Ukraine Congratulates Kyrgyz On Revolution Anniversary

Kurmanbek Bakiev at his inauguration as president in August 2005 (official site) BISHKEK, March 23, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has sent congratulations to Kyrgyzstan on the first anniversary of the uprising that ousted former President Askar Akaev.

In a message to President Kurmanbek Bakiev posted on the Kyrgyz president's website, Yushchenko says the ideals that inspired the Kyrgyz revolution are the same as those that spurred Ukraine's Orange Revolution.


Yushchenko says that both countries seek to build democratic societies.


The anniversary of the Kyrgyz revolt, also known as the "Tulip Revolution," will be officially marked on March 24.

The Tulip Revolution

The Tulip Revolution


ONE YEAR AGO: Click on the image to view RFE/RL's archive of coverage of Kyrgyzstan's Tulip Revolution from the beginning, including biographical sketches of the key players and photo galleries of the demonstrations.

See RFE/RL's special review of the March 2005 Kyrgyz events:

Questions Remain About March 24 'Revolution' (Part I)

Did Revolution Sow The Seeds Of Democracy? (Part II)

Was 'Revolution' A Worthy Successor To Rose And Orange? (Part III)

See also:

Reporter's Notebook -- Witness To The Uprising

THE COMPLETE KYRGYZSTAN: To view an archive of all of RFE/RL's coverage of Kyrgyzstan, click here.