The Bishkek Press Club (BPC) of the Institute for Public Policy offers you an interview with Bakyt Beshimov, a well-known expert in politics, Vice President of the American University - Central Asia.

ВРС: Mr. Beshimov, what is your assessment of the events of April 19?

Bakyt Beshimov: The rally failed, as it was expected, in terms of achieving its declared goals. From the very beginning one could see that Kulov is not a political figure able to mobilize people, who would be ready to go to barricades to defend him. In essence he has nothing to say to people now. He divided and weakened the opposition. It is clear now that opposition MPs from Bishkek did not get support in their constituencies. The frightening titles such as "Kanjar" ("dagger") and the presence of retired policemen wearing uniforms strengthened doubts of civil population in Bishkek. In contrast, the November demonstration gathered many city residents. This time, many city residents saw the ‘hands' of the former regime behind the opposition and refused to support it. The weakness of the United Front only consolidated the authorities. Atambaev in people's understanding was more persuading. The main positive thing about these events was that we took a lesson; we went through an experience, which is very important for democracy development. As Salijan Jigitov said once, people want quick changes, but the history does not hurry.

ВРС: How would you assess the state of opposition and authorities today?

Bakyt Beshimov: The principal opposition, as it seen from the very first steps after the April 19, continues to follow its line. In my opinion, only Tekebaev showed self-control and firmness, despite vicissitude of political fortune, and connected current events with the future ones. He is right in saying that it was not a defeat; they only passed one more stage. Churchill wisely noted that the only response to defeat should be a will for victory, and not justification and explanation for defeat. If opposition gets rid of hitchhikers and works out its ideology, it will become even stronger.

Authorities are thinking now: what to do with rally organizers and opposition in general. I turned my attention to right words of the Interior Minister Nogoibaev who said that there cannot be a victory over own people. But is this thought shared by all among those in power?

Coming month will bring challenges for Prime Minister Atambaev. How will his ideas on reforms develop while his is in power? As of now, the space of freedom and democracy is defended only by civil society - active and principled NGOs. 

ВРС: How opposition movement in Kyrgyzstan will further develop: should we expect new forms, substance, people...

Bakyt Beshimov: There is only one way to go for opposition - become new qualitatively. It means opposition leaders have to find attractive ideology for people, construct a new political strategy and consolidate its members. The field for opposition activities is wide. People are waiting reforms.  

ВРС: How do you evaluate actions of authorities? What do they have to learn?

Bakyt Beshimov: A two-year long battle between Bakiev and Kulov ended. The latter ended up in Baitik village and it tells everything. The lessons are: 1) one should not confuse victory over Kulov with victory over opposition; 2) it is clear that opposition is not something that can be defeated because it belongs to future, and only smart people do not fight against future; 3) the main thing remains the same - reforms must be implemented.

ВРС: What is your view of future developments?

Bakyt Beshimov: If authorities start conducting reforms and constructing a new image of the state power with participation of opposition and main political forces of the country, they can significantly strengthen positions. If authorities fall into euphoria and start celebrating in lawlessness, then the next wave of resistance will emerge soon. I already wrote that the year of 2007 will be decisive one because political outcome of the year will determine the state of our country for several years ahead. There are no absolute victories. Some victories are symptoms of future catastrophe. Some defeats lay down the basis of future triumphs.

Bishkek Press Club, http://www.bpc.kg