Russia interested in Kyrgyzstan's capable parliament.

8/10 Tass 264

MOSCOW, October 8 (Itar-Tass) - Russia is interested in electing
"capable parliament" in Kyrgyzstan in the context of strengthening its
constitutional powers, a member of the observer delegation from the CIS
Interparliamentary Assembly and the head of the State Duma security
committee, Vladimir Vasilyev, told Itar-Tass on Friday.
He described the existing situation in the Central Asian republic as
"uneasy."
"Can you imagine any other republic, where 29 parties will run in the
parliamentary race? Moreover, of them, may be, only seven parties will be
able to overcome a 5 percent threshold. It's evident that no party leads
and pulls ahead of its allies," he said.
"Of course, such an atmosphere on the electoral field cannot but raise
concern taking into account the fact that Kyrgyzstan amended the
constitution and the whole range of the president's powers was transferred
to the parliament," said Vasilyev, who also heads the permanent commission
on defence and security of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly.
"It's enough to say that now Kyrgyzstan's foreign policy as well as
other vitally important projects are made by the parliament," he said
adding that in this context "it is significant for the parliament to be a
capable structure."
"We know from our neighbours' experience that the legislative bodies
that are not formed by two-three large parties small factions often unite
protecting this or that side. This prevents them from taking serious,
consecutive decisions and ensuring their fulfilment."
Vasilyev expressed the hope that the elections "will have a high
turnout and the Kyrgyz people will make their choice."
"Our task is to help as observers to control that the effective laws
and international agreements are complied with," Vasilyev said.
In reply to the question on security situation in the Central Asian
republic, he said "our consultations prove that the situation in
Kyrgyzstan makes it possible to hold the elections."
The parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan will be held on October 10.
-0-isk/usn