Moscow plans to render humanitarian aid to Bishkek.
Russia has replied to Kyrgyzstan's request for material aid. It will supply Kyrgyzstan with diesel fuel and seeds for the spring-sowing campaign, and also provide the country with a $20-million grant and a $30-million loan. The government made the decision yesterday.
Earlier, the Kyrgyz interim government appealed to Russia for help.
"No matter what happens there, these are Kyrgyzstan's domestic affairs," Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said yesterday. "The situation with the economy and social sphere is critical. According to the interim government, the treasury is empty and their predecessors stole and destroyed everything. Of course, this is not for us to judge, but we have always had special ties with the Kyrgyz people and it goes without saying that we must support our friends in times of trial."
The ministers have already decided how to do this.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said Russia is ready to give Kyrgyzstan a $20-million grant for social support to the population and a $30-million soft loan through Rosselkhozbank (Russian Agricultural Bank). In addition, the Agriculture Ministry will provide Kyrgyzstan with 1,500 tons of seeds. Fruits and vegetables are Kyrgyzstan's main exports. In the past year, they amounted to $200 million in value terms.
"After receiving an official request from Kyrgyzstan, Russian oil companies expressed their readiness to supply up to 25,000 tons of oil products over the next few days," Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin said. "First of all, this is diesel fuel and petrol for the spring-sowing campaign."
All these proposals will be implemented by the end of the week. Putin added that the government will make decisions on further support as the situation unfolds.
Anastasia Savinykh