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The Kumtor Gold Mine and the Rise Of
Central Asia Economic Papers No. 16 August 2015 The Kumtor Gold Mine and the Rise of Resource Nationalism in Kyrgyzstan Matteo Fumagalli Key points Matteo Fumagalli is an Associate Professor in the Department of The mining sector has become the battleground on which the International Relations at Central Kyrgyz authorities, the opposition, the local communities and European University in Budapest (Hungary). His work lies at the the mining companies, defend their interests. intersection of identity politics There is more than ‘just’ economics to resource nationalism and ethnic conflict and the poli- tics of natural resources in Asia. and the Kumtor controversy: Symbolic politics matters as Recent and forthcoming works include articles in East European much, and complicates matters further. Politics, Electoral Studies, the Political instability, unrest, and constant calls for renegotiating Journal of Eurasian Studies, Eu- rope-Asia Studies, Ethnopolitics, contracts with foreign mining companies have already tattered and the International Political the country’s image as an investment destination. Science Review. His monograph on State Violence and Popular Resource nationalism in the mining sector proceeds in tides Resistance in Uzbekistan is forth- coming with Routledge (2016). whose timing appears not to be aligned to the trends in global commodity prices. The opinions expressed here are those of the author only and do not represent the Central Asia Program. CENTRAL ASIA ECONOMIC PAPERS No. 16, August 2015 Kyrgyzstan’s mining sector has become the battleground on which a number of players, namely the government, the opposition, local communities, and transnational corporations, defend their interests. No other site illustrates this point more than the country’s most prized asset, namely the gold mine at Kumtor, located some 350 kilometers south-east of the capital city of Bishkek. -
IFES Faqs Elections in Kyrgyzstan: 2021 Early Presidential Election
Elections in Kyrgyzstan 2021 Early Presidential Election Frequently Asked Questions Europe and Eurasia International Foundation for Electoral Systems 2011 Crystal Drive | Floor 10 | Arlington, VA 22202 | USA | www.IFES.org January 8, 2021 Frequently Asked Questions When is Election Day? ................................................................................................................................... 1 What is the current political context, and what is at stake in these elections? ........................................... 1 What is the current form of government? ................................................................................................... 2 What is the term of the office of the president, and what is the president’s role? ..................................... 2 Who are the candidates? .............................................................................................................................. 2 Who is eligible to run as a candidate? .......................................................................................................... 3 What are the nomination and registration procedures for presidential candidates? ................................. 3 What is the campaign and electoral timeline? ............................................................................................. 4 Who is eligible to vote, and how many voters are registered to vote? ........................................................ 4 What are the campaign expenditure and donation limits? ......................................................................... -
OSW Commentary
OSW Commentary CENTRE FOR EASTERN STUDIES NUMBER 359 29.10.2020 www.osw.waw.pl Kyrgyzstan in the aftermath of revolution Mariusz Marszewski, Krzysztof Strachota On 15 October Kyrgyzstan’s president, Sooronobay Jeenbekov, resigned from his position and his duties were taken over by the opposition leader, Sadyr Japarov. The change in power was brought about by large-scale protests which broke out on 5 October, the day after the election; subsequently the protesters took over the main buildings of the central administration in Bishkek and released op- position leaders who had been imprisoned (among them Japarov). The demonstrations, which were forceful but not long-lasting, resulted in a compromise of sorts which led to changes in the highest state positions, the announcement of an early presidential election and a rerun of the parliamentary election. Despite the situation in the country (particularly in the capital) having been restored to one of relative stability, Kyrgyzstan is still struggling with grave problems: a crisis of the political system, social tensions and a dismal economic situation that is further exacerbated by the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current state of affairs presents a serious challenge both for Russia and China, whose respective interests have an important impact on the politics of Kyrgyzstan and the entire region of Central Asia. The October Revolution accusations of being implicated in organised crime. Traditionally, the main political forces try to play The Revolution of 5 October is the third such event off the international actors present in Kyrgyzstan in Kyrgyzstan’s recent history (the previous ones (Russia and China which replaced the US at least took place in 2005 and 2010). -
On Conservation and Development: the Role of Traditional Mud Brick Firms in Southern Yemen*
On Conservation and Development: The Role of Traditional Mud Brick Firms in Southern Yemen* Deepa Mehta Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation** Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY 10027, USA [email protected] ABSTRACT A study of small and medium enterprises that make up the highly specialized mud brick construction industry in southern Yemen reveals how the practice has been sustained through closely-linked regional production chains and strong firm inter-relationships. Yemen, as it struggles to grow as a nation, has the potential to gain from examining the contribution that these institutions make to an ancient building practice that still continues to provide jobs and train new skilled workers. The impact of these firms can be bolstered through formal recognition and capacity development. UNESCO, ICOMOS, and other conservation agencies active in the region provide a model that emphasizes architectural conservation as well as the concurrent development of the existing socioeconomic linkages. The primary challenge is that mud brick construction is considered obsolete, but evidence shows that the underlying institutions are resilient and sustainable, and can potentially provide positive regional policy implications. Key Words: conservation, planning, development, informal sector, capacity building, Yemen, mud brick construction. * Paper prepared for GLOBELICS 2009: Inclusive Growth, Innovation and Technological Change: education, social capital and sustainable development, October 6th – -
Security Council Distr.: General 27 January 2020
United Nations S/2020/70 Security Council Distr.: General 27 January 2020 Original: English Letter dated 27 January 2020 from the Panel of Experts on Yemen addressed to the President of the Security Council The members of the Panel of Experts on Yemen have the honour to transmit herewith the final report of the Panel, prepared in accordance with paragraph 6 of resolution 2456 (2019). The report was provided to the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) on 27 December 2019 and was considered by the Committee on 10 January 2020. We would appreciate it if the present letter and the report were brought to the attention of the members of the Security Council and issued as a document of the Council. (Signed) Dakshinie Ruwanthika Gunaratne Coordinator Panel of Experts on Yemen (Signed) Ahmed Himmiche Expert (Signed) Henry Thompson Expert (Signed) Marie-Louise Tougas Expert (Signed) Wolf-Christian Paes Expert 19-22391 (E) 070220 *1922391* S/2020/70 Final report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen Summary After more than five years of conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues. The country’s many conflicts are interconnected and can no longer be separated by clear divisions between external and internal actors and events. Throughout 2019, the Houthis and the Government of Yemen made little headway towards either a political settlement or a conclusive military victory. In a continuation from 2018, the belligerents continued to practice economic warfare: using economic obstruction and financial tools as weapons to starve opponents of funds or materials. Profiteering from the conflict is endemic. -
Download the Preelection Assessment PDF
Kyrgyzstan Preelection assessment Parliamentary elections set for fall 2021 Kyrgyzstan’s upcoming elections are the first national contest since a protracted political crisis, as well as constitutional amendments that effectively changed the country from a parliamentary to presidential system. Two days after the October 2020 parliamentary elections, the Central Election Commission unilaterally annulled the election amid allegations of vote buying, intimidation, and misuse of administrative resources. Opposition parties had failed to pass the threshold necessary to gain seats in the October election; the parties that performed well were linked to then-president Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Raimbek Matraimov, a former government official and subject of recent, largescale money-laundering case. Mass protests opposing the results continued after the annulment, prompting the resignation of Jeenbekov and the dissolution of the government. The parliament subsequently postponed new elections, instead extending its own mandate in a process that lacked a clear legal basis. Sadyr Japarov, a formerly imprisoned nationalist-populist politician with links to organized crime, briefly assumed the position of prime minister and acting president before being winning the January 2021 presidential election. Japrov’s controversial ascent to the newly empowered presidency may signal a return to strongman rule and a diminished role for the parliament. The upcoming vote takes place in a climate of heightened volatility and restrictions on civic space. Over 600 people were injured in post-election clashes between the police, Japarov supporters, and the opposition, leading to the brief imposition of martial law in Bishkek. Journalists who covered the elections and ensuing protests were also intimidated, detained, and attacked for their work. -
Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests
Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests Jim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs August 30, 2013 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov 97-690 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests Summary Kyrgyzstan is a small and poor Central Asian country that gained independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union. The United States has been interested in helping Kyrgyzstan to enhance its sovereignty and territorial integrity, bolster economic reform and development, strengthen human rights, prevent weapons proliferation, and more effectively combat transnational terrorism and trafficking in persons and narcotics. Special attention long has been placed on bolstering civil society and democratization in what has appeared to be the most receptive—but still challenging—political and social environment in Central Asia. The significance of Kyrgyzstan to the United States increased after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Kyrgyzstan offered to host U.S. forces at an airbase at the Manas international airport outside of the capital, Bishkek, and it opened in December 2001. The U.S. military repaired and later upgraded the air field for aerial refueling, airlift and airdrop, medical evacuation, and support for U.S. and coalition personnel and cargo transiting in and out of Afghanistan. The Kyrgyz government threatened to close down the airbase in early 2009, but renewed the lease on the airbase (renamed the Manas Transit Center) in June 2009 after the United States agreed to higher lease and other payments. President Almazbek Atambayev and the legislature have stated that the basing agreement will not be renewed when it expires in 2014. -
After the Revolution
KYRGYZSTAN: AFTER THE REVOLUTION 4 May 2005 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................... i I. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1 II. THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS..................................................................... 2 A. THE OPPOSITION ...................................................................................................................2 B. THE CAMPAIGN.....................................................................................................................3 C. VOTING.................................................................................................................................5 III. THE POPULAR UPRISING ......................................................................................... 6 A. THE SOUTH...........................................................................................................................6 B. BISHKEK ...............................................................................................................................7 IV. AFTER THE REVOLUTION..................................................................................... 10 A. THE NEW GOVERNMENT.....................................................................................................10 B. NEW PARLIAMENT ..............................................................................................................11 -
The Events in Kyrgyzstan
بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم Answer to Question The Events in Kyrgyzstan (Translated) Question: [“Earlier on Friday, the Kyrgyz Parliament approved the resignation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, and cancelled the state of emergency, which was declared a week ago in the capital, Bishkek...” (www.yenisafak.com/ar/,16/10/2020)]. The Kyrgyz capital has witnessed violent protests; protesters took control of government headquarters, demanding the dismissal of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who is loyal to Russia, and this has been achieved for them... So, what is the reality behind the events in Kyrgyzstan? Is the Russian influence on its way out of this Islamic country? Is there any role for America in this conflict? Jazak Allah Khair. Answer: To get a clear answer and to understand the reality of events in Kyrgyzstan, the following must be clarified: First: the general situation in Kyrgyzstan: 1- Kyrgyzia or Kyrgyzstan, is one of the Islamic countries in Central Asia, its borders are connected to China today from the East Turkestan side, in addition to other Islamic Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Kyrgyzstan has been subjected to the Russian Tsarist occupation since 1876 CE. There were many revolutions against the Russian occupation there. However, Russia managed to abort them. Kyrgyzstan became a republic within the Soviet Union, meaning that it was ruled directly from Moscow from 1876 until 1991 when the Soviet Union dismantled and Kyrgyzstan declared its independence. But the political class in it was immersed in their loyalty to Russia, so Russia, after its independence, had a great influence over Kyrgyzstan... 2- Kyrgyzstan was ruled since its independence by the leaders of the Communist Party after they changed their masks and established parties with multiple names. -
October 29, 2020
INSIGHTi Kyrgyz Parliamentary Elections Annulled Amid Protests and Unrest Updated October 29, 2020 The Kyrgyz Republic (commonly known as Kyrgyzstan) faces political upheaval in the wake of disputed October 4, 2020, parliamentary elections that heavily favored pro-government parties. As a parliamentary republic that holds contested elections, Kyrgyzstan has long been considered the most democratic country in Central Asia, with a vibrant civil society and a higher degree of press freedom than found elsewhere in the region. Promoting a more inclusive and accountable democracy is a stated goal of U.S. foreign policy in Kyrgyzstan, and Kyrgyzstan is one of 21 countries worldwide that participate in the House Democracy Partnership. Many Members of Congress and other U.S. policymakers have long voiced support for consolidating Kyrgyzstan’s gains as Central Asia’s only parliamentary democracy. Corruption is pervasive, however, and political institutions remain weak. Opposition parties alleged widespread irregularities in the October 4 vote, including vote-buying and voter intimidation; these assertions were deemed credible by international election observers. Mass protests broke out in the capital, Bishkek, on October 5, and protestors seized the government building that houses both Parliament and presidential offices. Hundreds, including multiple parliamentary candidates, were reportedly injured in clashes with police; one protestor was killed. On October 6, the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced that the October 4 results had been annulled, resulting in a power vacuum as the prime minister, the parliamentary speaker, and other officials announced their resignations. Although the term of the current parliament had not yet expired, lawmakers had difficulty establishing a quorum throughout the week of October 5, impeding attempts by some Members of Parliament to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Sooronbai Jeenbekov and making it legally impossible to appoint a new prime minister and speaker. -
Privatization in Yemen: Policy and Performance
PRIVATIZATION IN YEMEN: POLICY AND PERFORMANCE ABDULLAH ALAMEER FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATION UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA KUALA LUMPUR 2013 PRIVATIZATION IN YEMEN: POLICY AND PERFORMANCE ABDULLAH ALAMEER THESIS SUBMITTED IN FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATION UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA KUALA LUMPUR 2013 PERAKUAN KEASLIAN PENULISAN Nama: Abdullah Alameer (No. K.P/Pasport: 3569977) No. Pendaftaran/Matrik:EHA080025 Nama Ijazah: Doctor of Philosophy Tajuk Kertas Projek/Laporan Penyelidikan/Disertasi/Tesis (“Hasil Kerja ini”): Privatization in Yemen: Policy and performance Bidang Penyelidikan: Public Administration Saya dengan sesungguhnya dan sebenarnya mengaku bahawa: (1) Saya adalah satu-satunya pengarang/penulis Hasil Kerja ini; (2) Hasil Kerja ini adalah asli; (3) Apa-apa penggunaan mana-mana hasil kerja yang mengandungi hakcipta telah dilakukan secara urusan yang wajar dan bagi maksud yang dibenarkan dan apa-apa petikan, ekstrak, rujukan atau pengeluaran semula daripada atau kepada mana-mana hasil kerja yang mengandungi hakcipta telah dinyatakan dengan sejelasnya dan secukupnya dan satu pengiktirafan tajuk hasil kerja tersebut dan pengarang/penulisnya telah dilakukan di dalam Hasil Kerja ini; (4) Saya tidak mempunyai apa-apa pengetahuan sebenar atau patut semunasabahnya tahu bahawa penghasilan Hasil Kerja ini melanggar suatu hakcipta hasil kerja yang lain; (5) Saya dengan ini menyerahkan kesemua dan tiap-tiap hak yang terkandung di dalam hakcipta Hasil Kerja ini kepada -
Kyrgyz Republic
Updated January 25, 2021 Kyrgyz Republic Overview While no date has been set for new parliamentary elections, The Kyrgyz Republic (commonly known as Kyrgyzstan) is a snap presidential vote and a controversial constitutional a mountainous, landlocked country that borders China (see referendum on the country’s form of government took place Figure 1) and maintains close ties with Russia. Formerly a on January 10, 2021, raising concerns about the future of constituent republic of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan democracy and rule of law in Kyrgyzstan. Japarov was became independent in 1991. As a parliamentary republic elected president with 79% of the vote amid 40% turnout, that holds contested elections, Kyrgyzstan has long been lower turnout than in previous elections; 84% of voters considered the most democratic country in Central Asia, supported reverting to a presidential system. The specifics with a vibrant civil society and a higher degree of press of the planned constitutional reform remain unclear. freedom than found elsewhere in the region. Corruption is pervasive, however, and political institutions remain weak. Figure 1. Map of the Kyrgyz Republic In recent years, international observers have voiced concerns about democratic backsliding in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in light of the political upheaval that followed the annulment of the country’s 2020 parliamentary elections. Some Members of Congress have also expressed concerns about Kyrgyz government pressure on independent media outlets, including the U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Because Kyrgyzstan is an impoverished country that relies heavily on foreign remittances, the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is causing significant economic strain.