Colonel General Abdygul Chotbaev, in a recent interview on Birinchi Radio, emphasized that the state of the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan is directly linked to the economic situation in the country.
He noted that since its establishment on May 29, 1992, by presidential decree, the army has faced various challenges. Despite difficult times when salaries were delayed and there was a shortage of food, the military personnel showed loyalty and performed their duties to the Motherland with dignity.
Chotbaev expressed satisfaction with the current state of the Armed Forces, particularly noting that in the last 3-4 years, President Sadyr Japarov has paid significant attention to this area. Previously, military equipment and armaments came to the country as aid, but in the last 2-3 years, Kyrgyzstan has begun to independently purchase military equipment from the state budget, which is a positive step, according to the general.
He also emphasized the importance of clear execution of duties by all state institutions and law enforcement agencies.
“Every institution, including the Ministry of Defense, the National Security Committee, and the Border Service, must fulfill its tasks. The president's idea of creating an Investigative Committee did not arise by chance. In recent years, the activities of the GKNB have received both praise and criticism. In my opinion, this committee has become too involved in minor matters while it has more significant tasks,” he said.
Chotbaev compared the current situation to the work of the State Security Committee in the Soviet Union, when employees were engaged in intelligence and counterintelligence, remaining in the shadows. “Today, the GKNB interferes in economic affairs and even in the work of local police, which, in my opinion, is wrong. The president is taking measures to correct this situation,” he added.
