| Other Photos |
 |
|
 |
A Military Base Can Be Set Up at Osh
// Acting President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiev talks to Kommersant
First Person
Acting President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiev, who is resolutely counting on winning the upcoming presidential elections in that country, acknowledges the possibility of setting up a military base near Osh in the south of Kyrgyzstan, under the auspices of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) or the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He spoke about this with Interfax correspondents Vladimir Kulikov and Igor Porshnev especially for Kommersant.
You are entering the elections with associations with Felix Kulikov, who will be prime minister if you win. Is that alliance tactical or strategic?
That alliance can be seen as both tactical and strategic.
Before you decided to ally with Kulikov, some political scientists were saying that the main fight in the upcoming election would be representatives of the north and south of the country. What can be said about that now?
Felix Kulikov and I formed an alliance mainly so as not to divide Kyrgyzstan into North and South. My program is based on the wholeness of Kyrgyzstan, the unity of the Kyrgyz people, by which I mean all the nations and peoples living in Kyrgyzstan. I took that step to achieve that goal and everyone has reacted positively to it. God willing, all attempts to divide the republic will come to an end.
How do you see the chances of the other candidates in the election? Can the new head of state be chosen in the first round?
I do not want to understate the chances of the other candidates, but I have worked in Kyrgyzstan for a long time as an akim, the governor of two regions and prime minister, I was twice elected to parliament, and that people know me more. Nowhere I worked did I become entangled in financial machinations or corruption. Therefore, after my alliance with Felix Kulikov, I think the election can be decided in one round.
Can the current authorities guarantee fair and open elections and prevent disorder caused bythose who won't be happy with the election results?
Yes, it can. I am absolutely sure that the elections will proceed fairly and honestly, in accordance with the Election Code, without the unfair use of administrative resources. I am also certain that the disorder caused by the parliamentary elections will not happen again.
If you win, will you be able to offer posts in the government or presidential administration to your current opponents?
Everything will depend on who will run. And people need to meet certain basic requirements: management experience, analytical experience, an understanding of economic issues, an understanding of the domestic politics of Kyrgyzstan and an ability to lead it. It only looks like anyone who engages in politics can manage people and the state. It is very responsible and difficult work.
Can the events in neighboring Uzbekistan have a negative influence on relations between Bishkek and Tashkent? Who, in your opinion, organized the disorder in Andijan?
The events in Uzbekistan cannot influence our relations for the simple reason that, from the very beginning, the administration of Kyrgyzstan has been doing everything it can so that Uzbek citizens feel alright when they are in our territory. We provided first aid, help with food, that is, provided basic human care. Therefore, relations between Bishkek and Tashkent cannot be spoiled. I think that, most likely, religious extremism, which is rising in Central Asia, is behind the disorder.
What efforts are the authorities prepared to make to counteract Islamic extremism in Kyrgyzstan?
Yes, unfortunately, there are hotbeds in Kyrgyzstan, although they are not now as active or aggressive as in the neighboring state. Sometimes, unfortunately, Islam and the Koran are interpreted differently, especially by the ignorant. The special services have to work with those people, and our spiritual leaders, and highly educated spiritual people.
Former Kyrgyz president Askar Akaev stated in an interview that among the organizers of the mass opposition at the end of March were drug lords. He said that the new leadership of the republic is “practically a hostage of the narcotics mafia” and drug transport through Kyrgyzstan is “now open.” What do you say?
Drug trafficking existed before Akaev, during Akaev and it exists now. Narcotics came from Afghanistan through border states and they still do. It cannot be tied to the people's revolution.
Will a military base be set up in the town of Osh? What will be the fate of the existing bases – the Russian base at Kant and the American base at Manas Airport?
If it is necessary, a military base can be set up at Osh under the auspices of the CSTO or the SCO. The airbase at Kant will exist as long as it is needed, under previous agreements. The American airbase at Manas Airport will fulfill its function under agreements previously reached between the United States and Kyrgyzstan.
All the Article in Russian as of May 26, 2005
|
|
|
