Foreign Secretary congratulates new President of the Kyrgyz Republic
Foreign Secretary William Hague has congratulated Almazbek Atambayev on his inauguration as the next president of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Speaking today he said:
“I should like to congratulate Almazbek Atambayev on his inauguration as the next president of the Kyrgyz Republic. At the same time, I express gratitude to the outgoing President Roza Otunbayeva for her strength in leadership during a difficult transitional period.
“My congratulations also go to the people of the Kyrgyz Republic who, in casting their votes in October’s election, demonstrated their commitment to a democratic and peaceful future. I hope that the opening of the first British Embassy in Bishkek will be seen as a clear signal that the UK is a committed and reliable partner in helping the people of the Kyrgyz Republic to achieve this future.
“I note the OSCE’s (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Office for Democratic Institutions & Human Rights conclusions that the elections were orderly and broadly fair but with some shortcomings. I therefore welcome the steps taken by the Central Election Commission to resolve these issues directly after the elections and hope that the Kyrgyz authorities continue to improve the electoral process to ensure free and fair democratic elections in the future.”