Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia George Krol to visit the Kyrgyz Republic

George Krol, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia and Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, is visiting the Kyrgyz Republic from June 19 - 22, 2008.  This is his first visit to Central Asia in his capacity as Deputy Assistant Secretary.  During his visit, he will meet with high-level Kyrgyz officials on a range of bilateral issues, including ongoing cooperation and assistance in regional security, promoting rule of law, strengthening the economic partnership between the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan, and promoting good governance.  He will also be the keynote speaker at a conference, to be held Friday morning at the Hyatt, “Doing Business with the U.S.A.,” which showcases opportunities for Kyrgyz companies to do business with U.S. trading partners.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Krol said that he looks forward to productive meetings.  In response to rumors and news reports that he is here to discuss expansion of the base, he said, “Those reports are patently false.  The U.S. government has no plans to expand the territory of Manas Air Base.”  He said that recent news reports included other inaccuracies, such as the false report that the Deputy Commander of Central Command is accompanying him on his visit to the Kyrgyz Republic.  No one from Central Command is accompanying the Deputy Assistant Secretary.

Alvin Atkinson and The Sound Merchants in Kyrgyzstan

The U.S.  Embassy Bishkek is pleased to introduce a group of jazz musicians from the United States as part of  "The Rhythm Road -- American Music Abroad" program funded by the  Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Lincoln Center.  Tour activities of the group in Kyrgyzstan include public concerts in Karakol Music and Drama Theater (June 18) and Bishkek Russian Drama Theater (June 20) and meeting with Kyrgyz youth in Issykul American Corner in Karakol.

The program  is designed to foster cultural exchange with audiences worldwide. For more information about the program, please visit website http://www.jalc.org/theroad.

Announcing 2009-2010 Fulbright Foreign Student Program in Central Asia

The State Department of the United States of America and the Embassy of the United States of America in the Kyrgyz Republic are pleased to announce the new Fulbright Foreign Student Program in Central Asia for two-year master’s degrees beginning in academic year.    

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to research and study in the United States for one year or longer. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program encourages applications in the humanities, hard sciences such as engineering, and social sciences.  The following 6 fields are not eligible for interested students to apply for a Fulbright award: Medicine, business administration, economics, law, public administration, and public policy. 

Interested persons should submit completed application materials to the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic by August 1, 2008. (more)

U.S. EMBASSY EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE PEOPLE OF KYRGYZSTAN ON THE PASSING OF CHINGIZ AITMATOV

The U.S. Embassy is saddened by of the passing of Chingiz Aitmatov.  The death of Chingiz Aitmatov is an enormous loss not only for the Kyrgyz people but for all humanity.  His works were translated into many languages and loved by people of all backgrounds and cultures.  Through his literature, the world learned about the rich culture and proud people of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Not only was Mr. Aitmatov the National Writer of the Kyrgyz Republic, but he was also an accomplished diplomat and statesman.   He was a true Kyrgyz patriot, serving his country with honor and distinction as a two-time ambassador and parliamentarian.  He will be sorely missed by the U.S. Embassy and the international community as a whole.

We extend our condolences to the Aitmatov family, and to all the people of Kyrgyzstan who loved and admired him.

Ambassador Yovanovitch meets with students and professors of the Kyrgyz Diplomatic Academy

	On May 14, 2008, Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch delivered a lecture to students and professors at the Kyrgyz Diplomatic Academy on U.S. foreign policy in Central Asia. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in the U.S.-Kyrgyz bilateral relationship and encouraged the students to contribute to the future development of Kyrgyzstan.
Ambassador Yovanovich with the President Dr. Djamankulov, students, and professors of the Academy.  Photo PAS Bishkek

Doing Business with the USA

The U.S. Embassy extends an invitation to Kyrgyz businesspeople to attend a "Doing Business with the USA" seminar on June 20 at the Hyatt Regency in Bishkek.  The seminar is designed to provide insights to Kyrgyz companies regarding how to conduct business with U.S. trading partners, as well as information on how to compete for contracts at Manas air base.  Participants must submit a registration form by June17, 2008.   For more information, please contact the U.S. Embassy's commercial section at 551-241 ext. 4403 or by e-mail at BishkekCommerce@state.gov. (more)

Announcing 2009-2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program-Kyrgyzstan

The Embassy of the United States of America in the Kyrgyz Republic is pleased to announce that applications are now available for 2009-2010 Hubert H. Fellowship Program.    

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished mid-level professionals to the United States for a year of graduate-level non-degree academic coursework and professional development activities. By providing future leaders and policy makers with experience in U.S. society, culture, and professional fields, the program provides a basis for lasting, productive ties between Americans and their professional counterparts overseas. 

Interested persons should submit completed application materials to the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic by August 1, 2008. (more)

Ambassador Speaks on U.S.-Kyrgyz Relations to University Students and Professors

On May 14, 2008, Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch met with a group of about 200 students and professors of the Bishkek Humanities University to deliver a lecture entitled "The United States and Kyrgyzstan: Steadfast Allies".  She was warmly welcomed by the university President Dr. Musaev and answered questions on U.S.-Kyrgyz relations, elections in the United States, the situation in Afhanistan, and other topics of interest to the students. "Over the past 17 years, we have tried to help Kyrgyzstan develop a system of governance that incorporates our ideals -- open economies, free trade, human rights, democratic good governance, and the rule of law. Not because we want Kyrgyzstan to be a mini-America, but because countries that have these systems have flourished and prospered. We think a Kyrgyzstan that is flourishing and prospering is in our interests, and it is clearly in yours." full text of the lecture (pdf)

Ambassador Yovanovitch, Dr. Musaev, and former State Secretary Ambassador Abdurazakov at the Conference Hall, BHU, Bishkek.  Photo PAS Bishkek

U.S. Embassy Bishkek Helps Unveil Kyrgyzstan’s Golden History

On April 24, 2008, Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch participated in the opening of the Golden Collection exhibit at the Kyrgyz State Museum of History. The collection restoration was funded by the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). This is the second time that a project was selected in Kyrgyzstan, as an 11th century Shakh-Fazil Mausoleum was restored near Safed Bulon village in Jalabat province in 2002. (more)

Freedom of Assembly and Press Freedom in Kyrgyzstan

March 26, 2008, Bishkek - Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch participated in a Round Table discussion and spoke about two specific freedoms that are important to Kyrgyzstan’s continued democratic development –  Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Expression. "As in any country striving for democracy, there are central freedoms that must be upheld for true democratic development to take place." (full text)

U.S.-Kyrgyz Comprehensive Policy Dialogue

March 18, 2008. The United States and the Kyrgyz Republic held the meeting of the U.S.-Kyrgyz Comprehensive Policy Dialogue, continuing a process to enhance the bilateral relationship, and agreed that the recently signed Millennium Challenge Account Threshold Program Agreement offers great potential for reform of the judicial and law enforcement sectors and progress in the struggle against corruption. In addition to ongoing cooperation and assistance, $15 million of new resources will support efforts to increase stability in the region through training of law enforcement personnel, provision of new equipment, and renovation of facilities.  Acting DAS Pamela Spratlen visited Kyrgyzstan to participate at the signing ceremony of MCC Threshold Program and talked to the press. (transcript).

The International Women of Courage Award

On March 5, in honor of the International Women’s Day, Ambassador of the United States Marie Yovanovitch  presented Cholpon Djakupova, a well-known human rights advocate, the U.S. Department of States’ International Woman of Courage Award, and hosted an exhibition of works and essays by female artists and students on the topic of “Realizing the Dream: Worldwide Equality for Women.