Kyrgyzstan's acting President Roza Otunbayeva said democratic processes within the society would continue after her resignation, Itar-Tass reports. Otunbayeva said so on Tuesday she summed up the results of her 20-month tenure as head of state.
"Democratic changes will certainly continue," Otunbayeva said, "we've elected the new president, Almazbek Atambayev; we know he's an honest person of high morals."
The political culture of the Kyrgyz society will begin to grow in the future. We grow and learn; we must make efforts to comprehend the laws of democracy.
"There is no doubt that the political culture of our people will be changing for the better. At least because the government is already accountable to the parliament and all discussions are now held within the legislative body," Otunbayeva said.
She assured she would be thankful if her foundation was given incentives after her resignation, such as accommodation. The organization will handle cultural and education issues, as well as "external affairs."
Otunbayeva is to step down on December 1. She is being succeeded by Almazbek Atambayev who scored a clear victory at the October 30 presidential polls.
The outgoing president said the period of her presidency had been busy and difficult.
"Much work towards stabilization was in progress. Over this time, we had hundreds of meetings with our international partners; they were open and generous to us. In 2010, the events in Kyrgyzstan were in the limelight of the world community. But this year, the world's attention shifted to Middle East and North Africa countries," the interim president underlined.
"I wish to say there's a feeling of satisfaction with what has been accomplished: we've rebuilt all the government institutions; the parliament works, whether they like it or not; it reflects the mood of all
strata of our society.
"Today, we're preparing for the December 1 inauguration of the president-elect. Over this time, we've held plebiscites three times: a referendum and the presidential and parliamentary elections. It is titanic work. The international community has recognized all these elections. There is peace and accord in the society; there is a place for the Opposition.
"Kyrgyzstan now has basic freedoms. Today, I can answer all the inconvenient questions, whose answers are demanded by the people. Our government is ready to answer for its decisions and actions, and I was responsible for the situation in the county and its unity," she went on to say.
Otunbayeva regrets that she is stepping down before completion of the trial over the supporters of the previous government, accused of shooting at protesters in Bishkek's central square on April 7, 2010. She also regrets her being unable to "get the judicial reform going."
After her resignation, Otunbayeva will continue to contribute to stabilization in the country.