Acting President of Kyrgyzstan meets with UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Central Asia

Bishkek, Oct. 20, 2020 / Kabar /. Acting President, Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov met with the United Nations Secretary General's Special Representative for Central Asia, Antonio Guterres, head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Natalia Gherman, the government's website reported. The head of government thanked UN Special Representative Natalia Gherman for the continued support of reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic, in particular in the electoral system, education and the rule of law. He also noted that the procedure for the transfer of power in the country passed peacefully in accordance with the norms of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. “I am entrusted with a great responsibility for the temporary fulfillment of duties of the president of the republic until the new presidential elections in accordance with the Constitution of the country. At present, the situation in the country has stabilized and political processes have returned to the constitutional field. Now all the efforts of the Government are aimed at restoring the socio-economic situation of the country and combating COVID-19,” the prime minister stressed. Sadyr Zhaparov also noted that work has begun on reforms in the economic, social, judicial and law enforcement spheres and assured that this work will soon be completed. In turn, Special Envoy Natalia Gherman congratulated the head of government on assuming the post of prime minister and wished him success in the work ahead. She also noted that the United Nations and other international partners will support all the efforts of the Kyrgyz government in the implementation of socio-economic reforms in the country. The special representative assured that the UN has always provided and will continue to support the Kyrgyz Republic. “UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is closely following the situation in Kyrgyzstan and confirms his readiness for comprehensive assistance and support. At the same time, he expects that all processes will be carried out on a transparent and inclusive basis within the framework of the Constitution of the country without any discrimination and with respect for human rights,” said Natalia Gherman. She emphasized that in order to systematize socio-economic and other reforms in the country, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and interested ministries, a draft Roadmap will be developed, work on which is planned to be completed in the near future. Natalia Gherman said that the UN is currently assessing the direction and amount of assistance needed for Kyrgyzstan. Then the sides discussed the results of the last parliamentary elections. The prime minister assured that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be held transparently and at a high organizational level. The special representative praised the efforts of the Kyrgyz government in holding transparent elections and offered expert and consulting assistance in their conduct. “The Kyrgyz Republic remains committed to democratic development, protection and promotion of human rights, as well as to all of its international obligations and will continue to systematically fulfill them,” acting President Zhaparov said. At the end of the meeting, Sadyr Zhaparov expressed gratitude to the UN Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, as well as the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Central Asia, Natalia Gherman, for their trust and support in a difficult time for the country.