Almazbek Atambayev: People opened way to freedom and justice on April 7

The address of the President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev on the occasion of the April People’s Revolution was published on the website of the head of state.

«Exactly seven years ago, on April 7, 2010, the fate of our Motherland, our Kyrgyzstan, was decided. On this day, the long-standing confrontation between the people and the family-clan regimes which brought the country to the catastrophe finished. On that day our proud people opened the way to freedom, justice and restored faith in a better future," address says.

However, the price of the victory of the people was incredibly high. On that day, 86 of our compatriots died. Dozens of jigits died from their wounds in the past seven years. We bow down in memory of the dead!

Almazbek Atambayev

«There are also those among us who were on Ala-Too square under the hail of bullets on April 7, they looked death into the eyes, they were seriously injured, but the Most High saved them from death and granted life. We bow down before them for their deed! On that fateful day, people went to Ala-Too Square not for posts or for wealth. They came not for the awards, not for personal gain," said the President.

On April 7, the people went out to fight for truth and justice. The people opposed slavery. The people came out to protest against the re-creation of the Kokand Khanate. The people showed their willingness to die standing, than to live on their knees. We are proud of our people!

Almazbek Atambayev

«Dear compatriots! April 7, 2010 is one of the most tragic, but at the same time, very important days in the history of our country. Today we can firmly say: April revolution saved the country from economic collapse and spiritual impoverishment, opened the way to the revival of Kyrgyzstan. And only now we begin to realize the great significance of the events on April 7, 2010, and the grandeur of the heroism of our people," the address says.

Almazbek Atambayev believes that these events will never be forgotten: «On the contrary, at all times, the feat of our jigits, who died for the bright future of our country, will become an example of selfless service to our country, people and inspire a new generation.»

«On April 7, seven years ago, we experienced pain and bitterness. However, their death was not in vain. Thanks to the heroism of these heroes, our Kyrgyzstan is changing for the better and developing. After April 7, long-awaited peace and stability came to our land. I am sure that the absolute majority of our citizens value this, and we need history lessons primarily to strengthen public, political, and civil accord. After April 7, we have built a solid foundation for Kyrgyz statehood, independent Kyrgyzstan has embarked on a development path," statement said.

Paying tribute to the memory of those who died for freedom and justice, we must perpetuate this day as a day of deed of the people and mark April 7 not as a day of sorrow, but as a national holiday.

Almazbek Atambayev