Kyrgyz president condemns European Parliament for interfering in country's internal affairs

Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov, has urged the European Parliament not to interfere in the internal affairs of the country. 

"I would like to address the members of the European Parliament who passed a resolution in support of SDPK [Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan] and the protection of human rights in Kyrgyzstan. Their actions were responded to by one of their colleagues, French Member of the European Parliament Thierry Mariani, who urged his colleagues not to spread one-sided opinions but to rely on facts," Japarov said on his Telegram channel on December 21, commenting on the European Parliament resolution on the human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan, Caliber.Az reports.

The president noted that the SDPK party distributed over 1.5 million soms (roughly $117) to voters during the local council elections. A total of 69 campaigners were hired in Bishkek, 44 of whom were not officially registered. He asked the delegates whether the authorities should turn a blind eye to this and praise those who break the law.

The President highlighted that significant events are ahead, including parliamentary elections and presidential elections. He emphasized that the government has created all the conditions for conducting fair and transparent elections, investing 2 billion some (nearly $156,000) to ensure the transparency of the electoral process.

He added that the decision rests with the citizens, who must make their choice thoughtfully, and expressed confidence that in the future voting will become accessible directly from home.

Japarov affirmed that matters related to elections and the internal affairs of the country are the sovereign right of the Kyrgyz Republic. The state makes decisions independently, based on national legislation, the interests of its citizens, and the principles of democracy. He stressed that foreign interference and attempts to impose one-sided views are unacceptable and contrary to international law.

Furthermore, President Sadyr Japarov noted that Kyrgyzstan is ready to cooperate with all countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

To recall, the European Parliament recently adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan and on the case of the leader of the Social Democrats party, Temirlan Sultanbekov, who was detained on suspicion of vote buying. The party has since been suspended from participating in the elections.

By Khagan Isayev