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OSI Forum: Kyrgyzstan—Contradictory Changes?

Location: OSI-New York
Event Date(s): May 6, 2009
Speakers: Kumar Bekbolotov, Ulan Ryskeldiev, Michael Hall
Multimedia:   AUDIO

After a brief period of relative calm, Kyrgyzstan's social and political landscape appears to be heating up in a series of high profile developments that many observers relate to the upcoming presidential elections.

Kyrgyzstan's much-hyped decision to close the U.S. airbase at Manas, and align closer with Russia, is just one in a sequence of parallel and often contradictory tendencies in the country. While the government voices renewed pledges for open-minded reform, proposals to curb NGO influence and recent attacks on journalists and politicians seem to illustrate a different trajectory. Are these developments solely related to the electoral contest, or do they herald the entrenchment of authoritarian trends found throughout the region?

The Open Society Institute hosted a discussion on the situation in the country, addressing the role of the foundation, opportunities for greater OSI network support and collaboration, and the wider donor community.

Speakers

• Kumar Bekbolotov, Executive Director of the Soros Foundation–Kyrgyzstan
• Ulan Ryskeldiev, Board Chair of the Soros Foundation–Kyrgyzstan

Michael Hall, Regional Director for the Caucasus and Central Asia,  introduced and moderated the event.