President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov today, June 30, at a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, took part in the swearing-in of new members of the Government. He addressed to the Nation in connection with the pandemic and the upcoming elections.

Text of the speech of the Head of State: 

“Dear Dastan Artisbekovich!

Dear deputies!

We have just witnessed the oath of newly elected members of the government to our people.

First, I would like to appeal to the new members of the government, who have assumed high responsibility and are taking on their duties.

Dear members of the Government!

Today you swore that you will honor the interests of the people of Kyrgyzstan and the Kyrgyz state with honor.

I hope that you will be faithful to your oath and will do everything for the development of our country.

You begin your duties in a very responsible period, in a very difficult situation.

We believe that you will become the anti-crisis government that will fulfill its tasks with dignity and high responsibility and will be able to achieve a rapid improvement in the situation.

It is in such a difficult time that one learns who is who - whose words do not diverge from the deed, and who is only able to speak.

The people in a short period of time will be able to determine your potential and evaluate your work.

In this situation, the new composition of the government should identify three main tasks as priorities.

These are the tasks of mitigating the consequences of the current global epidemic, preserving the potential of the economy and development, as well as ensuring the fairness of the upcoming elections.

We all understand that the most urgent problem today is the effective fight against coronavirus.

We are now experiencing an unprecedented emergency.

In order to effectively protect the health and life of our people from a pandemic, we have to work in the conditions of a tough fight against infection.

Not only our country, but all countries of the world have faced this test.

A vaccine has not yet been found, there is no ready-made way to get rid of this disease.

Everyone is looking for his own way out of the situation and uses different methods.

We rely on unity and harmony in our people and society in order to adequately overcome a difficult situation.

The prompt introduction of a state of emergency helped protect our country from the threat of a pandemic.

All this time we kept order and sanitary and epidemiological standards, which allowed us to keep the situation under control.

The rate of infection of humans with the virus has been markedly reduced.

At the same time, we were faced with the need to maintain the viability of the economy.

Therefore, the state of emergency was canceled and only the state of emergency began to operate.

Unfortunately, since the cancellation of the state of emergency, the incidence of virus infection has increased significantly.

There was a threat that the results achieved so far could be nullified.

The number of infected people has increased dramatically, especially in Bishkek.

The main reason for this is non-compliance with medical requirements.

Unfortunately, sanitary and hygienic rules are not respected in public places, at industrial enterprises, in transport, in large shopping centers.

The traditional festivities, Toy and other events resuming mass participation of people have resumed.

Many of our citizens still do not take this disease seriously.

People believe the claims of some that “this disease is not, it is only politics” and can become victims of misconceptions.

I would like to remind once again - the danger of this disease still exists.

And Kyrgyzstan is not the only country affected by this scourge. The whole world is suffering, and many are in a desperate situation.

In the current situation, the main task of the government is to mobilize the activities of state and local authorities, protect people from the spread of this virus, and protect the health of the people.

No one will stand aside from this task, we will all support the government.

Once again, I want to repeat that an emergency regime is still operating in our country.

The commandant's offices were completed, and their authority was delegated to local authorities.

Their rights as regional civil defense leaders have entered into force.

Plenipotentiary representatives of the government in the regions, mayors of cities, regional akims and the head of ayil okmotu are responsible for controlling the situation and preventing its aggravation.

We are able to ensure order by introducing restrictions.

However, until we re-enter the quarantine mode and restrictions.

Economic activity is not limited, but sanitary restrictions still apply. Citizens and entrepreneurs are required to strictly comply with all epidemiological safety standards.

As I have already noted, we will overcome all difficulties through unity and agreement.

If we, with high civil liability, maintain order and discipline, do not violate medical standards, we can adequately get out of this test.

Our doctors have received appropriate training. In view of the current situation, in recent days additional beds have been prepared in hospitals. Let me remind you that the republican headquarters is responsible for the operational organization, regulation and coordination of work on the reception, treatment and counseling of infected citizens.

Dear citizens!

Along with the responsibility of the government and local authorities, the responsibility of our citizens at the present time is also of great importance.

 Each of us is responsible for our health, as well as for the health of our family, loved ones and the whole people.

Let us not be careless about the health of the people and harm our fellow citizens.

Some of our compatriots and officials began to hold solemn festivities and other public events. I believe that this is an unforgivable abuse of the health and safety of the nation!

This is a disregard for the results of the work of all our doctors, law enforcement officers and other relevant employees who, since March, without sleep or rest, days and nights, have been protecting the health and safety of the people!

It is a pity that we have those who, without a twinge of conscience, without elementary respect for others, hold festivals, gather people at risk for their health, while all branches of government and the general public join forces to fight the coronavirus.

 Recently, the number of infected at such mass events has been increasing.

Republican headquarters, local authorities - you have no right to turn a blind eye to such irresponsible acts!

For all those who do not comply with the relevant requirements, measures must be taken in accordance with the law.

The time has come for the republican headquarters to enact an official ban on holding such solemn mass festivals that exacerbate the epidemiological situation in the country. We cannot defeat the disease if we do not change our minds and become more responsible.

The following tasks are urgent tasks of the current government in the field of economics:

The government should, first of all, clearly define all expenses taking into account the risks associated with the crisis. The task is to form a budget reserve, preventing possible risks.

It is necessary to continue negotiations with partner countries and financial institutions to repay or extend the terms of payment of public debt.

I demand that, along with ensuring the targeted use of donor funds, all relevant information is fully and openly provided to citizens.

Our next goal is to ensure budget execution.

It is necessary to implement a fiscalization project in order to reduce administrative pressure on the business and eliminate the human factor. This process should be accelerated as much as possible.

In order to reduce the shadow turnover of goods and illegal business, electronic bills and online cash registers are being introduced. All actions in this direction must be completed in a timely manner.

At the next stage, systems for marking goods and controlling their circulation will be launched.

At the same time, the government is obliged to take new, modern steps in the regulation of business.

To make up for economic losses and to rectify the situation, it is necessary to listen to business and support entrepreneurs.

Recently, I held a video conference with business representatives, personally hosted some of them. I have complete information on the current problems of entrepreneurs.

I would like members of the government to be aware of the issues raised during the meeting with business representatives that need to be addressed urgently.

There was an appeal that “due to weak work to legalize the shadow business, the main tax burden falls on honest entrepreneurs only.”

They complained that “law enforcement bodies and courts cannot ensure full-fledged activity as an effective lawyer and fair arbitrator,” and that “in this regard, entrepreneurs and investors are forced to resort to the help of international arbitration”.

Currently, all authorities should make efforts to preserve the country's economic potential and, in order to develop it, provide support to business.

To achieve this goal, it is necessary to urgently solve the following tasks:

It is necessary to introduce specialized courts for the consideration of tax disputes in order not to bring these problems to the level of international arbitration.

At the same time, it is necessary to develop mechanisms for decriminalization and the prevention of economic crimes.

From now on, the Prosecutor General’s Office will take special control of facts related to violations of the rights of entrepreneurs. For this purpose, a separate special unit was formed.

Only the financial police and the tax service are authorized to deal with tax evasion or other mandatory payments.

Other law enforcement agencies cannot intervene in business activities.

It is necessary to accelerate the integration of the tax payment base with an automated weight control system in the process of import regulation.

It is necessary to develop a system of digital signatures, issuing electronic permits and licensing mechanisms.

In addition, it is necessary to introduce tools for remote access to financial services, and create an infrastructure for online trading.

In addition, the time has come to weaken the requirements for financing projects of entrepreneurs, given the current conditions of the crisis.

The capitalization of the Guarantee Fund will be increased.

The National Bank will increase the provision of resources to commercial banks.

The Russian-Kyrgyz Fund and state financial institutions will increase funding for projects of regional entrepreneurs.

In turn, business representatives are required to work transparently, show patriotism, social solidarity, not participate in any dubious schemes, pay taxes and make social payments on time and in full.

In addition, we will make some changes to other sectors, taking into account the consequences of the current global pandemic.

First of all, they will be connected with the field of medicine and education.

We will carry out decisive reforms aimed at improving the quality of health care and education. Here, the focus will be on digitalization.

Thus, government members are required to take new steps to support entrepreneurs, doctors and teachers in the new environment. 

Dear deputies!

Dear members of the government!

The time is approaching for the election of a new composition of the Jogorku Kenesh.

We have fulfilled our promise that the rules for holding elections will be approved one year before the date of elections, and after that no changes will be made to guarantee their predictability and stability.

We are well prepared for the upcoming elections in terms of legal support, the relevant laws have been adopted and entered into force.

We strive to ensure fair elections not only in terms of voting and vote counting, but also at all stages of elections.

You have passed a law providing for the introduction of liability mechanisms for violations of election laws and the prohibition of using administrative resources.

These laws are a big step towards improving the fairness and quality of the upcoming election campaign.

 

Dear members of the government!

I believe that ensuring fair elections and equal conditions for all parties is the most relevant of the coming period.

Equal conditions will be created for all parties.

Rumor has it that allegedly “this or that party enjoys the support of the President, and that he intends to give this party such and such a number of mandates.”

The party is only a part of the whole society.

I was elected in order to serve the interests not of any party, but of the whole people.

As a person, I can have some kind of human relationship with someone, but as President, I have no moral or material obligations to anyone.

My support is my people.

And I do not rely on any party, but on my people.

I believe the Almighty and in my people.

And that gives me inner freedom.

Based on this, in the upcoming elections I will try to create equal and fair conditions for all and am ready to work together in the interests of the state with any party that wins the upcoming elections.

Dear deputies!

Dear representatives of political parties!

Ensuring fair elections will depend not only on me and the government.

I think most of the deputies sitting in this room will take part in the elections.

I urge you and all other parties to hold fair elections. Please do not forget about responsibility for the future of our country.

Conducting campaigning on the basis of a real party program, and not on the use of dirty election technologies with the promise of golden mountains, depends on each candidate, on each party.

Of course, making various promises before the election is a natural occurrence. However, each party, each candidate must sooner or later be held accountable for their promises.

Let’s conduct the election campaign and political struggle as follows, in compliance with all requirements of the law, realizing our responsibility for the future of the country and people.

Let us not forget that the interests of the country as a whole, unity and harmony in the people and society are a single value for all political forces.

There may be those who, taking advantage of the openness of our society, to impose lies on people and push them to various provocations.

Such irresponsibility of politicians will negatively affect the security of our country and the peaceful life of the Kyrgyz people.

We must hold elections without violating the peaceful life of people and peace in the country.

I would like to remind once again that it is unacceptable to divide the people, violate the peace in society and encroach on the rights of citizens. All political parties and forces must remember this.

Dear compatriots!

 

For the development of the country, civil society must be open, the media free and the parliament strong.

The strength of the parliament and the quality of its composition depend on the list of parties.

Whether parties will come to parliament or not depends on your vote.

Elections will be held, and the task of promoting our state and developing the country will always be relevant.

We will need real representatives of the people who will selflessly work to improve people's lives, strengthen the health of citizens, and improve the quality of education for our youth.

Therefore, we believe that the people will make an informed choice, not yielding to empty promises and making an informed decision so that real professionals who care about the interests of the whole people come to parliament. 

Dear Dastan Artisbekovich!

Dear deputies!

You are currently summing up the work of the Jogorku Kenesh over 5 years.

Soon, when you meet with voters, they will express their word, will evaluate your work.

A number of criticisms are expressed in society regarding the activities of the Jogorku Kenesh.

This is a natural occurrence in an open society.

                But, at the same time, it cannot be denied that this parliament adopted most of the decisions aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption.

As evidence, I would like to mention some decisions of the Jogorku Kenesh.

This convocation of the parliament passed bills aimed at eliminating corruption in the election campaign, as well as the implementation of judicial reform.

Laws have been enacted to prevent officials from pursuing their own interests, as well as protecting those who report corruption offenses.

                The main instrument of anti-corruption policy - the digitalization of the whole country - has received active support from the parliament.

Steps have been taken to launch the long-suffering “Safe City” project and to digitalize the assignment process.

Important decisions were made that generated a resonance in society, including on major corruption schemes.

It is also known that corruption in the judiciary, law enforcement, customs and tax authorities was made public in parliament.

Another feature of the sixth convocation of the Jogorku Kenesh is the adoption of a package of laws aimed at developing integration relations with EurAsEC countries.

It should also be noted that in order to increase the export potential of our republic, the current convocation has adopted a package of laws aimed at protecting the interests of our country in the EurAsEC.

Dear deputies!

In recent years, the legislative and executive branches of government have worked in concert, and both the people and the state have benefited from this.

As head of state, I strove to ensure that all branches of power in the country work in harmony, in a uniform rhythm.

Of course, not everything went smoothly, but, nevertheless, by joint efforts we managed to achieve positive results.

Most importantly, we have maintained peace in the country, stability in society, interethnic harmony.

With the support of parliament and the government, priority areas of my presidential activity are being implemented, and national projects are being implemented.

This is the development of regions, support for the export potential of our economy, especially in the processing industry, the implementation of judicial reform, the fight against corruption, and the digitalization of the country.

And the issue of ensuring public access to clean water and irrigation programs are those areas that are under my special control.

Projects in this area are being consistently implemented and will be continued.

For the development of the regions, on the one hand, significant tax benefits were provided, and on the other, funding for regional projects was sharply increased.

We have good results in increasing the export of agricultural products to the EurAsEC countries.

I will only mention a fact - now the number of enterprises exporting to the EurAsEC has increased almost 7 times. If in 2017 there were 21, now this figure has reached 140 enterprises.

In addition, exports of goods from Kyrgyzstan to China last year increased by 25 percent.

Of course, the pandemic negatively affects overall activity, including export. Prior to this, work was progressing at a good pace.

Our export potential is high. We can compete in overseas markets with our environmentally friendly products.

We should not be limited to the markets of EurAsEC and European countries, we need to fully use the opportunities to enter the market of neighboring China.

We had high-level negotiations with the Chinese side, this is a big market for us. We are already exporting to China in 5-6 positions and we should increase this figure. The efforts of the Government in this direction should be continuous.

The state provides support to those who work in the social sphere.

Salaries of family doctors, on average, increased from 22 to 30 percent. As a presidential candidate, I said that “in our country, the profession of a teacher must be one of the highest paid.” I have not forgotten about this promise. Teacher salaries increased by 30 percent. And this is not the limit.

Together we are obliged to make the profession of a teacher into one of the most honorable professions. Because the future of the country is in the hands of our teachers.

Over 16,000 people were provided with housing under the Affordable Housing Program. The interest rate on state mortgages began at 14 percent, today it has been reduced to 6 percent.

The state cannot develop, and the rights of ordinary citizens will not be protected if a fair judicial system is not created in the country.

In no country is it possible to easily carry out judicial reform. And in our country, one of the most difficultly implemented reforms is judicial reform.

When it came to judicial reform, I asked what was necessary for its success. The judiciary answered: “Political will and money.”

I have the political will to implement judicial reform. This is the essence of my presidency, without this it is impossible to ensure the rights of ordinary citizens.

Over the past two years, the judicial system has received significant support from the republican budget. Financing for digitalization was provided on a regular basis. The buildings have been renovated.

In a word, there is political will and necessary means.

But, as our practice shows, if the judges themselves do not have honor and conscience, then neither political will nor money will help here. The success of judicial reform is directly dependent on the honesty and decency of each judge.

Like other reforms, judicial reform will continue.

Despite the opposition, we are working hard to achieve positive results.

The fight against corruption is one of the main areas of my presidential activity.

Since 2018, about 900 criminal cases related to corruption have been sent to the courts. The amount of funds returned to the state in the above cases amounted to more than 11 billion soms.

In particular, corruption schemes were identified in the tax and customs authorities, the Ministry of Transport, the Kyrgyz Temir Zholu, the State Registration Service, the State Inspectorate for Environmental Safety, the judiciary and the financial police.

A major corruption scheme on the railway has recently been uncovered.

But this scheme did not arise yesterday. Obviously, she acted for a dozen years.

Why hasn't it been revealed in so much time? Because the inspection bodies themselves, which must fight corruption, were involved in this corruption scheme.

Therefore, we need to expose not only corrupt officials, but also representatives of law enforcement agencies covering up their unseemly affairs. And a merciless struggle will also be waged with them.

You also know about previously revealed facts of corruption during the modernization of the Bishkek TPP, the reconstruction of the Historical Museum, the construction of the hippodrome and other facilities.

In the process of combating corruption, there is one direction that is not particularly advertised, but, nevertheless, is being stably implemented.

This is the return of illegally distributed lands to the balance of our capital Bishkek.

As you know, we are building parks and gardens on these returned sites in order to revive Bishkek's former glory as a “green city” so that Bishkek residents and guests of the capital can spend their leisure time there.

In 2019, the construction of a 10-hectare Yntymak park was completed, which has become a favorite vacation spot for citizens.

This year, a park named after Ch. Tuloberdiev was built on a territory of more than 10 hectares.

The City Hall is building another 5 parks on plots of more than 44 hectares.

Work to return previously illegally allocated lands to the capital’s balance sheet will continue.

In this direction, the Bishkek City Hall is doing a good job.

Of course, I, as the Head of State, fully support these efforts.

Work on the return of illegally allocated land plots, kindergartens, social facilities to state ownership will continue in all cities and regions.

A sports palace and a stadium for our youth will be built in the areas returned to Bishkek in the upper zone of the capital.

These places will become a recreation center for our citizens. 

Dear compatriots!

In the fight against corruption, we face many obstacles. But, despite this, the struggle will continue.

Of course, this is not easy for me as a person. But, as President, I will not turn from this path.

And digitalization in this fight is the main tool.

Life itself has shown that the digitalization of the country is the right policy.

Of course, we were a little late with the introduction of digital technology. Nevertheless, in a short period of time, joint work has done a lot of work on the digital transformation of the country.

The “Tundok” system has been introduced, aimed at eliminating paper bureaucracy in state bodies. 64 state bodies and 38 commercial organizations joined it.

191 public services are provided to citizens in digital format.

In two years, about 38 million information exchange transactions were completed through the “Tundok” system.

And from the beginning of the year to the present time, this figure has already amounted to 51 million transactions.

14 types of certificates were automated, as a result of which it became possible to receive out of turn, online, about five million paper certificates.

This indicates a reduction in bureaucracy, saving time and money, red tape of citizens when receiving services.

Currently, there is a process of digitalization of law enforcement agencies, prosecution authorities, and in general all government agencies that provide services to the population.

The Unified Register of Crimes and Misconducts, the Unified Register of Violations was launched.

To date, about 90 courtrooms have been equipped with audio and video recording systems.

Since February 2019, the Safe City project has been launched.

This allowed to reduce the level of road accidents in Bishkek by 42 percent and in Chui oblast - by 50 percent.

Currently, preparations are underway for the implementation of the main stage of the Safe City project.

It covers 7 regions, 2 cities of republican significance, 15 cities of regional and district significance, 73 settlements.

Particular attention was paid to the digitalization of the patrol police and in Bishkek, a new digital command center was opened. He conducts online monitoring of the situation in the city using surveillance cameras, including face recognition cameras.

The project to launch the Patrol Police in Bishkek began to benefit society. We can say that it has been successfully implemented. Now the same project will be implemented in Osh. A competition has already been announced for the selection of candidates. As you know, this project is under my personal control.

In general, a total reform was carried out in the Ministry of the Interior.

As a result, the staff of the central and regional apparatuses was reduced, due to which the staff of the local police and inspectors working with minors was increased. This will lead to a decrease in crime in the regions.

In the future, the work on digitalization of the regions will be strengthened.

By the end of this year, within the framework of the “Sanarip aimak” platform, all ayil okmotus will have to switch to a digital format of activity. I hope that this task will be successfully completed.

Dear compatriots!

I did not talk about this before, and, taking this opportunity, I would like to speak briefly.

When I assumed the post of head of state, I inherited a lot of unresolved problems in foreign policy.

I spent a lot of time and effort solving problems that in recent years have turned into a tight knot in foreign policy.

Popular wisdom says: “A close neighbor is better than a distant relative.” My first year of presidency was aimed at strengthening relations with our neighbors and strengthening their trust in us.

I tried to establish relations based on the national interests of the state, but at the same time gain the trust of partners from distant and neighboring countries.

Thank God, our new pragmatic foreign policy based on national interests has come into its own.

Our relations with our allies and strategic partners have strengthened, as well as relations with Western European and Arab countries have reached a new level.

The situation with the state border, especially in the Tajik direction, is still difficult.

Despite the fact that fraternal Kazakhstan and I are in the same economic space - in the EurAsEC, some problems still arise.

These circumstances give rise to discontent of the people.

I understand perfectly well that the people require prompt resolution of these issues.

However, these issues cannot be resolved unilaterally, without the participation of neighbors.

Of course, you understand how serious and difficult it is to solve these problems and rectify the situation.

At the same time, we must not forget that this task requires a delicate attitude without populism.

The negotiation process continues.

Unfortunately, not always problems can be solved promptly.

Intergovernmental commissions and groups are working.

During all meetings with heads of state, whatever the platform for negotiations, these issues are raised. And they are always in the center of my attention as President. Hope we solve these problems.

Dear compatriots!

With God's help and with your support, we will be able to adequately get out of this situation.

We will continue to achieve our goals. We know how we will develop, where we are going and what our ultimate goals are.

We adopted the Development Strategy of our country with the participation of all the healthy forces of our society. The Strategy, in particular, identified the necessary priority steps until 2024.

We managed to realize many of them. Above, I briefly settled on some of them. And in other areas, we will consistently continue our work.

The legal, economic and social foundations necessary for the development of our country have already been formed. Reforms will lead to the desired results.

We strive to build a prosperous society, which will be engaged in creative work, thanks to which citizens can have a decent rest, travel, and children have good health and receive a quality education.

Dear compatriots, I believe in you and want to assure you that we have every opportunity to achieve our goals.

May peace and harmony always reign on our fertile land!

May the Almighty protect our beloved Kyrgyzstan! ”