The Kyrgyz First vice Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov has no connection to Kazakh coal supplies from the Kulan field, the Energy Ministry said on Monday, KirTAG reported.
"The issue of coal supplies from the Kulandy field is used by some experts and politicians to spread rumours about the alleged involvement of First Vice Prime Minister Babanov in the supplies." he said. "The Energy Ministry considers this information wrong, biased and politically motivated."
The Energy Ministry says that the electric power stations company was instructed by the Kyrgyz government's draft regulation to purchase coal from one source. According to the regulations, ministry has submitted draft instructions to the government.
"The Energy Ministry states that First vice Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov does not have anything to do with coal procurement," the message said.
It should be noted that Mr Babanov ordered to ban the import of coal from the Kulans deposit and to cancel the contract with the supplier on October 27. He also instructed officials to seek alternative sources of coal supply and if necessary, to submit a tender at the earliest opportunity.