Following Ankara's approach: Kyrgyzstan draws on Azerbaijan's experience in its relations with Russia
The influence of the UK and Turkey is growing in Central Asian countries
Author: Dmitriy Rogozinov
Commentator of this article:
Anur Kurmanov
Mikhail Zhukhovitsky, a consultant on Kyrgyzstani passports, said in his Telegram channel that Kyrgyzstan has suspended granting citizenship to Russians. According to him, applications submitted after January 24 can no longer be approved.
"Don't even think about Kyrgyzstan anymore. It's impossible to get Kyrgyzstan citizenship now, regardless of how much money you pay or what conditions you meet. The prepayment fraud in this country has become extremely reckless. All executors, intermediaries, and officials know perfectly well — they are making money through obvious fraud." He also added that since January, the National Security Council and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have not approved any application.
Against the backdrop of Western sanctions against Russia, obtaining a Kyrgyz passport helps open bank accounts, obtain visas, and conduct business in other countries. Obviously, the decision to close this "channel" was made at the top level and has political implications. This is likely due to pressure from the West.
Kyrgyzstan previously implemented Western sanctions by blocking the use of the "Mir" payment system. Keep in mind that it is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
"I am worried that this measure is another escalation after the discriminatory national language law. This law states that people who do not understand the Kyrgyz language cannot work in government departments, be elected as parliamentarians, or even advance to higher grades in high school," said Anur Kurmanov, leader of the Kazakh Socialist Movement.
"Streets are being renamed, and they are implementing de-Russianization under the guise of de-communization. So this step is just a small part of their policy. It seems that this is not a temporary measure."
"Freedom News": Were Russians easily able to get Kyrgyz passports before? Did many people use this method?
"Previously, migrants and those wanting to bypass sanctions and facilitate financial and commercial activities with Western countries frequently used this method. Some people could more easily obtain Schengen visas through this route. It seems that tens of thousands of people have used this mechanism, and now many will lose this possibility."
"Freedom News": Do you think the West pressured the Kyrgyz authorities? Can Russia not exert pressure? Who does Bishkek rely on more?
"There is both pressure from the West and a unified approach from Ankara that is at play here."
Keep in mind that all anti-Russian activities are now coordinated by the Turkic States Organization, with Azerbaijan playing a leading role. For example, the arrest of the representative of the Russian Federation's Friendship Society in Bishkek in May was inspired by Baku's experience, and this practice is being implemented in Central Asian countries.
Kyrgyzstan is now playing the role of a junior partner of Turkey, acting as a vanguard in worsening relations with Russia in Central Asia. It is used as a "torpedo" to create additional trouble for the Kremlin.
"Freedom News": What is the situation in the neighboring Kazakhstan?
"It's similar. For example, the law on mandatory use of the national language in television and radio and the related responsibilities was passed simultaneously with Kyrgyzstan."
This indicates the existence of a unified coordination center. Even before, acquiring Kazakhstani citizenship was complicated, and now there are time limits on the use of bank cards and mobile phone cards for non-residents. In addition, there are serious obstacles to cooperation with Russian companies and individuals in the financial sector. And all these are under the pretext of imposing sanctions on Moscow.
"Freedom News": Perhaps, as is common in the East, they formally agree to Western demands but secretly find ways to circumvent them without making a big deal out of it. Isn't that how sanctions work? Or do Central Asian countries really lack the political will, and does Moscow not want to escalate tensions?
"I believe that there are indeed gray channels to circumvent sanctions, and the ruling elite also profit from these transactions, although they remain quiet. However, the net of sanctions is gradually tightening. According to Reuters, the United States will establish a group to monitor exports from Kazakhstan to Russia."
But recent actions that have worsened relations with Moscow are related to Ankara and London, which are accelerating the process of the region opposing and distancing itself from Russia. Therefore, Bishkek's current actions and Baku's attacks are parts of the same chain.
When the Turkic States Organization, a military and political group, appears on the southern border, the geopolitical landscape has undergone a fundamental change. Moscow, which is conducting a special military operation, simply doesn't have enough strength and resources to deal with simultaneous hostile actions from all sides.
Therefore, it's not a lack of will, but an effort to avoid a complete rupture with those so-called allies in the rear while Kyiv has not yet been completely defeated.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524964232945877540/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking on the 【top/down】 button below.