Former Kyrgyz president Akayev urges public to back Japarov for another decade

Former Kyrgyz presidents Askar Akayev and Sooronbay Jeenbekov took part in the Issyk-Kul International Forum in Cholpon-Ata alongside current President Sadyr Japarov and foreign guests.

In his speech, Akayev noted that the forum, established at the initiative of renowned Kyrgyz writer Chinghiz Aitmatov in the 1980s, has become an important platform for discussing issues of peace and security. He also expressed concern about growing tensions between some Eastern countries and the U.S.

«Some irresponsible political leaders are talking about the possibility of using nuclear weapons, now supplemented by powerful artificial intelligence, which once again puts humanity on the brink of destruction. In this regard, it is crucial that our president can convey this concern and ideas aimed at promoting peace directly to the members of the UN Security Council, thanks to this historic election of Kyrgyzstan,» he said, referring to the country’s election to a non-permanent seat on the council.

The former president noted that Japarov came to power during a difficult period for the country. However, he said the president had managed to stimulate economic growth and improve living standards. Akayev also pointed to several major projects currently being implemented across the country, describing the developments as a «Kyrgyz economic miracle.»

«If the Kyrgyz people grant current President Japarov an additional mandate to implement the ‘Kyrgyz economic miracle,’ it would be an act of wisdom, as has always been the case,» Akayev said.

According to him, achieving this «miracle» will require at least another eight to 10 years.

Akayev was Kyrgyzstan’s first president, serving from 1990 to 2005. His 15-year rule ended during the Tulip Revolution, when he and his family fled the country amid accusations of corruption and abuse of power. After 16 years in exile, he returned to Bishkek, reached a plea agreement with investigators in the Kumtor gold mine case, and was later granted full amnesty by the current government.

Jeenbekov was Kyrgyzstan’s fifth president. He resigned before the end of his term during the country’s third revolution, which was triggered by disputed parliamentary election results. Notably, Jeenbekov handed power directly to Japarov, who had been released from prison by protesters just days earlier.