Bill
Taylor, coordinator of U.S. assistance to the newly independent states at the
State Department, visited Kyrgyzstan this month. The purpose of the visit was
to discuss U.S. involvement in Kyrgyzstan’s 
economic development in the framework of a bilateral memorandum on
mutual understanding, cooperation and support of economic reforms in the
Kyrgyz Republic.  During the day
of the visit, Mr. Taylor met with government officials, alumni of
US-government-sponsored programs and representatives of civil society and the
independent mass media.

Mr.
Taylor had a meeting with Vice-Premier Nikolay Tanaev where the conclusions of
the February visit of Kyrgyz economic delegation to the U.S. were discussed.
As he stated in an interview to the local ‘Pyramid’ TV station, He plans
to lobby the U.S. Congress to double the sum of support, which would make it
US$ 60 million. The U.S. would assist in the development of the private sector
including small business development, provide experts assistance, assist with
securing borders and water as well as health reforms. 
Taylor also met with the governor of Osh region and discussed
investments into agriculture in the region.

The
US provides humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan, giving 400,000 out of 500,000 tons
received by the republic in the last decade. The aid is mostly distributed
directly to vulnerable groups through USAID agencies, and not through the
government. At the meeting with alumni of US government exchange programs
which took place at the American University in Kyrgyzstan, the atmosphere was
relaxed and friendly. Alumni talked about their experiences and what they
learned during a year in the United States. Alumni of the Freedom Support Act
Future Leaders Exchange shared their views on contributing to the future of
Kyrgyzstan and told Mr. Taylor about a variety of community projects they are
involved in. The funding for this programs was increased and 50 students will
be able to spend a year at an American high school compared to approximately
30 per year in the past years. Bill Taylor said that it was “inspiring” to
meet with alumni.

As
Bill Taylor acknowledged at a meeting with the U.S. Congress’ International
Relations Committee, Kyrgyzstan along with Moldova and Georgia is making a
“genuine” commitment to reform, especially in comparison with Belarus and
Turkmenistan. However, the meeting with independent media showed that
democratic reform at least with the freedom of mass media in Kyrgyzstan is
going backwards. The media representatives blamed the government and mostly
President Akaev and his family for restricting them from reporting on topics
that do not fall under government-approved criteria, such as opposition
demonstrations, corruption, social instability, etc. Government-monopolized
publishing houses, requirements of registration of publishing devices and
licensing for publishing activities were among the issues raised. The in the
meeting mostly represented newspapers that were shut down by the government
and human rights activists. They claim that Kyrgyzstan is following the trends
of all Post-Soviet governments where the governments are increasing executive
powers and sidelining the media.

Bill Taylor commented
that the US is concerned with respect to human rights and democratic freedoms
in Kyrgyzstan and that the memorandum includes responsibilities of Kyrgyz
government aimed at improving democratic institutions, human rights and the
freedom of mass media. He also acknowledged, however, that it is a difficult
time for the Kyrgyz Government.

Anna
Kirey