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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001. report re: U.S. Government Report (1 page) 07/02/1997 P1/b(1) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Melanne Verveer OA/Box Number: 20040 FOLDER TITLE: Kyrgystan 2013-0534-S rc1607 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA] b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA] b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA] an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA] b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA] b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. ROUTINE UNCLASSIFIED free Kyrg425tm WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM PAGE 01 OF 03 PRT: SIT SIT: SUM2 <PREC> ROUTINE <CLAS> UNCLASSIFIED <DTG> 231131Z JAN 98 FM AMEMBASSY BISHKEK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2261 INFO RUEHTA/AMEMBASSY ALMATY 5307 RUEHNT/AMEMBASSY TASHKENT 2538 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 1655 RUEHKV/AMEMBASSY KIEV 0103 UNCLAS BISHKEK 000316 SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA, SCUL, UK, KWMN SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP/RESULTS TO THE FIRST LADY'S VISIT TO KYRGYZSTAN REF: STATE 10371 1. (SBU) SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST LADY'S VISIT, THERE HAVE BEEN CONCRETE RESULTS IN FOUR AREAS: PROPOSED EXPANSION OF FINCA'S MICRO-LENDING PROJECT; IMPROVEMENT IN THE ATMOSPHERICS SURROUNDING THE LOCAL SOROS OFFICE; PROGRESS IN FINDING SUPPORT FOR THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN KYRGYZSTAN, OPENED BY MRS. CLINTON DURING HER VISIT; AND ASSERTIONS BY POLITICAL ACTIVIST TOPCHUBEK TURGUNALIYEV THAT HIS RELEASE WAS THE RESULT OF THE FIRST LADY'S VISIT. MICRO-CREDIT PROJECT 2. (SBU) PRIOR TO MRS. CLINTON'S VISIT TO THE FINCA PROJECT, THERE HAD BEEN SOME CRITICISM BY MRS. AKAYEV AND OTHERS CLOSE TO THE PRESIDENT WITH RESPECT TO THE USEFULNESS OF THE PROJECT. MRS. CLINTON'S PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EXPRESSIONS OF SUPPORT AND THE HIGHLY VISIBLE VALIDATION HER STOP-BY GAVE TO THE PROGRAM PRODUCED A SEA CHANGE IN HOW THE PROJECT IS REGARDED BY THOSE CLOSE TO PRESIDENT AKAYEV. AS A RESULT, EARLIER THIS MONTH THE PRESIDENT MET WITH THE AMBASSADOR AND FINCA REPRESENTATIVES TO DISCUSS HOW THE PROGRAM WORKED AND TO REQUEST THAT IT BE EXPANDED TO ENCOMPASS ADDITIONAL OBLASTS (PROVINCES). AID IS PREPARING A BUDGET PROPOSAL THAT WOULD ALLOW FOR EXPANSION TO ISSYK-KUL PROVINCE AND BROADENING THE PROJECT IN TALAS PROVINCE FOR THE PRESIDENT'S REVIEW. WE UNCLASSIFIED ROUTINE UNCLASSIFIED WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM PAGE 02 OF 03 WILL PROVIDE THIS PROPOSAL TO YOU IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS BUT IT WILL REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF THE CURRENT FINCA PROGRAM. WE HAVE TOLD THE PRESIDENT THAT WE COULD MAKE NO COMMITMENTS. SOROS FOUNDATION 3. (SBU) AS A DIRECT RESULT OF MRS. CLINTON'S PUBLIC ENDORSEMENTS OF NGOS, INCLUDING THE SOROS FOUNDATION, TOGETHER WITH THE EMBASSY'S SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY WITH THE PRESIDENT BEFORE AND AFTER THE VISIT, THE SITUATION FOR THE LOCAL SOROS OFFICE HAS IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY. THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS HAVE PUBLICLY PRAISED THE LOCAL SOROS FOUNDATION AND MET ON AT LEAST ONE OCCASION WITH SOROS LEADERSHIP. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN KYRGYZSTAN 4. (SBU) BECAUSE OF THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LOCAL SOROS FOUNDATION AND THE GOVERNMENT, THE SOROS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS ONCE AGAIN WILLING TO CONSIDER FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE NEW UNIVERSITY. A SOROS/USIA TEAM IS EXPECTED IN TOWN NEXT WEEK TO EXAMINE THE BUSINESS PLAN PUT TOGETHER BY THE NEW UNIVERSITY. AT THE SAME TIME AMERICAN UNIVERSITY HAS BEEN EXEMPTED FROM PROPERTY TAXES ORIGINALLY ASSESSED IT JUST PRIOR TO THE OPENING. THE PRO-RECTOR BELIEVES THAT MRS. CLINTON'S IDENTIFICATION WITH THE INSTITUTION HAS BEEN A USEFUL FOIL IN HER DEALINGS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. THE FREEING OF POLITICAL ACTIVIST TURGUNALIYEV 5. (SBU) IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE AMBASSADOR AND POL/ECON OFFICER, POLITICAL ACTIVIST TOPCHUBEK TORGUNALIYEV ATTRIBUTED HIS RETURN TO BISHKEK UNDER HOUSE ARREST/LIGHT IMPRISONMENT TO THE FACT THAT MRS. CLINTON WAS IN KYRGYZSTAN. RELEASED NOVEMBER 17, SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE VISIT, HE BELIEVES THAT THE GOOD WILL GENERATED BY HER PRESENCE AND HER EMPHASIS ON DEMOCRACY AND THE WORK OF NGOS PROMPTED HIS RELEASE FROM HIS REMOTE PRISON LOCATION BECAUSE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S DESIRE TO BE SEEN TO MEET THE STANDARD FOR DEMOCRACY MRS. CLINTON SHARPLY DEFINED IN HER PUBLIC STATEMENTS. 6. (U) COMMENT. FOR A VISIT THAT LAST ONLY FIVE HOURS, WE BELIEVE THAT A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT WAS ACCOMPLISHED. WE WILL PROVIDE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR BOTH THE EXPANSION OF FINCA AND THE UNIVERSITY UNCLASSIFIED ROUTINE UNCLASSIFIED WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM PAGE 03 OF 03 PROJECT WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. SIGMUND <^SECT>SECTION: 01 OF 01 <^SSN>0316 <^TOR>980124053349 M3118565 <^DIST> SIT: MATERA <MSGID> M3118565 UNCLASSIFIED 02/01/99 MON 11:44 FAX 202 736 4710 STATE S-NIS 001 DEPARTMENT OF STATE file Kyrgy zoton * * STATES UNITED AMERICA OF DEPARTMENT OF STATE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OFFICE OF CAUCASUS & CENTRAL ASIA AFFAIRS 2201 C Street, N.W. EUR/CACEN, Room 4217 Washington, D.C. 20520 Phone: (202) 647-9850 Fax: (202) 736-4710 6740 FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION FROM: KATHLEEN MORENSKI 1) Melanne Verver TO: 2) JON Elkind i) 456 - 6244 TELEPHONE: FAX: (2) 456 - 9160 SUBJECT: HR Activist better so FLOTUS DATE: 2/1/99 NO. OF PAGES 4 (including cover sheet) COMMENTS: The attached Thank you Letter is from a prisover of consence (Anuesty Internatual) in Kyrgyzstan We thanks the First hady for her efforts in reclusing his imprisament conditions due do her vist in Fall 1997 Please advise if response is required Much Thanks Kunt Aral FOR: Clearance Information Per Request Comment 02/01/99 MON 11:45 FAX 202 736 4710 STATE S-NIS I 002 Embassy of the United States of America January 5, 1999 Ms. Kathleen Morenski EUR/CACEN Department of State Dear Kathleen: Enclosed please find a letter from a prominent political activist Mr. Turgunaliyev addressed to Mrs. Hillary Clinton, and the Embassy's courtesy translation of it. The letter and the translation were faxed to you earlier. With best regards, M.Saritsky Nikolay Savitsky P/E Assistant 02/01/99 MON 11:45 FAX 202 736 4710 STATE S-NIS 003 Гостоже Kundapa Pogram Krunton Beeny my whecha Bama afeanam in Demokpetm Unenno nostory плубекую Za ind, Mino Bbr оказы- Ber etctanharm n how njaba Number horo harm f natife 1997 rola colenctive переводу weart my Лейлекской b Колонию. r hochnyanocs Barmem hypecthom hepeg ckangariamm, enegamber regoctantion боробы. Be give went Soporn kak zarynt- tunk upab n choool infert ha Jemile n hase by- #ествепный Zensber Henans Bam bercokolo Syka n cracter Nychel beerga Ban Jake chemint Counge. Bamen cembe! C Шубеким Thame timem - Monry Sex Myphynartnes Denalfs, 1998 02/01/99 MON 11:45 FAX 202 736 4710 STATE S-NIS I 004 The following is the embassy's courtesy translation of Turgunaliyev's letter. To Ms. Hillary R. Clinton. The entire world knows of your adherence to the ideals of freedom and democracy. That is why you were involved in an action for my rights as well. Accept my profound appreciation for the support in November 1997 you gave to the campaign for my transfer from a remote colony to a detention center in the capital. / admire your courage in the face of the scandals which are the consequences of the unworthy political struggle. You have become so esteemed to me as a champion of rights and freedoms of the people of the world and as a courageous person of the present. Let the sun always shine brightly for you. / wish beauty, health and happiness to you and your family. Sincerely yours, Topchubek Turgunaly. file Kyrgyzston Профессор Майрам Дуйшеновна AKaeBa Кыргызская Республика Professor Mairam D.Akayeva Kyrghyz Republic October 14, 1999 Ms. Hillary Clinton First Lady of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC U.S.A. Dear Ms. Clinton, The second anniversary of your visit to Kyrgyzstan on November 12, 1997, is almost upon us. It was an event that I consider to be one of the high points of my career of service to my country. It is warmly remembered by all who experienced it here as a day of great joy and accomplishment. I want to take this occasion to tell you that the work that was done that day has borne fruit; the American University in Kyrgyzstan is now a strong and flourishing institution that has taken a leading role in the educational life of Kyrgyzstan. Then AUK had 290 students, now it has over 670. In place of only three undergraduate majors, it now has twelve, plus a graduate program in Business. We are blessed to have this university on our soil and we have great hopes for its continued progress. It is a perfect expression of our desire to promote learning, democracy and the welfare of our young people. I wish to extend the fondest greetings from my husband Askar Akaevich and the rest of my family to you, your husband, the President, and your daughter. Please accept this letter from the hand of Camilla Sharshekeeva, the Provost of AUK whom you met that day, and who is the originator of the University and is responsible for its operation. She is the person who can best inform you of the current state of the university. Sincerely yours, M. Reeel- Mayram Akaeva First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic 10/15/99 FRI 13:36 FAX 202 736 4710 STATE S-NIS 4/1 < 10/15/99 FRI 12:59 FAX 202 3385139 KYRGYZ EMBASSY EX 001 file Kyrgyston THE EMBASSY OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC 1732 Wisconsin Av., NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 TeL: (202) 338-5141: Fax: (202) 338-5139 No.: 013/45 The Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic presents its compliments to the US Department of State and has the honor to inform that 1rs.Camilla Sharshekeeva, Provost of American University in Kyrgystan, will be visiting Washington, DC from October 30 through November 3 and New York City from November 4 through November 10, 1999. She has a letter of the First Lady of Kyrgyz Republic Mrs. Mairam Akaeva addressed to the First Lady of the United States of America Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton. During the visit to Kyrgyzstan in November 1997 Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the First Lady of the United States of America, participated at the opening ceremony of American University in Kyrgyzstan and had a meeting with Mrs. Camilla Sharshekeeva, Provost of American University in Kyrgystan. The Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic has the honor to request a meeting for Mrs. Camilla Sharshekeeva, Provost of American University in Kyrgystan with Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the First Lady of the United States of America during the above mentioned period of time either in Washington, DC or New York City to discuss the issues regarding the further development of collaboration of the American University with US universities. The Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the US Department of State the assurances of its highest consideration. US Department of State Washington, D.C. THE OF THE SHD KYRAHTZ INSURANCE Kyprma STATEMENT Washington, D.C., October 13, 1999 EUI Withdrawal/Redaction Marker Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001. report re: U.S. Government Report (1 page) 07/02/1997 P1/b(1) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Melanne Verveer OA/Box Number: 20040 FOLDER TITLE: Kyrgystan 2013-0534-S rc1607 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA] b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA] b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA] an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA] b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA] b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. TEXT: FIRST LADY'S SPEECH AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN KYRGYZSTAN (Speaks Nov. 12, highlights role of education in democracy) (1530) Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan -- First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed students, administrators and faculty at the American University here November 12, telling them that "a country's success in today's world, more than ever, rests largely on its ability to educate its people, to give them the tools they need to fulfill their promise. "That is why I am so pleased to be part of this ceremony, the founding of an independent American University in Kyrgyzstan." Mrs. Clinton said education is essential to the health of democracy, to building civil society, and to the success of a country's economy, "for economic growth especially in the global economy depends on a skilled workforce." In concluding, she urged students "to continue to explore with your minds as many frontiers of knowledge as you can possibly reach, and I challenge you to put your education to work to build your country, to make it the best possible place to live and raise children that you can imagine. And I ask you to do so in a way that honors the democratic values and the hopes that bring us here today." The First Lady also announced an award program, the Teaching Excellence Awards, for outstanding teachers of English and American Studies from around Kyrgyzstan. Recipients of the award will visit the United States and their schools will receive educational materials. In addition, the program will bring American educators to Kyrgyzstan. Following is the text of her speech: (Begin text) Hillary Rodham Clinton's Address American University in Kyrgyzstan Bishkek, November 12, 1997 Thank you so much. I am extremely honored to be here, and I must say, somewhat overwhelmed by this occasion. I want to thank President and Mrs. Akayev for their very warm, gracious hospitality. And I want to thank the Dean, the Provost, the Faculty Administrators, and especially the students of the American University here in Kyrgyzstan. I am very honored to be your first honorary professor, and there will not be a test on my remarks at the conclusion of the ceremony. I have come to Kyrgyzstan and to Central Asia on behalf of my husband, President Clinton, and the American people to reinforce the very strong ties between our two countries, and to witness firsthand the important progress you are making as you move toward becoming a full democracy, civil society, and an economy that helps all citizens reach their full potential. And there is no more important endeavor to realize all of these goals than education. You know that or you would not be here as part of this university. You know that education is essential to the health of democracy, for a democracy's success is contingent on citizens having the ability to make informed choices. You know that education is essential to building civil society, for civil society depends on learning to live with, tolerate, and respect those with whom we disagree. And you know that education is essential to the success of a country's economy, for economic growth especially in the global economy depends on a skilled workforce. It could not be clearer: a country's success in today's world, more than ever, rests largely on its ability to educate its people, to give them the tools they need to fulfill their promise. That is why I am so pleased to be part of this ceremony, the founding of an independent American University in Kyrgyzstan. Since your independence, under the President's leadership, Kyrgyzstan has sought enhanced cooperation with the United States and the West. It was in this context, that your President asked our Vice President, Al Gore, in 1993, for assistance in establishing a center for training future business and government leaders. The United States was proud to join you in partnership in creating that faculty. Over the last several years, through faculty and curriculum development, through your library and Internet access, the faculty has grown into a thriving institution. That is obvious, because of the example of the university's first graduating class. It is from these dynamic and motivated young people that the future reformers and business and political leaders of this country will be drawn. Today, we lay the groundwork for a university which will continue to make contributions to the future of Kyrgyzstan. We look forward to reaching a framework agreement with you that will define the university's independence -- and thereby assure its continued support. We know from our own long experience in the United States that only an independent center of learning can fulfill a university mission to open the minds of students, to teach them to think critically, and to inspire them to make a difference in the future. We also strongly endorse the role of the Open Society Institute as an effective advocate for democracy here and throughout the world. We hope that this university grows into a place that nourishes the bedrock values of free thought and expression, respect for human rights, support of strong and independent community institutions, and opportunity for all citizens. I think this partnership which has resulted in this university is one of the most important results of the alliance between our two countries. And we want to further that alliance. One of the ways we intend to do that is to recognize excellence in teaching. The Teaching Excellence Awards will go to outstanding teachers of English and American Studies from around Kyrgyzstan. These awards will bring teachers together to share techniques. The schools from which these teachers come will receive important educational materials. And the teachers who are selected for these awards will have the opportunity to visit the United States -- to teach us about your educational system and to see ours in action. I am also delighted that as part of this program, the Teaching Excellence Awards, award-winning American teachers will come to Kyrgyzstan to meet with students, fellow teachers, and members of the educational community. I have only been here for a very short time. In fact, I'm quite sad that my schedule does not permit me to stay longer, to visit with the students and the faculty here at the university and to see more of this beautiful country and to meet more of the people who are building its future. But I can say that based on my very short impression, what I have heard about the progress that has been made, the political and economic reforms that have taken place is certainly borne out by my own eyes and experience. This country has an extraordinary past, but I believe that it has an even more extraordinary future. I have read about your great national epics, "The Manas," and I spoke with the President about them at lunch today. These are stories about the steadfastness and courage of your ancestors in ancient times, and they are very inspiring. But I must tell you, from my perspective as an American who was watching what you were doing from very far away, I am even more inspired by what you have accomplished in six short years. I am more convinced than ever that you will not only demonstrate your commitment to the future, but in so doing, you will keep faith with the glory of your past. It is not an easy time to chart a new future. The world is changing very fast around us. Today at lunch I met the President's son, a 14-year-old young man, who told me very proudly that he was communicating on the Internet with other young people all over the world. That is something I could not do when I was his age; I will not even be able to imagine what he will do when he is my age. Just as I cannot imagine as I look at the students here, as I have listened to you address this audience in English, what accomplishments will lie ahead of you. But I want to commend you for taking advantage of this educational opportunity, and I want to say how pleased we are in the United States, that we can work together with you to establish this American University, because we want to be, now and in the future, allies, partners and friends, in charting the journey that we will take together into the twenty-first century. That journey is far more important to you who are students than to those of us who have already gone through much of our lives. So to you who are the students, I commend you for taking the risk of doing as much with your lives as you possibly can. I urge you to continue to explore with your minds as many frontiers of knowledge as you can possibly reach, and I challenge you to put your education to work to build your country, to make it the best possible place to live and raise children that you can imagine. And I ask you to do so in a way that honors the democratic values and the hopes that bring us here today. Thank you very much. (End text) КЫСЫЗ Профессор Майрам Дуйшеновна AKaeBa Кыргызская Республика Professor Mairam D.Akayeva Kyrghyz Republic October 14, 1999 Ms. Hillary Clinton First Lady of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC U.S.A. Dear Ms. Clinton, The second anniversary of your visit to Kyrgyzstan on November 12, 1997, is almost upon us. It was an event that I consider to be one of the high points of my career of service to my country. It is warmly remembered by all who experienced it here as a day of great joy and accomplishment. I want to take this occasion to tell you that the work that was done that day has borne fruit; the American University in Kyrgyzstan is now a strong and flourishing institution that has taken a leading role in the educational life of Kyrgyzstan. Then AUK had 290 students, now it has over 670. In place of only three undergraduate majors, it now has twelve, plus a graduate program in Business. We are blessed to have this university on our soil and we have great hopes for its continued progress. It is a perfect expression of our desire to promote learning, democracy and the welfare of our young people. I wish to extend the fondest greetings from my husband Askar Akaevich and the rest of my family to you, your husband, the President, and your daughter. Please accept this letter from the hand of Camilla Sharshekeeva, the Provost of AUK whom you met that day, and who is the originator of the University and is responsible for its operation. She is the person who can best inform you of the current state of the university. Sincerely yours, M. Mayram Akaeva First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic Melame file THE WHITE HOUSE November 8, 1999 Mrs. Mayram Akaeva First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic Bishkek Dear Mrs. Akaeva: Mrs. Camilla Sharshekeeva was kind enough to deliver your letter to me during the wonderful evening we shared recently. She reported similarly on the success of the American University in Kyrgyzstan. I am delighted with this news and am pleased and proud to have been in Kyrgyzstan at the university's inception. Please accept my very best wishes for continued progress and for the commencement of many more graduates in the future. I enjoyed hearing from you again. With warm regards to you and President Akayev, I remain Sincerely yours, Hillary Hillary Rodham Rodbam Clinton Clinton КЫРГЫЗ РЕСПУТАНКАСЫ Профессор Майрам Дуйшеновна AKaeBa Кыргызская Республик Professor Mairam D.Akayeva Kyrghyz Republi October 14, 1999 Ms. Hillary Clinton First Lady of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC U.S.A. Dear Ms. Clinton, The second anniversary of your visit to Kyrgyzstan on November 12, 1997, is almost upon us. It was an event that I consider to be one of the high points of my career of service to my country. It is warmly remembered by all who experienced it here as a day of great joy and accomplishment. I want to take this occasion to tell you that the work that was done that day has borne fruit; the American University in Kyrgyzstan is now a strong and flourishing institution that has taken a leading role in the educational life of Kyrgyzstan. Then AUK had 290 students, now it has over 670. In place of only three undergraduate majors, it now has twelve, plus a graduate program in Business. We are blessed to have this university on our soil and we have great hopes for its continued progress. It is a perfect expression of our desire to promote learning, democracy and the welfare of our young people. I wish to extend the fondest greetings from my husband Askar Akaevich and the rest of my family to you, your husband, the President, and your daughter. Please accept this letter from the hand of Camilla Sharshekeeva, the Provost of AUK whom you met that day, and who is the originator of the University and is responsible for its operation. She is the person who can best inform you of the current state of the university. Sincerely yours, M. Apeel Mayram Akaeva First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic