By H.E. Asein Isaev, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the Netherlands.
A small country in the middle of Central Asia has a long and amazing history and culture. After 70 years of representing part of huge Soviet system Kyrgyzstan has got over different periods of state transformation. The revolutions and rejection of 2 authoritarian regimes left deep traces in the history of kyrgyz society. In 2005 and 2010 dishonored 2 Presidents had to leave the country.
In April 2010, under the conditions of dramatic political struggle, the outgoing regime used the interregional and interethnic disputes to provoke the tragic events in the south of Kyrgyzstan. There were more than 400 people killed. The damage for trade, for the transport and housing infrastructure in south of country estimated in hundreds of millions euros.
Conflict was stifled in 4 days, without any further escalation. Among the consequences of the tragic events there were complex socio-economic and political issues, aggravated in spring 2010. Those interethnic clashes jeopardized further democratic changes initiated by April’s revolution in 2010. It was crucially important to ensure the process of reconstruction as well as to continue the reforms aimed to form first parliamentary democracy in the region.
The new Constitution significantly limited President’s powers. Parliamentary elections highly welcomed by kyrgyz society took place in October 2010. According to the opinion of international observers there have been conducted really fair and democratic elections.
Despite the challenges, the country confidently moves towards the objectives. Large-scale reform of the judicial system was initiated. In order to provide real independence of judicial system the selection principle for 445 judges was changed. Kyrgyzstan joined the Convention and the facultative protocol for torture prevention.
Openness of the society and accountability of the authorities to the people have been already delivered their first fruits. GDP growth, slightly perceptible, but steady, fluctuates around 9%. Many spheres of the economy have come out of the shadow sector. Increased growth of investment in education and healthcare is observable.
On that historically stage for Kyrgyzstan it is important to find economic and political backing from the international community. The achievements of the Republic have shown that democratic transformations are real, but results still remain very fragile. It is crucial for country to keep the positive trends. There is a huge human potential: strong and consistent civil society, traditions of freedom of speech and independent mass media, gender equality.
Next year country is celebrating 25 years of sovereignty. Government has a Program to strengthen peace and stability. It is evident the progress is slower than expected and the restored democracy might be threatened. However, obtained experience and comprehension of historical lessons give reliance for transformations’ sustainability. We hope that our development partners will help to carry out the mission until the end and to maintain the absolute rule of law and justice in Kyrgyzstan.
