President of Kyrgyzstan signed the law "On citizenship" adopted by the parliament on May 27. "The law lists the grounds, terms, and procedures of obtaining and voiding the citizenship of the Kyrgyz Republic and handles all other related issues including those pertaining dual citizenship," presidential web site reported.

Local observers view as particularly important the provisions of the new law pertaining dual citizenship. The legislation does not permit citizens of Kyrgyzstan to seek citizenship of neighbor countries. High positions in civil service and elected bodies as well as service in law enforcement agencies and the army are denied people with dual citizenship.

The new law entitles children in mixed families to Kyrgyz citizenship without distinction.

Foreigners seeking Kyrgyz citizenship are required to meet residence qualifications (seven years of living in Kyrgyzstan). Exception (three years) may only be made for the people whose worth is undeniable - scientists, professionals. The same provision applies to refugees and foreigners married to citizens of Kyrgyzstan.