Askat Alagozov. Photo: from social media.
The press secretary of the president of Kyrgyzstan, Askat Alagozov, has commented on the absence of an official response to recent remarks by Russian television host Vladimir Solovyov. During his program on January 10, Solovyov referred to Central Asia as “ours” and suggested the possibility of conducting a “special military operation” in various zones of Russia’s influence.
“Such statements should be regarded as one of many empty and unserious remarks made during the Russian journalist’s and TV host’s many-hour broadcasts on a wide range of topics. <…> It would be another matter if similar statements had come from a deputy or a minister. In that case, a response would have been given by our deputies or members of the government,” Alagozov wrote.
Commenting on a proposal by Kyrgyz lawmaker Dastan Bekeshev to declare Solovyov persona non grata, Alagozov did not rule out that the initiative could be considered.
“Here it is important to emphasize the main point: bilateral and multilateral relations between Russia and our country, as well as between the Russian Federation and the states of Central Asia as a whole, are built at the highest level. This is evidenced by mutual visits at various levels and by cooperation within such organizations as the CIS, the EAEU, and the SCO. In this context, I believe that any such assumptions have no real basis,” Alagozov stressed.
At the same time, he noted that Solovyov works for state television and that “his unclear statements, which provoke tension in relations between peoples, cause at the very least confusion among citizens of friendly states, and in some cases require the adoption of strict measures.”
“We hope that his management will take appropriate steps,” the Kyrgyz president’s spokesman concluded.
There has been no official reaction from other Central Asian countries either.
According to Kazakh lawmaker Aidos Sarym, the response should be proportionate to the source of the remarks.
“It seems to me that if one were to respond with protest notes to every sneeze by Solovyov, it would be excessive. If a mosquito bites you, you don’t shoot it with a machine gun. Journalists and political analysts should be the ones responding here,” Sarym said. He added that Kazakhstan could potentially declare Solovyov persona non grata and ban his entry.
Alisher Kadyrov, leader of Uzbekistan’s Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) party, said that calls by “Russian chauvinists” to “violate the foundations of international law and provoke military actions in Central Asia” should be treated with restraint.
“Constant statements in Russian media not only contradict the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance, but also have a destructive impact on them. <…> Central Asia is a region <…> where kindred states are united and capable of delivering a serious response to any aggression,” the Uzbek politician said.
