October 27 - November 02, 2014

Contents

Compiled by Jason D’Amour – MIGS Desk Officer for Kyrgyzstan

1. Politics and Development
2. Neighbourhood Relations
3. Economic Updates

*All articles translated from Russian, unless otherwise indicated*

1. Politics and Development

Kabar News Agency, State-owned media, Articles retrieved 27 October, 2014

OSCE, Kyrgyz State Financial Intelligence Service train public and private sector representatives on combating money-laundering and financing of terrorism

• Four training courses on combating money-laundering and the financing of terrorism were organised by the Kyrgyz State Financial Intelligence Service and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. Around 150 oversight agencies, law enforcement agencies and representatives from courts, public, financial, and private sectors will participate in the courses. 
• “An effective anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regime is an integral part of the economic stability and integrity of the financial system,” said Yulia Minaeva, Senior Officer of Economic and Environmental Dimension at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.
• Courses include:
  • conducting risk assessments
  • investigating criminal cases 
  • application of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force
  • And different approaches to be used in combating money-laundering and financing of terrorism.

Memorial for those killed in the Batken events in Bishkek

• In Bishkek, a rally and memorial was held, commemorating the soldiers killed during the Batken events in 1999-2000 (a conflict with the Islamic Movement for Uzbekistan that resulted in 49 deaths).
• The event marked the 15th anniversary of the conflict, and was held at the Military monument. The commemoration involved the laying of wreaths, as well as speeches by the Chief of General Staff, Major-General KR Asanbek Alymkojoev, and Defense Minister Abibilla Kudaiberdiev, and was followed by a concert.
• Connected to the event, some former soldiers held a peaceful demonstration near the White House, asking to amend the legislation and recognise them as combatants.

‘24.kg’ News Agency, Private media, Article retrieved 27 October, 2014

UN urges Kyrgyzstan not to adopt “anti-gay” law

• The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the Kyrgyz parliament not to pass the law, which could lead to discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
• The law, which is being discussed in the Parliament after passing the first reading, could “lead to a breach of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom, security and bodily integrity, and freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. These rights are guaranteed by treaties on human rights ratified by the Kyrgyz Republic.”

Kabar News Agency, State-owned media, Articles retrieved 28 October, 2014

Speaker of Kyrgyz Parliament discussed with head of Aga Khan Development Network

• Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, Asylbek Jeenbekov received the head of the Delegation of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Kyrgyzstan Shamshi-Kassim Lakha. Speaker Jeenbekov thanked the AKDN for its assistance in addressing the current economic and social problems in the country and improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations in mountainous regions.
• Mr. Jeenbekov stressed the importance of implementing two major programs by the Development Fund: support for the development of mountain regions and the development of civil society.
• The Aga Khan Development Network has been particularly influential in the education sphere (with the flagship program University of Central Asia), and in the financial sector, with the AKDN initiative Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank being a key provider of microcredit loans to vulnerable populations.

Alexander Avanesov: “The UN will provide technical assistance to Kyrgyzstan in ensuring fair elections”

• The head of the UN Office in Kyrgyzstan, Alexander Avanesov praised the National Council for Sustainable Development in Kyrgyzstan as a unique platform for discussion, saying that the discussions in the meetings of the National Council signify an open, democratic regime. “Representatives of the country’s top leaders, political forces, and civil society actively and freely discuss the most pressing problems of the country and come to a consolidated solution, which is a serious sign of improvement of the political situation in Kyrgyzstan.”
• The implementation of the National Development Strategy will be among the main priorities of the United Nations, as well as providing technical assistance to ensure transparent, free and fair elections in the electoral cycle.

‘24.kg’ News Agency, Private media, Article retrieved 28 October, 2014

Almazbek Atambaev: The state creating conditions for development of freedom of speech and journalism in Kyrgyzstan

• “The state will continue creating conditions for the development of freedom of speech and journalism in Kyrgyzstan,” said President Almazbek Atambaev, in a meeting with journalist Syrgak Abdyldaev. Mr. Abdyldaev lived in Sweden to escape persecution during the Bakiev reign, and was awarded a state honour, for “courage during the performance of professional duties, active citizenship in the protection of human rights and exposing corruption and criminal schemes during the regime of Kurmanbek Bakiev.”
• President Atambaev stressed the role of the media in the democratic development of the country.
  

Kabar News Agency, State-owned media, Article retrieved 31 October, 2014

The EU discussed with civil society and other institutional actors challenges to prevention of torture and ill treatment in KR

• The Fifth European Union–Kyrgyz Republic Civil Society Seminar was held on October 29-30 in Osh, and focused on the “Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment.”
• Along with debating the main challenges for the prevention of torture, working groups were held which focused on fundamental safeguards, categories at risk and the gap between the legislative framework and its practical implementation.
• A finalised set of recommendations will be publically presented by the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, and discussed on the occasion of the next EUKR Human Rights Dialogue.

2. Neighbourhood Relations

Kabar News Agency, State-owned media, Article retrieved 27 October, 2014

Press Release: Youth Forum for Kyrgyz-Tajik border cooperation

• The Youth Forum for Kyrgyz-Tajik border cooperation was conducted in Batken, with the support of UNICEF and the Department for International Development (DFID).
• The purpose of the forum is to promote the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between Tajik and Kyrgyz youth from Batken oblast in Kyrgyzstan and the Sughd region of Tajikistan.
• The forum adopted a resolution and a joint work plan to encourage participants to develop and implement mini-projects for small grants to strengthen cross-border cooperation between young people.

‘24.kg’ News Agency, Private media, Article retrieved 27 October, 2014

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan resume negotiations on border delimitation

• Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan resumed negotiations on border delimitation, as representatives of the working group of Kyrgyzstan arrived in Batken to meet with 5 colleagues from Tajikistan. “[Barriers to the] construction of bypass roads have already been removed. Now we will talk only on [unresolved] sites.”
• Before the formal meetings, a friendly football (soccer) match was held between Kyrgyz and Tajik border detachments in order to encourage amity.

‘24.kg’ News Agency, Private media, Article retrieved 28 October, 2014

Uzbekistan has not responded to Kyrgyz invitation on resumption of negotiations on border

• Uzbekistan has not responded to the Kyrgyz invitation to resume negotiations on the delimitation of the state border, and negotiations should begin on the first week of November.
• Note: 73 percent of sites with Uzbekistan have been demarcated compared to 54 percent with Tajikistan.

‘24.kg’ News Agency, Private media, Article retrieved 29 October, 2014

About 3,500 Kyrgyz citizens detained in Russia in Migrant raid

• About 3,500 Kyrgyz citizens were detained in Russia during an anti-Migrant raid, announced today the co-chairman of the “Movement of labour migrants in Russia” Association, Emil Zhaychiev. According to Mr. Zhaychiev, a large-scale campaign on the identification of illegal immigrants was conducted in Russia, where citizens of Kyrgyzstan were violating immigration laws.
• “Now they face deportation and a ban on entering Russia. Many find themselves in this position because they were not living at the [specified] place of temporary residence.”

Kabar News Agency, State-owned media, Article retrieved 30 October, 2014

Kyrgyz Ambassador to Uzbekistan met with the head of the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia

• Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan, Emil Uzakbaev met with the Head of the Regional Office for Central Asia, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ashita Mitall at her request.
• The Regional Office of UNODC for Central Asia assists the 5 Central Asian countries in reducing consumption and drug trafficking, the fight against organised crime and terrorism, and the prevention and punishment of crimes related to terrorism.
• The meeting was highlighted by discussion of the forthcoming chairmanship of the Central Asian Regional Research Coordination Center (CARICC) by Kyrgyzstan, and highlighted measures by Kyrgyzstan in reforming the judicial system and strengthening human rights protections.

3. Economic Updates

Kabar News Agency, State-owned media, Article retrieved 27 October, 2014

President Atambaev about the arrest of shares of Kyrgyzstan in Centerra: “There is a great game”

• Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev spoke about the arrest of shares of Kyrgyzstan in Centerra Gold Inc., saying that “there is a great game” underway in Central Asia. President Atambaev questioned the right of the Moscow Arbitration Court to consider the application of the Canadian company.
• President Atambaev asserted that rich countries rob the small states of the world, saying: “If Canada is going to continue to plunder Kyrgyzstan, we will take decisive action to Kumtor.”

‘24.kg’ News Agency, Private media, Article retrieved 27 October, 2014

Government encouraged to review macroeconomic indices for Kyrgyzstan’s development in 2015

• Government was recommended to review the macroeconomic indices for Kyrgyzstan's development in 2015, announced Deputy Roza Aknazarova. Mrs. Aknazarova raised the issues of customs and tax levies upon accession to the Customs Union that have not been accounted for in the socio-economic development and draft budget for 2015.
• “We need precise calculations, [such as] what will be the receipts from State Tax Service and State Customs Service. Otherwise, there will be problems with the implementation of national programs. We need to prepare for accession to the Customs Union [as] this will require structural changes to the economy.”

‘24.kg’ News Agency, Private media, Articles retrieved 29 October, 2014

Inflation in Kyrgyzstan expects to reach 10.6 percent on results of 2014 

• Inflation in Kyrgyzstan is expected to continue its rise, and reach 10.6 percent at the end 2014, reported the Ministry of Finance. A slowdown in economic and social 7 development was the cause of budget adjustments for 2014, as GDP growth slowed down to 4.1 percent, as well as the increasing rate of the Kyrgyz Som in exchange markets. •
• A rising prices of utilities, revision of the tariff policy for electricity and heat, and the sharp appreciation of the dollar relative to the KGS increased food prices as well.

At least 9 investment companies sue Kyrgyz government

• At least 9 investment companies are suing the government of Kyrgyzstan, reported the Chairman of OJSC Kyrgyzaltyn, Tokon Mamytov. Kazakh companies, as well as formally nationalised companies, are pressing for claims around $800 million.

Kabar News Agency, State-owned media, Article retrieved 30 October, 2014

Kyrgyzstan among Top-10 countries of greatest number of reforms according to “Doing Business: 2015”

• Kyrgyzstan is among the Top-10 countries in terms of the greatest number of reforms in the annual ranking of “Doing Business: 2015,” prepared by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. Kyrgyzstan rose by 6 positions among 189 countries, with improvement in Registering Property, due to reforms to simplify the procedure of registration of real estate.
• Kyrgyzstan is still, however, ranked 102nd in the world for “Most favourable conditions for business.”

‘24.kg’ News Agency, Private media, Articles retrieved 30 October, 2014

Aliyasbek Alymkulov: “If young people chose profession correctly, there would be fewer unemployed”

• “If young people [chose their] profession correctly, there would be fewer unemployed,” said the Minister of Labour, Migration and Youth, Aliyasbek Alymkulov. According to Mr. Alymkulov, every year around 200,000 people reach the labour market, and there is insufficient work available. Only 26 percent of university graduates find employment, versus graduates of professional technical lyceums at 74 percent in villages, and 86 percent in cities. 
• Minister Alymkulov said that the biggest problem is that young people are often choosing the wrong profession. The Ministry of Education and Science aims to lead youth in the right direction: in the coming years, the mining, energy, agriculture, light industry, and service sectors are most promising in the Kyrgyz Republic. Youth will be directed to choose one of those branches.

Minimum wage in Kyrgyzstan amounts to 940 KGS 

• In 2014, the minimum wage amounts to 940 Som in Kyrgyzstan, according to the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions, Asylbek Toktogulov. According to Mr. Toktogulov, the Union insists that minimum wage not be below the subsistence level: the minimum consumer budget in 2014 is 5,606 KGS.

‘24.kg’ News Agency, Private media, Articles retrieved 31 October, 2014

Temir Sariev: If Kumtor issue is not resolved in near future, investment climate will not develop in Republic

• “If the Kumtor issue is not resolved in the near future, the investment climate in [Kyrgyzstan] will not develop,” said Minister of Economy, Temir Sariev, noting that the flow of investments has declined in recent years.
• “Our country is rich in deposits, but [only] one or two fields actually operate, the others stand idle. All this is due to a group of people who do not [allow] investors to work normally [due to] narrow personal interests. The population asks to strengthen the borders in the regions, raise wages, and build roads. [Last year] we lost $90 million and this year we could lose another $60 million because we have not resolved the issue with creation of a joint venture. [If] this continues, we cannot achieve the parameters prescribed in the National Strategy to 2017.”