambassador of China to Kyrgyzstan on August 29. “Of course, we will calculate the cost per kilowatt and how it will look like in the future. Again much will depend on the economic situation in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. If the great amounts of electricity are demanded there we will cooperate with Kyrgyzstan in this direction more actively,” he said.

 

There are also the priority projects within the framework of cross-border cooperation. For example, the both countries plan construction of hydro-electric power station at Sary-Dzhaz river that will contribute to the economic development of Kyrgyzstan; the project of Datka-Kemin power transmission lines construction; the project “Datka-Yug” (South) will allow Kyrgyzstan to create an internal energy ring and enter the electricity market in South Asia; the China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan railway construction.
 

 

The Supreme Mufti congratulates on Orozo Ait


The Supreme Mufti of Kyrgyzstan has congratulated the citizens on Orozo Ait. It is said in the statement issued by the press service of the Religious Department of Muslims in Kyrgyzstan.


It is noted that Orozo Ait is the most sacred holiday for Muslims. “The true believers complete their monthly fast in these days. Exactly with this holiday opens a new page in the life of every Muslim. We want these days people pray to God, recite prayers and bring gifts to the needy and wretched.

 

Orozo Ait is intended to reconcile the embroiled. These days, people should perform only good deeds: to take care of the sick and suffering, and pray for the dead. Compliance with all covenants will help to reduce the sins of Muslims. Let our land will be peace, wealth and prosperity,” said Chubak azhy Zhalilov.

 


Roza Otunbaeva outlines mistakes of the past


During 20 years of independence Kyrgyzstan has passed the difficult path of its development, the President for transitional period Roza Otunbaeva said on August 30 at a solemn event dedicated to the anniversary of the country.


According to her, on August 31, 1991 the country proclaimed its independence, on May 5, 1993 adopted the Constitution, on May, 10 of the same year – the national currency was affirmed. “Two previous Presidents despite the people’s trust forgot about the development of the country dealing with only their own enrichment. As a result mistrust towards a brighter future, unemployment, external migration increased in the country. The opposition began to be exposed to all the more persecution. The rights of the citizens were violated. The people could no longer stand an authoritarian government, wiped them off, having conducted two-revolutions,” said Roza Otunbaeva.


She noted that the last 20 years the people of Kyrgyzstan have been going in the ways of overcoming the difficulties, searching for the way of development, and various reforms. “One of the bitter lessons of search of democracy are the mistakes made during all these years. We should take into account all these mistakes in future, in order to be developed in a right way,” added Roza Otunbaeva.
 

 

India, Kyrgyzstan review bilateral ties

 

India and Kyrgyzstan on August 5 comprehensively reviewed the status of bilateral ties in key economic and defense areas apart from discussing important regional and global issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.


Deputy Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Nurlan Aitmurzaev held Foreign Office Consultations with Sanjay Singh, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs.


The two 'comprehensively reviewed the current status of bilateral relations including their political, economic, defense and cultural dimensions. They also discussed important regional and global issues including the situation in Afghanistan,' a ministry press release said.


The issue of transport connectivity between India and Central Asia was in focus during the consultations, it said.


The Kyrgyz side also expressed interest in enhancing the training of Kyrgyz experts under India's ITEC program and also interest in increasing technical cooperation in the conduct of elections.

 

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