Foreign Operations Appropriated Assistance: Kyrgyz Republic

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Coordinator's Office Annual Reports» U.S. Embassy Bishkek» www.foreignassistance.gov»

ASSISTANCE GOALS: Since the April 2010 transition to a new government in Bishkek, the United States has provided foreign assistance resources for emergency relief, to support a democratic transition, bolster stability, and meet the needs of those affected by inter-ethnic violence. Assistance goals are to strengthen and build public confidence in democratic processes and institutions, stabilize inter-ethnic relations, foster economic recovery and improved livelihoods, and improve the performance of and the public’s confidence in security forces.

• Provided mobile screening facility and border shelters to help border service interdict WMD and other contraband material
• Funded research projects with five former weapons scientists
• Provided ambulances, police cars, and portable radios to the Ministry of Interior
• Provided crisis management training and related equipment for 500 police officers

• Provided equipment and technical assistance to the Kyrgyz Public television station, allowing it to remain on the air during the April crisis
• Held meetings to expand public and NGO input into re-draft of the constitution and electoral law reforms, and trained thousands of poll workers for June referendum
• For the October Parliamentary elections, trained poll workers, funded a national dispute resolution mechanism, created an internet portal and twitter feed for citizens to submit questions to political parties, trained and equipped 1,137 domestic election observers, and assisted in the nationwide broadcast of debates between representatives of the major parties

• Conducted information sessions for people at high risk of HIV/AIDS and TB infection and advised the government of best practices for treatment and prevention
• Supported national university scholarship test and new teacher training modules, and created a new student financial aid project

Economic Growth (EG)

• Provided 240 metric tons of seeds and 100 metric tons of fertilizer to support a successful fall planting season
• Provided advisors to tax agency and ministries of energy and economy during interim government period to write reform plans and help support economic activity

• Provided about $36 million in emergency humanitarian support including for reconstruction of homes and schools destroyed in June violence, food, emergency medical care and psychological services for victims of violence including rape.

• Helped newly appointed Central Election Commission (CEC) plan and execute a free and fair constitutional referendum and parliamentary election, overcoming limited electoral experience of the CEC’s members.
• USG training for police helped ensure there was no significant violence during October elections, with the police playing a positive role by keeping order at an appropriate distance from the polls.
• Provided pre-school children with school preparation program and with school supplies. Trained school administrators from 386 secondary schools to meet the needs of children, teachers and parents affected by the civil unrest.