Kyrgyz politician Tashiev rules out presidential bid

Former head of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (GKNB), Kamchybek Tashiev, has announced that he will not take part in the country's upcoming presidential election.

Tashiev said he would fully support incumbent President Sadyr Japarov in the election, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

"The stability of the country, national interests and the unity of the people are above all else. As a statesman and patriot, I support my friend Sadyr Nurgozhoevich," the statement noted.

The former security chief also urged citizens not to trust false information, rumours, and publications circulated in his name.

According to Tashiev, such reports are intended to sow discord in society and undermine national unity.

On February 10, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree dismissing Tashiev from his posts as deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and head of the GKNB.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov