Sadyr Japarov lists merits and demerits of Askar Akayev

12:43, 30 мая 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Gulmira Makanbai kyzy

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, in an interview with Kabar state news agency, listed the merits and demerits of the former head of state Askar Akayev.

Many people in the country are of the opinion that it is because of Askar Akayev that the country has found itself in the situation it is in now, the journalist said.

«They say that if he did everything right, then this would not have happened. Should Askar Akayev feel, if not legal, then moral responsibility? For example, students of some universities opposed his lectures,» the correspondent reminded the president.

Sadyr Japarov confirmed existence of such an opinion among the people.

«It is now difficult to assess and criticize the difficulties that were then. Then the Union collapsed, and 15 countries that were part of it began to learn to live independently. The USSR connected us. Let’s take for example the production of equipment, if one part was produced by us, another was manufactured in Russia, and the third in Ukraine. The fourth country was engaged in assembly and produced ready-made equipment. After the collapse of the Union, these ties ceased to be coordinated. Plants and factories had been closed not only in our country, in many countries,» Sadyr Japarov said.

The President believes that Askar Akayev could preserve Kumtor, agriculture and livestock breeding.

«It depended on ourselves. People say that the one who does not work makes no mistakes. And the one who works has weak sides. We should also talk about his good sides. He was the first to introduce the national currency. He showed far sightedness here. Our currency still remains the strongest in the region and does not lose its value. It was a great achievement in those days,» Sadyr Japarov said.