Almazbek Atambayev: For 26 years Kyrgyzstan tempered in fire of trials

«For 26 years of independence, Kyrgyzstan has passed a difficult path of formation, experienced difficult economic and social upheavals. Over the years, we have become different — stronger. The country hasn’t weakened, but tempered in the fire of trials,» the president of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev said today.

«There are thousands of different nations in the world, but there are only 200 sovereign states. To have our independent country, our sovereign state is a great gift of God, great happiness. And we should cherish this and protect our country, our independence as the apple of our eye!» the head of state said.

He noted with regret that after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1991, little was done to achieve true sovereignty of the country. «The complicated transit period dragged on for a long 20 years and was accompanied by great hardships for the people,» Almazbek Atambayev said.