Latest Articles about Kyrgyzstan
Hydroelectricity or Irrigation: a Central Asian Dilemma
A regular lack of hydroelectric power during the winter in upstream Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and shortages of water during the summer in downstream Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are making it necessary that the Central Asian states find common grounds for long-term cooperation on water management in... MORE
Kyrgyz Opposition Splits, Seeks Alternative Ways To Fight Regime
Amid an energy crisis in Kyrgyzstan mainly caused by corruption among top-ranking political leaders, the Kyrgyz opposition has begun taking swift action against President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s regime. Bakiyev, in turn, is trying to counter the opposition’s protests by making promises yet again about developing the... MORE
Energy Crisis Splits Ruling Party in Kyrgyzstan
Amid shortages of hydro-energy in Kyrgyzstan because of the critically low water level in the Toktogul reservoir, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s loyal supports are finger-pointing, accusing each other of false reports and corruption. Previously, it was mostly the opposition that criticized Minister of Energy Saparbek Balkibekov... MORE
Kyrgyz Government Reduces Rights of Religious Groups
On November 5 the Kyrgyz parliament agreed to increase the number of members required to register religious organizations from 10 to 200. According to the ruling Ak Zhol party, such measures were necessary to restrict the spread of religious extremism in the country and modify... MORE
FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN KYRGYZSTAN CONTINUES TO BE CUT BACK
In September the Kyrgyz government introduced new amendments to the media law that would potentially limit the work of local mass media outlets. According to Kyrgyz experts, the changes will impose strict rules on broadcasting by local outlets. Despite condemnation by local journalists and international... MORE
BISHKEK: A TALE OF TWO BASES
On October 17 during a visit to Bishkek, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher reiterated Washington’s commitment to preserving the Ganci Air base at Manas. Replying to a question from a Kyrgyz correspondent who suggested that America was no longer interested in Manas, Boucher... MORE
PROTESTS AGAINST U.S. MILITARY PRESENCE HELD IN BISHKEK
According to the results of opinion poll conducted by 24.kg news agency in Kyrgyzstan, majority of respondents (46 percent) see Russia as a genuine ally, while the United States scored less than 4 percent (www.24.kg , October 8). The United State earned the most (37... MORE
BAKIYEV LOSES SUPPORTERS, APPOINTS CRONIES
With the resignation of Mayor General Ismail Isakov from the position of Security Council Secretary earlier this week, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev once again showed that he wants loyal politicians in key government offices, even at the cost of inefficiency. Isakov is a widely respected... MORE
KYRGYZ LOCAL ELECTIONS HELD AMID CONTROVERSY
On October 5 Kyrgyzstan held local government elections in which 491 seats were contested. The competition was most fierce, with the Chair of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Klara Kabilova scandalously resigning just days before the vote (see EDM, October 1). Both local and international... MORE
SCANDAL ERUPTS OVER KYRGYZ CENTRAL ELECTIONS COMMISSION DAYS BEFORE LOCAL ELECTIONS
On September 26 former Chair of the Central Elections Commission (CEC) Klara Kabilova released a video statement describing psychological and physical intimidation by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s son Maksim in the run-up to local elections scheduled for October 5. According to Kabilova, Maksim repeatedly threatened her... MORE