Bishkek (Akipress) – the recent visit by Kyrgyz President Roza Otunbaeva to Washington went very fruitfully. During his telephone conversation with Kyrgyzstani journalists, Robert Blake, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs stressed that a lot of things were achieved during the short period of time.
U.S. President Barack Obama has confirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Kyrgyzstan’s efforts in creating democracy.
The leaders of both governments said that building democracy is a daily struggle and that Kyrgyzstan has undertaken positive steps in strengthening the parliamentarian democracy and carrying out free and fair elections.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake said that Roza Otunbaeva had a very productive meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. They discussed issues such as strengthening democracy, developing economic opportunities for Kyrgyz people and cooperating in the sphere of security.
“We were happy that Ms. Otunbaeva met with leaders of both chambers of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as with leading U.S. officials. By receiving the International Women of Courage Award from Ms. Clinton, Ms. Otunbaeva has been especially distinguished for her role as a leader, and for her persistence to end the conflict in the country, maintain integrity, and create a possibility for all citizens of the republic to hold elections and advance the country democratically,”* Blake stressed in conclusion.
Blake expressed his gratitude to the Kyrgyz president for the support that Kyrgyzstan gives to the transit center in Manas airport. He also mentioned that the United States has already undertaken measures to enhance transparency on transit center matters. The United States has assured that the advantages for the Kyrgyz people will be increased.
Blake noted that his visit to the Kyrgyz leader has once again emphasized the conviction that Kyrgyzstan and the United States share common interests: mutual relations based on a true partnership aimed at stabilizing and strengthening regional security, not just supporting the international efforts in Afghanistan.
Blake continued, “However, it is directed also at improving the quality of life for people across all of Central Asia. Today Kyrgyzstan is a regional leader. It has accepted a new constitution and created a new government that is to be elected by its citizens. The government pays more attention to citizen’s requests. The United States thanks Roza Otunbaeva and all of Kyrgyzstan for their leadership; they have overcome the violent transition period during the last year and taken a democratic path.”*
Commenting on the Uzbek human rights leader’s refusal to accept the award, he noted that the decision was accepted with understanding, though he wished that she would have accepted the award.
Blake added that Otunbaeva was given the award for showing bravery and courage during events in April and June of the last year. “She has managed to keep the country united. She took part in the ethnic reconciliation process, visited turmoil areas and encouraged the people, Blake said. She really is a leader, not only for reconciling the country, but for increasing accountability and transparency and for giving fair consideration to those who were injured during those conflicts.”*
Blake also mentioned that during Otunbaeva’s visit the issue of fair decisions for those accused of crimes in the south of Kyrgyzstan was repeatedly discussed. “We have followed the cases and we are concerned about situations with clients, their families and lawyers who were intimidated and mistreated, even during judicial hearings,”* he said.
Blake noted that the United States has encouraged the government of Kyrgyzstan, which reacted with understanding to messages that it would be difficult to provide a fair legal process. The discussions between the Kyrgyz president and U.S. officials covered such issues as their cooperation in strengthening the rule of law, carrying out of judicial reform and the maintenance of judicial independence.
Moreover, he expressed the readiness of the United States to give Kyrgyzstan political and financial assistance. Detailed discussions with Roza Otunbaeva concerned the United States’ assistance in such areas as fighting corruption, reforming legislative and legal systems, participation in programs fighting terrorism and drug trafficking.
Blake said that for 2011 the United States has allocated $2.4 million to the Kyrgyz military for the purchase of equipment to improve the country’s safety. The international program of military preparation was also allocated $1 million this year to carry out educational programs for military personnel and security forces in Kyrgyzstan.
*Editor’s Note: Quotes from U.S. Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake could not be confirmed.
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