Press-release

On April 18-19 in London, the annual meeting of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was held.  KCHR took part in this meeting. In its address KCHR welcomed the EBRD decision concerning Uzbekistan, where EBRD limited its financial assistance because of repressions in the country and because commitments taken by Uzbekistan government in front of international organizations are not followed.

Also it was pointed out by KCHR that from the moment of its independence, international organizations and western governments considered Kyrgyz Republic as “an island of democracy”.  Because of this mistaken opinion they overlooked how KR democracy turned into an authoritarian regime, where there is no freedom of speech, peaceful meetings and demonstrations are forbidden, NGOs are persecuted, there are tortures, absence of rule of law, and absence of free and fair elections.

KCHR also asked EBRD Board of Directors and President to introduce strategy towards Kyrgyzstan as well, i.e. to limit financial assistance or provide assistance only after Kyrgyzstan will follow its commitments taken in front of the international community, commitments taken in development of democracy and human rights.  Because Kyrgyz government is ignoring international organizations we can only hope for financial institutions.

In its reports KCHR reported about the situation in Kyrgyzstan on the eve of Parliamentarian and Presidential elections.  KCHR reported that due to upcoming elections independent Mass Media almost doesn’t exist any longer, NGOs and opposition groups are being persecuted, it also reported about Mr. Kulov’s case, and that causers of Aksy tragedy are still unpunished.

KCHR also criticized the project “Kumtor” which is financed by EBRD, and it pointed out that almost all Kyrgyzstan citizens are against this project.