Sooronbai Zheenbekov has said he does not want to remain in the country’s history as a president who has shed blood and shot his own citizens
Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Zheenbekov announced his resignation. This was announced on Thursday by the press service of the President of the Republic.
Zheenbekov pointed out that he does not hold on to power and does not want to remain in the country’s history as a president who has shed blood and shot at his citizens. According to him, peace in Kyrgyzstan, the integrity of the country, the unity of the people and calm in society “above all”.
“Nothing is more precious to me than the life of every citizen of my country”, – said Zheenbekov.
He also called on Prime Minister Sadyr Zhaparov and other politicians to “get their supporters out of the capital and return a peaceful life” to the people of the capital.
“The social and political situation in the capital of our country, Bishkek, remains tense. Unfortunately, the aggression continues unabated, and the demand for my immediate resignation continues. The current situation is close to a bilateral conflict”, – he explained.
Zheenbekov believes that the confrontation between protesters and law enforcement officials may lead to bloodshed.
“It is inevitable, I urge both sides not to give in to provocations”, – he stressed.
The office of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Republic informed TASS that the authority of Sooronbai Zheenbekov was automatically transferred to Speaker of Parliament Kanat Isayev. “In accordance with the law, if the President resigns, his authority will automatically pass to the Speaker of Parliament,” said the staff member.
According to him, if the speaker also resigns from his post, the duties of the president will be performed by the prime minister. The current Kyrgyz Parliament will expire on 15 October 2020.
Meanwhile, participants of the rally held in the capital of Kyrgyzstan are currently demanding dissolution of the parliament.
Zheenbekov spent exactly three years as president. He was elected on 15 October 2017. All Kyrgyz presidents left office at the age of 61 – who left voluntarily and who left after the overthrow.