Vladimir Putin On Russian Becoming Official Language In Kirghizia

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that giving Russian an official language status in Kirghizia will further promote the long-standing traditions of friendship and cooperation between Russia and Kirghizia, broadening of mutual cultural and spiritual enrichment of the peoples of these two states, rehabilitation of humanitarian cooperation on the space of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This is said in Vladimir Putin's message of greetings to the president of Kirghizia in connection with the holding in Bishkek on December 24 of an official ceremony of Askar Akaev's signing the law on putting into effect the constitutional amendment on giving Russian the official-language status, RIA Novosti was told at the Kremlin press service. In his message Vladimir Putin stresses the personal contribution of the Kirghiz president in the discussion and adoption of this amendment and thanked Kirghiz parliamentarians for their positive role in resolving this question of indubitably historic importance. The Russian president expressed the hope that the decision on giving Russian the official status will lead to real improvements in the position of Russian-speakers in Kirghizia.