Book 1.indb - The Jamestown Foundation

The Tulip Revolution: Kyrgyzstan OneYear After
there are hundreds of people from rural areas illegally seizing land in the city’s parks.
The Kyrgyz revolution, which originated in the country’s southern half,
has spurred even the most indifferent citizens toward increased political participation.
Some Kyrgyz are anxious that members of the former regime will instigate
troubles similar to the lootings and pogroms that took place after March 24. And
although these assumptions are part of a post-revolution discourse among the
locals, the general public is now expecting the state budget to increase after eliminating
corruption within the country’s major industries and businesses such as
customs, energy, tourism and the services sector. The country is also busy resolving
agricultural problems as the political revolution delayed the regular spring
planting campaign. This problem is especially acute for the southern residents.
The Russian government has agreed to help by donating grain to Kyrgyzstan.
On the international scene, the interim government has secured official support
from Russia and the United States. Roza Otunbayeva, acting foreign minis-
ter, is planning to visit Moscow
in the coming days to meet with Russian officials.
She has also conducted meetings with most of the foreign ambassadors in Bishkek.
Zamira Sydykova, editor-in chief of Res publica
newspaper and the leading candidate
to replace the current Kyrgyz Ambassador in Washington, DC, testified at the U.S.
Helsinki Commission on April 7 about the developments in Kyrgyzstan. According to
Sydykova, Kyrgyzstan will continue to rely on U.S. assistance for the country’s longterm
democratic development. An active presence by the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe and the United States will be especially important in the
new leaders’ efforts to carry out political reforms and build transparent governance.
U.S. Department of State deputy spokesman Adam Ereli confirmed that
Washington would continue to assist Kyrgyzstan in 2005, with $31 million earmarked
within the Freedom Support Act. If necessary, the government could allocate
additional financial aid. 9 There are also reports that the U.S. Congress will
appropriate $6.6 million to Kyrgyzstan for the immediate needs of the country.
Parliament announced that new presidential elections will be held on July 10.
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