Поздравление Президента международной организации по продвижению прав женщин

ПОЛИТИКА


Mahnaz Afkhami
President and CEO
Women’s Learning Partnership
Bethesda, MD
USA

November 16, 2011

The Honorable Roza Otunbayeva
President of the Kyrgyz Republic
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan



Dear Madam President:

I would like to congratulate you on Kyrgyzstan’s peaceful, historic election on October 30, 2011. Your leadership is particularly commendable in light of Kyrgyzstan’s recent history, as this was the first election following the ouster of former president Kurmanbek Bakiyev in April 2011. You were instrumental in bringing about constitutional reform, which was overwhelmingly supported by the Kyrgyz people. These reforms helped to bring a balance of power to your nation, limiting the powers of the head of state and establishing a parliamentary democracy, making Kyrgyzstan the first true republic in Central Asia. Further demonstrating your commitment to Kyrgyzstan’s democratic integrity, you are the only leader in Kyrgyzstan and in Central Asia to step-down voluntarily.

You have made history in other ways as well. As the first female head of state in Central Asia, your admirable stewardship during the Republic’s transitional period and your charge during the constitutional referendum serve as clear examples to any who would doubt that women can be powerful national leaders, and that they can sustain peace. Your case further substantiates the importance of United Nations Resolution 1325, which reaffirms women’s vital roles in conflict resolution and peacekeeping.

Our partner in Kyrgyzstan, Human Rights Center “Citizens Against Corruption” (HRC CAC), led by renowned human rights activist Tolekan Ismailova, worked with women and youth during the election to monitor polling places, mobilize women activists and student groups, and combat political corruption. The HRC CAC has initiated and established a National Headquarters for Rule of Law and Human Rights, with technical support from OSCE. In cooperation with the leader of the Parliament of Political Parties, Mrs. Roza Aknazarova; Secretary General of Anticorruption Business Council, Mrs. Nuripa Mukanova; young activists from the Leading to Choices program, and with support of two committees of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan and the Civic Journalism Development Project, the National Headquarters has effectively worked for resolution of conflicts by means of peaceful instruments. The HRC CAC reported that the election was peaceful, due in large part, no doubt, to your exemplary leadership.

In closing, I want to thank you again for your leadership, and for providing a role model for young democrats, especially women activists in their struggle for equality and justice.

Sincerely,
Mahnaz Afkhami
President and CEO
Women's Learning Partnership