Recent events surrounding the release of the chairman of the State National Security Committee (GKNB) came as a surprise to many. The president's press secretary explained that some individuals using the name of Kamchybek Tashiev sought to divide society.
The public associates this with the so-called "letter of 75 people." Can you tell us who is behind this letter and what their intentions are?
- I would prefer not to comment, but since you asked, I will explain. In 2021, I was elected president, and this trust from the people is my highest value.
According to the Constitution, my duty is to maintain the unity of the people and the integrity of the state. I have always placed the interests of the country above personal attachments and positions.
The situation began to escalate in the Jogorku Kenesh, where some parliamentary groups started to divide colleagues by asking questions about allegiance: "Are you with us or with them?" Deputies who asked about who is "our side" were shown the epaulettes of generals, while "that side" was presented as the president's side.
This division extended to the streets, where "elders" began collecting signatures for early elections, convincing people that this was "agreed at the highest level," and that the Jogorku Kenesh was allegedly preparing to announce elections.
If I had not taken decisive steps, this could have caused a rift among citizens. I had facts of intimidation of deputies and civil servants by the "general." They were threatened: "If you are not with us, you will have problems with the general." Therefore, I made the decision to release him.
Before that, I called my friend and explained the situation to him, after which I made my decision. I believe that in this way I protected him from the influence of people who were disorienting him.
Some, hiding behind the name of Kamchybek Tashiev, began to convince deputies and well-known public figures to switch to the side of the "general."
If I had not relieved Kamchybek of his position, the pressure from these people would have only intensified, which could have led to a split in government structures and society. Stability in the state is more important to me than anything else.
- Society discusses the concepts of "Japarov's team" and "Tashiev's team." How do you respond to this?
- All personnel appointments undergo strict scrutiny, and there is no division into teams. I set a task for all appointees – to propose professional personnel working for the good of the state. I continue to apply this approach now.
- There are rumors that before the elections, there was an agreement between you and Kamchybek Tashiev about "dividing terms." How true is this?
- Kyrgyzstan is a democratic country where the people decide who will govern. Every citizen has the right to vote, and speculations about "dividing terms" contradict democratic principles and political culture.
- What is the purpose of the appeal to the Constitutional Court?
- I believe that any doubts and disputes should have a clear and legal answer. The Constitutional Court is the body that can provide definitive assessments and interpretations related to the Constitution, and appealing to it is the right step.
- Can the criticism of deputies and the "letter of 75 people" be viewed as part of one campaign?
- Investigative activities are currently underway, and they will show the scale of the initiative and the number of participants. After the investigation is completed, I will be able to provide a more precise answer.
- The Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh has resigned. Is there a connection between this decision and the letter of 75 people?
- I do not think it is directly related. Perhaps he was influenced by these people or realized the responsibility for the division among deputies.
- What reforms are planned in the GKNB?
- The GKNB has coped with the tasks set, but the state must develop. New challenges are facing national security, and in this regard, a reform will be conducted that corresponds to modern threats.
Our institutions must adapt to changes in the world.
- On social media, it is accused that representatives of the special services, fighting against corruption, were hiding behind Tashiev's name and committing illegal actions. Will this be investigated?
- We do not shield those who break the law. In serving the people, the law is above all, and if there are facts of violations, they will be investigated. Before the law, all are equal.
No one has the right to go beyond the law and act in personal interests. If there is evidence that civil servants exceeded their authority, they will be held accountable.
- You and Kamchybek Tashiev often refer to each other as "two friends." Does your recent decision mean the end of your friendship?
- Our friendship will remain. I relieved Kamchybek of his position after explaining the situation to him. My decision was made for the peace and unity of the state. Friendship should not be tied to positions.
- Will the fight against corruption and crime continue?
- It will continue. The fight against corruption and crime is ongoing, and I have always demanded results in these areas. All civil servants know this. Corruption and crime must be eradicated in our country.
Director of KNAI "Kabar" Mederbek Shermetaliev
