'Democracy to continue in Kyrgyzstan,' says envoy Asein Isaev as he dismisses claims of foreign influence

Even as things settle in Kyrgyzstan after unrest due to disputed election, the Kyrgyz envoy to India has said, "Democracy will continue in his country". Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kyrgyzstan's envoy to New Delhi Asein Isaev said, "According to constitution, new elections will be done. New government working on it." Asked about any role of foreign powers, given the country is at the cross roads of Russian influence and a neighbour of China, the envoy dismissing it said, "everything happened very quickly, nobody expected it". This is the first time envoy has spoken about political developments in his country. 

Sidhant Sibal: If you can describe what has happened in your country?

Asein Isaev: Lot of people in India interest in what happened in our country. India and Kyrgyzstan are strategic partners. For India, it's very useful and interesting, what happened in Kyrgyzstan. Big changes happened in Kyrgyzstan. It was result of unfair parliamentary elections. Specific of this election, 16 parties were participating. And when result of elections were announced, only 3 parties won the elections and other 13 parties could not be in Parliament. By opinion of people, it was unfair. Because of 3 parties could not represent interest of all people. People collected in main square and demanded to eliminate the result. It was provocation, some groups started to damage building and cafe, restaurants. Police came to put in order, clashes happened between police and people. But amount of people too much. Police didn't participated since they believed demand of people is fair. People called for new elections. It was unexpected and no one expected this result. PM, minister of home affairs resigned. 

Sidhant Sibal: Who is the next leadership, will new elections take place?

Asein Isaev: New leader came from Jail, he was a political prisoner. His name Sadyr Japarov, he is now PM and current President. He was in jail for 11 years. His prison term was artificial and was a political prisoner, the high court. People demanded he must be elected as PM. Our current Parliament collected, they did all legal process and appointed as PM. When our President resigned, according to constitution, obligation of his duties were put on current PM. He announced everything must be done by constitution and by Law. According to constitution, new elections will be done. New government working on it.

Sidhant Sibal: any foreign influence in what has happened in your country ? 

Asein Isaev: It is reasonable, we are not very much big country, we neighbour of Russia and China. Everything happened very quickly, nobody expected it. About China, we have thousands of years of relation with the country and when we took elections, China government announced they respect our sovereignty and never will be involved in internal affairs. We respect each. No evidence to show China involved in our internal affairs.

Sidhant Sibal: On ties with India, any engagement by new administration 

Asein Isaev: New PM announced he will keep agreements with our foreign partners. He will keep democracy, and India is our natural ally and we are proud last year we were able to achieve important agreement with India signed by PM Modi. Our new PM will keep all agreements. He was appointed PM just last week and we hope in future, political contact will be done.

Sidhant Sibal: You are part of SCO. Have you received SCO council of heads of government invitation?

Asein Isaev: Yes, we received formal invitation and our head of state will participate in it. SCO virtual meet will take place on Novrmber 30 under leadership of PM Modi. Our PM will participate.