Press service of the president of Kyrgyzstan released the text of his statement in which Kurmanbek Bakiyev congratulated his fellow Kyrgyzes on the Independence Day. "Kyrgyzstan turned a new leaf sixteen years ago and proclaimed independence and sovereignty. Kyrgyzstan was given a chance to chose its own way of development. As a sovereign state, Kyrgyzstan lives in a new political reality now, going the way of profound state, economic, and social changes. We have developed trust in ourselves and convinced others that Kyrgyzstan has the potential to become an equal participant in global processes."

"Kyrgyzstan is a deserving member of the international community nowadays as confirmed by the 7th meeting of the Council of the heads of states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Bishkek whose organization was justly praised by participants of the summit and the international community," Bakiyev said.

Claiming that the national economy was on its way to recovery and development, the president promised to strengthen the Kyrgyz state through superiority of the law, energetic economic and social reforms, and a socially-orientated state policy aided by civil society.

Bakiyev congratulated the Kyrgyzes celebrating the Independence Day abroad. "No matter where our fellow countrymen are, I'm convinced that they remain true patriots of their country who care for its future," the president said and wished the people "peace and consent, happiness and prosperity."

Ex-president Akar Akayev congratulated the people of Kyrgyzstan too and reassured it of his "respect" and pride taken in it. Akayev's statement published by 24.kg news agency pointed out that "the polyethnic people of Kyrgyzstan fulfilled the ancestors' dream and established its own sovereign democratic state on the blessed land of Ala-Too. Kyrgyzes carried out bold economic reforms, turned the land over to the people, joined international economic institutions and projects of global magnitude and import. Kyrgyz culture is known and appreciated all over the world. The country lives in civil peace and stability. As the first president of Kyrgyzstan, I'm happy I was with my people when the independent state was established."

The former president stated that sovereign Kyrgyzstan knew "internal difficulties" like so many other countries. "I'm confident, however, that they will pass. Our people with its 22 centuries long history will certainly set the country on the road of stable development, stability, and progress."

"I pray for preservation and accrual of the good accomplished in the years of independence. I'm always with my people," Akayev said.