A highly militarized, slightly Soviet-flavored parade in Bishkek on August 31 marked Kyrgyzstan's 30 years of independence from the Soviet Union.
Pomp And Ceremony As Kyrgyzstan Marks 30 Years Of Independence
- By RFE/RL
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Kyrgyz Defense Minister Taalaibek Omuraliev (center) salutes troops during a military parade on Ala-Too Square in central Bishkek on August 31.
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Women in traditional clothing watch the ceremony, which marked 30 years since Kyrgyzstan declared independence from the Soviet Union.
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Kyrgyz tanks rumble through the central Bishkek square. The highly militarized parade came amid increased military activity in Central Asia after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.
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Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov speaks to the crowd during the ceremony.
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Crowds watch the parade.
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Soldiers march during the parade. Kyrgyzstan's independence era has been marked by successes in some areas, such as a relatively free press, but the country's economy lags far behind other former Soviet republics.
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Kyrgyz women in traditional dress walk in central Bishkek.
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Soviet-designed S-125 Neva missile launchers rumble past onlookers.
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Military leaders salute as they pass.
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Religious leaders take part in the commemoration.
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Assembled crowds mark the anniversary.
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A Kyrgyz veteran of World War II arrives to watch the military parade.
