The majority of Kyrgyzstan’s population thinks that Kyrgyzstan should consolidate with Russia, the opinion poll organized by the public opinion research institute El-Pikir disclosed. The International Research Agency “Eurasia monitor” announced the research outcomes in Bishkek, news agency “24.kg” reported.

The pollsters found out that 72 percent of Kyrgyz population would like Kyrgyzstan to consolidate with Russia, 37 percent suppose that Kyrgyzstan should make alliance with Kazakhstan, 14 percent are for binding with Uzbekistan. 16 percent of respondents are against any consolidation.

About 74 percent of Kyrgyzstanis name Russia a friendship country. 57 percent name Kazakhstan, 34 percent – Uzbekistan, 7 percent – Latvia, 8 percent – Lithuania, 9 percent – Estonia. While Kyrgyzstan is considered an ally country by 44 percent of Tajikistanis, 27 percent of Kazakhstanis and 33 percent of Uzbekistanis.

Meanwhile, 48 percent of Russia’s respondents name Belarus its ally number one, 33 percent mention Kazakhstan. Only 11 percent spoke up for Kyrgyzstan. The pollsters note insignificance of integration moods in Russia, which proves that Russia has no ‘imperial ambitions’ as it is often thought.

There is another interesting tendency reveled. It turned out that Central Asian states are more positive about internal alliances, than about consolidation with the European part of the former USSR states, save for Russia. Central Asian nations have a feeling of mutual interest, also typical for Latvia, Lithuania and Georgia, which proves that public opinion is highly influenced by political course of the government, and not vice versa as it may seem.

According to Ferghana.ru, Cholpon Orozbekova, editor-in-chief of the oppositional De-facto newspaper, which is involved in libel litigation, has been threatened physically by unknown persons over the phone. Orozbekova’s lawyer is to ask for the editor’s protection by the State National Security Committee.

Neither Cholpon Orozbekova nor the lawyer Nina Zotova was immediately available for comment.

De-facto’s editor-in-chief was charged with deliberately publishing false accusations against a city official. Criminal defamation laws are the basis for prosecuting the newspaper for publishing an article on June 12 by Zamira Moldolieva in which the author accuses Taalaybek Dalbaev, the chief tax inspector for the Bishkek District, of corruption.

A preliminary investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office reportedly revealed that the article’s author does not exist. For this reason, Cholpon Orozbekova, chief editor of De-facto, is a key witness in court and might be subject to one year of imprisonment, or a heavy fine, as called for by the country’s defamation law.

After the first hearing on July 28 in the Bishkek district court, a judge has decided to seek additional evidence from the state.

The newspaper was established a year ago under the patronage of a famous oppositional politician Kubatbek Baibolov. This year, however, Baibolov publicly announced he is leaving Kyrgyz political arena for good.

Although the newspaper representatives said the De-facto is temporarily closed, most of its staff reportedly was advised to look for other jobs.

Critics say the criminal case against one of the most popular Kyrgyz-language opposition newspapers looks to be treading on freedom of the press and independent journalism.

American basketball players Samuel Perkins and Rebecca Bonner will visit Kyrgyzstan on August 21-24, 2008 to participate in a series of sport events, the US Embassy reported.

Their visit is possible with support of the State Department’s International Sport Programming Initiative and U.S. Embassy Bishkek.

During the visit the American Sport Envoys will meet and play basketball with young Kyrgyzstanis in Bishkek, Kant, and Kochkor.
While providing an opportunity for the youth to engage in a dialogue with American players, these events allow young people to discover how success in sports can be a bridge to the development of life skills emphasizing the values of teamwork, respect, and leadership.

According to the official report, on August 14 in colony #16 of the Central Department of Punishment Execution of the Justice Ministry, the condemned Adyshev Kadyrbek, who was sentenced to life imprisonment under Article 97 of the Criminal Code (“Murder”), stabbed to death head of detachment D. Adenov. On the way to hospital Adenov died.

According to the governmental press service, then the condemned K. Adyshev together with a group of inmates took by force the head of the colony, S. Djumataev to medical unit. There K. Adyshev stabbed the major. S. Djumataev also died on the way to hospital.

Deputy Minister of Justice, head of the Central Department of Punishment Execution, special detachment and workers of the central apparatus arrived at the scene, reported news agency “Kabar”.

39 inmates were convoyed to the investigation cell No.1 of Bishkek early on August 15 to prevent further escalation of the riot in the colony. Two of them K. Adyshev and E. Nurmambetov died on the way.

A delegation of Kyrgyz parliament members are leaving for Tskhinvali, South Ossetia, to offer peacekeeping negotiation services in settling the conflict in Georgia, reports news agency 24.kg.

The delegation, consisting of three members of parliament and a conflict expert, will depart for the Russian city of Vladikavkaz tonight. From there they will head to Tskhinvali. The Kyrgyz intend to meet with the leadership of the breakaway republic. After that the delegation will visit Georgia and hold talks with the President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Kyrgyzstan plans to offer active assistance in settling the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

Kyrgyzstan has peacekeeping experience in the past. Meder Sherimkulov, for instance, a former speaker of parliament, headed a peacekeeping mission in Nagorny-Karabakh. Former Vice President Felix Kulov took part in settling a conflict in Tajikistan.

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by Chris Ferstad

Official ceremony of handing over of military-technical aid worth 4million yuan (over 7 million) soms to Kyrgyz border control office took place in Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Border Service Headquarters. The official awarding ceremony attended by the Zhang Yannian, the Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan.

According to the news agency “Kabar”, the aid includes 30 sets of computer and office equipment, means of communications, diesel generators and three automobiles. The equipment will be sent to border units, including the high mountainous.

Some computer servers will be supplied to Bishkek and Osh airports to advance passport control procedures.

“We composed a list of needed equipment taking into account the fact that this winter will see electricity shortfalls,” Zamir Moldoshev, chairman of the Kyrgyz Border Services said.

Kyrgyz Greco Roman wrestler Kanat Begaliev won silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, reports news agency “Kabar”. The gold medal went to the French wrestler.
The president Kurmanbek Bakiev has been informed about the second silver medal won by Kyrgyz athletes at the Olympics 2008.
The head of the state promised to pay remunerations to the Olympic Winners: $150 thousand for the first place, $100 thousand – for the second place and $75 thousand – for the third place. Apart from immediate compensations, the winners will be awarded monthly payments.
Now we have two medals, both for the wrestling. Alga, Kyrgyzstan!!!

It’s time to announce about the first totals of our team at the Olympic games in Beijing.

Boxing
The Kyrgyz boxer Asylbek Talasbaev won the round of 32 against Lopes Everton from Brasilia and will box the Colombian boxer Perez Darleys on Friday, 15th August.

Fencing
The rival of our Kyrgyz epee fencer Sergey Kachurin became the French sportsman Jeannet Fabrice. Our epee fencer lost only one point: 15-14.

Swimming
The Kyrgyz swimmer Vasiliy Danilov became third in men’s 400m individual medley heat, but didn’t pass to the final. His result was worse (4:29.20) in comparison to the qualifying time (4:27.32).

Shooting
Our shot Ruslan Ismailov became 39th in men’s 10m Air Rifle Qualification and got 587 points. He will also take part in men’s 50m Rifle Prone Qualification on Friday, 15th August and men’s 50m Rifle 3 Pos. Qualification on Sunday, 17th August.

Alga, Kyrgyzstan!

55 couples are going to marry today, on 8th August in Bishkek. See some photos below. All images are clickable.