Press release- October 17, 2008

Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, arrived in Bishkek on October 17, 2008.  During his visit, he will meet with high-level Kyrgyz officials to discuss a range of bilateral issues.

Ambassador Boucher was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs on February 21, 2006. The Bureau of South Asian Affairs was expanded to include the nations of Central Asia shortly before his confirmation.
Over the course of his career, Ambassador Boucher has served as the Department of State’s Spokesman or Deputy Spokesman under six Secretaries of State and has served as Chief of Mission twice overseas. In June of 2008, he was conferred the personal rank of Career Ambassador, the highest achievement for a member of the Foreign Service.

Intervew of George Krol, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs with VOA TV Russian Service, October 3, 2008

Intervew of George Krol, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs with VOA TV Uzbek Service, October 3, 2008

Message of Condolence and Support for the Victims of the October 5 Earthquake in Kyrgyz Republic by Sean McCormack, Spokesman

U.S. Department of State, Office of Spokesman
For Immediate Release, 2008/851
October 8, 2008

We were saddened to learn about the devastation caused by the October 5 earthquake in southern Kyrgyzstan.  Our sympathies go to the victims of this tragedy and their families.

The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek is working closely with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to assess the damage and to respond to the humanitarian needs in the remote areas affected by the quake. We will provide immediate emergency assistance and assess the need for additional aid in coming weeks and months.

The United States counts the Kyrgyz Republic as an important ally in Central Asia and is especially appreciative of the role it plays in support of international efforts to counter terrorism in Afghanistan. We will continue to work to address the effects of this disaster, and will work together and with other donors to help alleviate the effects of food insecurity and energy shortages during the upcoming winter. 

American Breakdance Group HaviKoro in Kyrgyzstan

On October 1-5, 2008, the American breakdance group HaviKoro will visit the Kyrgyz Republic for a series of performances and meetings.  The visit is sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the American Voices Association, and the cultural-educational foundation “Ordo-Sakhna.”

HaviKoro is a group of friends that chose to dance instead of take part in negative activities that existed in their neighborhoods. They bring a positive message representing the diversity of American culture to young people around the world through break dance, rap and other forms of hip hop style.

HaviKoro will hold performances in Bishkek, Karabalta and Kant.  The group will also give master classes, meet with students, and participate in battles with Kyrgyz breakdance groups