ACTING PRESIDENT OF KYRGYZSTAN KURMANBEK BAKIYEV: WE URGENTLY NEED A LAW ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP WITH RUSSIA

Acting president of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev participated in his first CIS summit in Moscow on May 8. Here is an interview with Bakiyev.

Question: How do you plan to deal with the threat of a mass exodus of Russian-speakers from Kyrgyzstan?

Kurmanbek Bakiyev: That's a serious problem for Kyrgyzstan and its economy. Immigration from our country began long ago, and peaked between 1993 and 1995. The situation smoothed out some after that but deteriorated again in the wake of the March 24 revolution. Economic motives are the main reason, you know. People do not feel secure, they do not see how the real sector of economy is developing or how new jobs become available. They do not perceive any future for their children studying at universities and colleges. That is why they want out of this country. I cannot say we have had any other serious problems save for these economic ones. Unfortunately, March 24 stirred Russian-speakers again. These days, the government and non-government structures are doing what they can to calm things down. Stability, law, and order are the best arguments we can use along with propaganda. Only stability and order will be effective. That's what the government is working on, nowadays.

Question: The parliament of Kyrgyzstan has brought up the matter of dual citizenship with Russia. Why?

Kurmanbek Bakiyev: In fact, I myself brought up the matter several months ago, when I was a lawmaker. I even brought it up here, in Moscow. As I see it, we cannot pass a law on dual citizenship with any country at this point. As for Russia, a law like that is really a must. Kyrgyzstan needs it. There are between 400,000 and 500,000 Kyrgyzes working abroad, nowadays. Besides, the dual citizenship law will improve things for Russian capitals and bring direct Russian investments in our economy. In other words, both countries stand to benefit.

Question: There are reports in the world media on deteriorating ecological situation around Lake Issyk-Kul. How serious is the problem?

Kurmanbek Bakiyev: There are no problems with it. Russian journalists are welcome to come to the lake and see it with their own eyes. Issyk-Kul remains one of the most beautiful resorts. Kyrgyzstan has always taken care to preserve its ecology.