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Crisis in the Kyrgyz Republic
Compiled by the National Defense University Library
Updated 25 February 2013
 Since gaining its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kyrgyzstan has been viewed as the only democratic country in Central Asia. However, its short history as an independent country has been marked by constant political instability and increasing economic and ethnic strife. The last few years have been particularly violent, beginning with the Tulip Revolution in March 2005. The revolution forced the resignation of President Askar Akayev, who has been in power since independence, in favor of opposition leader Kurmanbek Bakiev. Bakiev’s presidency was marked by civil unrest and corruption. Following nationwide rioting and protest on 8 April 2010 Bakiev resigned and was replaced by Roza Otunbayeva and an interim government. The latest wave of violence in the Kyrgyz Republic broke out on 10 June in the city of Osh and swept the southern portion of the country. The discrimination is primarily against ethnic Uzbeks, a minority making up one fifth of the population of 5.5 million. Hundreds of people have been killed in street fighting, arson and while fleeing their homes. Many refugees fled to neighboring Uzbekistan, which was overwhelmed and closed the border in many places.
Following the removal of President Bakiev, the interim government instigated a complete overhaul of the Kyrgyz government. A new constitution was ratified on 27 June with a 70% voter turn out and 90% vote in favor of the constitution. The new constitution directs power away from the presidency towards a larger and more diverse parliament. Parliamentary elections were held on 10 October in an atmosphere of calm, and general recognition on the part of observers that the elections were free and fair. However, the results have led to fragmentation between the political parties and a strong showing from those who wish to revoke the constitution approved in June. While most of the violence has come to an end, the situation remains tense.
Throughout the current crisis the United States has extended diplomatic and humanitarian aid, offering assistance through funding to organizations like the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Department of Defense is also using the Manas Transit Center to deliver food and other supplies to aid organizations. Opened in 2001, the center is used as an organization point for troops moving into Afghanistan, as well as a hub for dispersing humanitarian aid to the region. Currently, the United States is carefully considering our role in the response to the crisis because of the Manas Transit Center. It was nearly closed to American use following a leasing dispute early in 2009. On 22 July, the OSCE committed to sending a fifty member Police Advisory Group to Kyrgyzstan to assist in stabilizing the country. Kyrgyzstan's regional and international relevance cannot be understated. The prospect of a new failed state in Central Asia could have vast implications for regional security, affecting Russia, the European Union, and the future of U.S. military operations in the region.
Official U.S. Government Statements and Releases
U.S. Congressional and Commission Hearings and Resolutions
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
Congressional Research Service Reports
Ethnic Tensions
Implications for U.S. Strategic Interests
Political Environment
Regional and Global Approaches
Research and Analysis on 2010 Crisis
Tulip Revolution and Beyond
Background on the Kyrgyz Republic
Additional Gateways
Official U.S. Government Statements and Releases
- [22 Dec 11] Statement on the Decision by the Kyrgyz Supreme Court to Uphold the Convictions of Azimjon Askarov and Others
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [31 Oct 11] Presidential Elections in the Kyrgyz Republic
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State
- [30 June 11] State Department Press Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of the Constitutional Referendum
- [3 May 11] State Department Press Statement: U.S. Statement on the Release of the Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry into the Events of June 2010
- [7 March 11] Remarks at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs
- [2 Dec 10] Remarks with President Otunbayeva after their Meeting
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State
- [11 Oct 10] Statement by President Obama on the Parliamentary Elections in Kyrgyzstan
- [10 Oct 10] Kyrgyzstan Parliamentary Elections
Interview by Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, with BBC World Service
- [24 Sep 10] Fact Sheet: U.S. Assistance to Kyrgyzstan
- [24 Sep 10] Read-out of President Obama's Meeting with Kyrgyzstani President Roza Otunbayeva
- [22 Sep 10] Developments in Central Asia
Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs
- [9 Sep 10] Prompt Action Still Required in Kyrgyzstan
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [30 July 10] U.S. Policy Towards Central Asia
Remarks by Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- [28 July 10] Kyrgystan Press Conference
Daniel Rosenblum, Coordinator, U.S. Assistance for Europe and Eurasia
- [27 July 10] Instability in Kyrgyzstan: The International Response
Statement by Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, before the Helsinki Commission
- [27 July 10] State Department Press Release: U.S. Announces $48.6 Million Pledge at Donors’ Conference for the Kyrgyz Republic
- [27 July 10] Opening Statement at High-Level Donors Meeting
Daniel Rosenblum, Coordinator of U.S. Assistant to Europe and Eurasia, U.S. Department of State, and Tatiana Gfoeller, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic
- [19 July 10] Press Conference
Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, and Tatiana Gfoeller, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic
- [18 July 10] Media Roundtable
James B. Steinberg, Deputy Secretary of State, Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, and Tatiana Gfoeller, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic
- [9 July 10] State Department Fact Sheet: U.S. Assistance in Response to the Current Crisis in the Kyrgyz Republic
- [7 July 10] Interview with VOA Uzbek TV
Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs
- [28 June 10] State Department Press Statement: On the June 27th Referendum in Kyrgyzstan
- [24 June 10] Joint Statement of the Presidents of the United States and the Russian Federation in Connection with the Situation in the Kyrgyz Republic
- [24 June 10] Remarks by President Obama and President Medvedev of Russia at Joint Press Conference
Please see the bottom portion of the transcript for the discussion of the situation in Kyrgyzstan. Features President Medvedev’s pledge that Russia “does not plan any deployment of a peaceful contingent” to Kyrgyzstan
- [23 June 10] State Department Fact Sheet: U.S. Assistance in Response to the Current Humanitarian Crisis in the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan
- [19 June 10] Press Conference with Assistant Secretary Blake and Ambassador Gfoeller
Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, and Tatiana C. Gfoeller, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic
- [18 June 10] Press Availability in the Andijan Airport, Uzbekistan
Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs
- [18 June 10] Human Rights Council Adopts Resolution on the Situation in Kyrgyzstan
Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council
- [18 June 10] Introduction of Draft Resolution HRC/14/L.2, “Technical Assistance and Cooperation on Human Rights for the Kyrgyz Republic”
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America to the United Nations Human Rights Council
- [17 June 10] Press Release: USAID Provides Assistance to the People of the Kyrgyz Republic
U.S. Agency for International Development
- [16 June 10] State Department Fact Sheet: U.S. Assistance in Response to the Current Humanitarian Crisis in the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan
- [12 June 10] State Department Press Statement: Situation in the Kyrgyz Republic
- [4 June 10] BBC Radio Interview
Tatiana Gfoeller, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic
- [25 May 10] Press Conference with George A. Krol, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs
- [6 May 10] Interview with Radio Azattyk
Michael McFaul, Special Assistant to the President
- [16 April 10] State Department Press Statement: Recent Developments in the Kyrgyz Republic
- [14 April 10] Press Conference with Chairperson of the Interim Government Roza Otunbaeva
Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs
- [12 April 10] The Current Situation in the Kyrgyz Republic
Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs
- [10 April 10] State Department Press Release: Phone Call with Head of the Provisional Government of People’s Trust (Kyrgyz Republic) Ms. Roza Otunbayeva
- [8 April 10] Current Situation in Kyrgyzstan and Parliamentary Elections in Sri Lanka
Robert O. Blake, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs
- [8 April 10] Statement on Unrest in Kyrgyzstan
Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary
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U.S. Congressional and Commission Hearings and Resolutions
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Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [23 Dec 10] Statement on Kyrgyz Republic Formation of a New Government
Carol Fuller, Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [4 Nov 10] Statement on Deployment of a Police Advisory Group to Kyrgyzstan
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [2 Sep 10] Statement on Kyrgyzstan
Carol Fuller, Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [16 Aug 10] Kyrgyz Officials Poised to Reject OSCE Forces
Erica Marat. Jamestown Foundation
- [4 Aug 10] OSCE Police Advisory Group in Kyrgyzstan: Frequently Asked Questions
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
- [27 July 10] The Kyrgyz Republic: Constitutional Referendum – 27 June 2010
OSCE/ODIHR Limited Referendum Observation Mission Report
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
- [22 July 10] Decision No. 947: OSCE Police Advisory Group to Kyrgyzstan
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
- [22 July 10] Statement at the Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
Lydia Imanalieva, Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the OSCE
- [22 July 10] Statement on Police Advisory Group for Kyrgyzstan
Ian Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [8 July 10] Statement on Events in Kyrgyzstan
Carol Fuller, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [8 July 10] Statement at the Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
Lydia Imanalieva, Permanent Representative of the Kyrygz Republic to the OSCE
- [6 July 10] Intervention
Knut Vollebaek, OSCE High Commisioner on National Minorities
- [1 July 10] Statement on OSCE’s Role in Kyrgyzstan
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [28 June 10] Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions: Kyrgyz Republic – Constitutional Referendum, 27 June 2010
OSCE/ODIHR Limited Referendum Observation Mission
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
- [24 June 10] Remarks on OSCE Support for Kyrgyzstan
Carol Fuller, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [21 June 10] Statement re Kyrgyzstan
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [17 June 10] Statement on OSCE Role in Kyrgyzstan
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [17 June 10] Response to the Report by the High Commissioner on National Minorities, Amb. Knut Vollebaek
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [14 June10] Statement on the Situation in Kyrgyzstan
Knut Vollebaek, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
- [14 June 10] Early Warning to the (Special) Permanent Council
Knut Vollebaek, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
- [27 May 10] Response to Head of OSCE Center in Bishkek, Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [25 May 10] OSCE Centre in Bishkek's Human Dimension Activities: May 2009-May 2010
Report
- [14 May 10] The OSCE and the 2010 Crisis in Kyrgyzstan
Richard Weitz. Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Institute for New Democracies
- [29 April 10] Statement on the Use of the OSCE Contingency Fund to aid Kyrgyzstan
Carol Fuller, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [22 April 10] Statement on the OSCE’s Role in Conflict Prevention in Kyrgyzstan
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [15 April 10] Statement on the Situation in Kyrgyzstan
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- [8 April 10] Statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Russia and on the Situation in Kyrgyzstan
Ian C. Kelly, U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
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Congressional Research Service Reports
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Ethnic Tensions
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Implications for U.S. Strategic Interests
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Political Environment
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Regional and Global Approaches
- [16 Sep 10] Russia Plans to Open Military Training Facility in Kyrgyzstan
Erica Marat. Jamestown Foundation
- [13 July 10] Kazakhstan’s Practical Approach to Alleviating Humanitarian Crisis in Kyrgyzstan
Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- [9 July 10] Russia Remains Ambiguous on Kyrgyzstan
Erica Marat. Jamestown Foundation
- [9 July 10] Warm Welcome to the First Female Leader in Central Asia
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- [8 July 10] Quagmire in Kyrgyzstan: Can the OSCE Stabilize the Situation?
Rafis Abazov. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
- [5 July 10] Meeting with the New President of Kyrgyzstan Roza Otunbayeva
Remarks by Dmitry Medvedev, President of Russia
- [29 June 10] Astana and Tashkent Pursue Reconciliation Following the Kyrgyz Crisis
Farkhad Sharip. Jamestown Foundation
In light of the violence in Kyrgyzstan, political leaders in Central Asia are reconsidering their regional relationships and rivalries. The Chinese President, Hu Jintao, has shown little interest in becoming involved in the Kyrgyz conflict, as he considers it to be a matter of internal affairs. The Russian government has also been reluctant to act, even through the Collective Security Treaty Organization, despite repeated requests for help from Interim President Otunbayeva. The leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have begun to consider ways in which they can cooperate, as the crisis is leading to unrest in their own countries
- [29 June 10] Crisis in Eurasia: Russia’s Sphere of Privileged Inaction
Roger McDermott. Jamestown Foundation
- [28 June 10] Russia, CSTO, SCO Struggle to Settle Kyrgyz Unrest
Sergei Blagov. Jamestown Foundation
- [25 June 10] Kyrgyzstan’s Neighbors Should Lead International Response
Martha Brill Olcott. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- [25 June 10] Turkish Government Criticized for its Policy on Kyrgyzstan
Saban Kardas. Jamestown Foundation
Turkey, although usually reluctant to act in Central Asian disputes, has been active in providing assistance during the crisis. The government has pledged humanitarian aid and has also reached out to the Kazakh government to establish a coordinated assistance plan. The plan will not go into effect until after the June 27th referendum, as the leaders involved are insistent on the creation of a workable and self-sufficient political system for the Kyrgyz Republic
- [24 June 10] Joint Statement of the Presidents of the United States and the Russian Federation in Connection with the Situation in the Kyrgyz Republic
- [24 June 10] Remarks by President Obama and President Medvedev of Russia at Joint Press Conference
Please see the bottom portion of the transcript for the discussion of the situation in Kyrgyzstan. Features President Medvedev’s pledge that Russia “does not plan any deployment of a peaceful contingent” to Kyrgyzstan
- [23 June 10] Why Russia Didn’t Act
Stephen Sestanovich. Council on Foreign Relations
- [23 June 10] Uzbekistan’s Response to Violence in Kyrgyzstan Between Caution, Concern, and Criticism
Matteo Fumagalli. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
- [17 June 10] Joint Letter to the UN Security Council Regarding the Ongoing Crisis in Kyrgyzstan
International Crisis Group and Human Rights Watch
- [17 June 10] Moscow Caught Unprepared by the Carnage in the Ferghana Valley
Pavel Felgenhauer. Jamestown Foundation
- [15 June 10] Will Russia Be Cast as “Peacekeeper” in Kyrgyzstan?
Vladimir Socor. Jamestown Foundation
- [15 June 10] Kyrgyzstan: A Test for Mutual Security
James F. Collins and Matthew Rojansky. International Herald Tribune
NOTE: Full-text made available by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The authors argue that the crisis presents the perfect opportunity for NATO, the CSTO, and the OSCE to work collectively to provide aid to Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is the only country in the world where both NATO and Russia maintain a military presence. All organizations involved have an interest in reestablishing peace in Kyrgyzstan
- [11 June 10] Kyrgyzstan, United States of America: Draft Resolution – Technical Assistance and Cooperation on Human Rights in Kyrgyzstan
Human Rights Council, United Nations
- [9 June 10] Why is the CSTO Absent in the Kyrgyz Crisis?
Richard Weitz. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
- [9 June 10] Incident in Kyrgyzstan Actualizes Border Problems in Fergana
Joldosh Osmonov. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
- [26 May 10] A Tale of Two Presidents: Astana Fears the Spread of the “Kyrgyz Virus”
Farkhad Sharip. Jamestown Foundation
- [14 May 10] The OSCE and the 2010 Crisis in Kyrgyzstan
Richard Weitz. Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Institute for New Democracies
- [4 May 10] Kyrgyz Instability Present Challenges for Russia, China and the SCO
Roger McDermott. Jamestown Foundation
- [3 May 10] Historical Context for Regional Response to Recent Events in Kyrgyzstan
Roger Kangas and Brianne Todd. Jamestown Foundation
- [20 April 10] Nazarbayev’s Role in the Kyrgyz Crisis
Roger McDermott. Jamestown Foundation
- [16 April 10] Implications of Kyrgyzstan Revolt on China’s Xinjiang Policy
Russell Hsiao. Jamestown Foundation
- [14 April 10] Moscow’s Fingerprints in Kyrgyzstan’s Storm
Stephen Blank. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
- [14 April 10] China: The Silent Giant and Kyrgyzstan’s Unrest
Nikas Swanström. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute
Despite concerns over the events playing out in Kyrgyzstan, especially as refugees and political dissidents move across the borders, China has shown limited interest in providing assistance following the political coup. China is primarily concerned with maintaining trade and regional stability, but has been inhibited by domestic politics
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Research and Analysis on 2010 Crisis
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Tulip Revolution and Beyond
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Background on the Kyrgyz Republic
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Additional Gateways
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