Attack on Journalist Syrgak Abdyldaev

March 6, 2009, Bishkek. The Embassy of the United States condemns the attack on Syrgak Abdyldaev, political reporter for the independent newspaper Reporter-Bishkek.

We urge an immediate and thorough investigation into this terrible attack.  Attacks against journalists are attacks against the very foundation of civil society.  Attempts to silence journalistic investigations and reporting through violence or intimidation can not be tolerated.

The U.S. Embassy hopes for Mr. Abdyldaev’s speedy and full recovery.

2008 Human Rights Report: Kyrgyz Republic

The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are submitted annually by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress since 1977.  The reports cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

“We and all other sovereign nations, have international obligations to respect the universal human rights and freedoms of our citizens, and it is the responsibility of others to speak out when they believe those obligations are not being fulfilled.”, says this year’s report released February 25, 2009. more 

USAID Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Partnership with Kyrgyzstan

Osh, February 24, 2009.  More than 150 representatives of local government, donors, Kyrgyz and international companies, and NGOs celebrated the 15th anniversary of USAID partnership with Kyrgyzstan in a gathering at the Osh Oblast Administration building. Present at the event Mr. Aaly Karashev, Osh Oblast Governor and Ms. Pat Shapiro, USAID Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, provided an overview of 15 years of partnership, while USAID partners and beneficiaries reiterated USAID’s role in providing assistance in the health care, education, and agricultural sectors.    Through USAID, the American people have provided over $400 million dollars worth of assistance over these past 15 years in support of reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic  Learn more about USAID programs in Kyrgyzstan in English and Kyrgyz.

USAID Representative Pat Shapiro and Governor Karashev at the opening of the event.

RFE/RL Broadcasts Cut from Kyrgyz National Television and Radio Network

The United States is concerned that the Kyrgyz National Television and Radio Network stopped broadcasting Radio Azattyk, the Kyrgyz-language service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Azattyk’s popular television news programs, “Inconvenient Questions” and “Azattyk Plus.”  These programs provide a public service as a source of information for the Kyrgyz people and make a valuable contribution to free media, open debate, and democratic development in Kyrgyzstan.

We urge the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to work with RFE/RL to again permit broadcast of these programs as soon as possible. full text of the statement

U.S. Embassy Hosts Election Events

On November 5, U.S. Embassy Bishkek hosted election events at the Ambassador's residence and four American Corners and Centers over the country.  Numerous Kyrgyz officials, politicians, NGO leaders, journalists, U.S. Government program alumni, and students attended to watch historic elections and Barack Obama's victory. You can read the new President-Elect Victory Speech and download his biography.

Ambassador Tatiana C. Gfoeller and her guests at the election map

Update on Inter-country Adoptions in Kyrgyzstan

November 14, 2008. The Department of State recommends adoptive parents and agencies exercise caution in pursuing an intercountry adoption from Kyrgyzstan (more...) 

U.S. Offers Condolence and Support for the Victims of the October 5 Earthquake in Kyrgyz Republic