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Who is new prime minister? - «Vecherniy Bishkek»

Is newly appointed Prime Minister Almazbek Atambaev the Trojan horse, collaborator or a wandering forward?

In December, as everybody knows, the cabinet of Kulov resigned. Next Prime Minister Azim Isabekov and his team worked for only two months. And again resignation.

“It is normal practice for developed countries. And proves once again that Kyrgyzstan is a democratic country,” President Kurmanbek Bakiev hurried to say.

Anyway, Atambaev started forming the new government. If Kulov was a compromise figure, Isabekov was a short term, and then who is Atambaev? That is the question: on which side this social democrat will play.

Let us think it over…

Version #1

The hero of Kyrgyz Troy

In November 2006, the leader (Atambaev) of “Forum” industrial group openly said that there is no sense to negotiate with Bakiev. But then Atambaev “recovered” and agreed to lead the government after consultation with president. Manufacturer and businessman, who gained experience in political battles during several years, currently is a strong figure. It does not matter that he left the position of economic development minister slamming the door. Because Atambaev, we repeat it again, “recovered.” But was it independent decision? Maybe, it is a long term opposition strategy to introduce like-minded persons into the cabinet of ministers? It is comfortable to peacefully enter the White House without rallies. And start forming the cabinet from opposition members to create strong anti presidential bloc in the government. History saw such examples.

Version #2

Power is always sweet

Several opposition members hurried to state that new prime minister betrayed former ideals and split opposition by moving to the higher echelons of authority.

I am not going to be the lawyer of him. But I want to say that our domestic opposition (both during Akaev and Bakiev’s rule) does not have a clear structure and is not well organized. There were and are many people, opinions and positions. So, in the current stream of the process Atambaev’s behavior is visibly logical. He did not sign statements with oath to fight the regime until he dies.

Maybe, Atambaev decided to prevent confrontation and stabilize the situation and thus get the country out of the crisis. Nobody can be charged for personal beliefs. Moreover for dreams…    

Version #3

Atambaev was always ambitious. People remember that in 2000 he run for presidency. But he failed. Why not to try one more time? To gain knowledge in spheres of state management, public and social field, to see advantages and disadvantages of the republic and ahead! He has time until 2010. It is to show oneself. Especially, in aspect of visual PR at the international arena. Let international partners see him in case he is elected president. They need predictable leader of stable Kyrgyzstan, who would observe obligations, solvent, peaceful and adequate at the political arena.

The position of prime minister is the best place to manifest oneself. And Atambaev probably realizes it. He outgrew party frames, business format and standards of opposition leader. If there is a chance to become president, why not to use it? It is time to be independent player, who works for the future. That is why current union of Bakiev and Atambaev cannot be called tandem. In the union each person has common goals for short term only. And elections will show the results.