Interview with Canadian minister back in may.An old interview but in the 4th question down the list she batted for stans nicely with the PM .
Canada is country that wants to invest, to have friendly investment climate and friendly relationship – Canadian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (interview) Bishkek (AKIpress) - 
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Consular of Canada Lynne Yelich made official visit to Kyrgyzstan on May 19-21. Minister of State Yelich met with Kyrgyz government officials,
management of Kumtor, other Canadian companies and the University of Central Asia. She also participated in a round table discussion with representatives of non-governmental organizations well.
In an exclusive interview with AKIpress, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Lynne Yelich talked about prospective areas of cooperation between Canada and Kazakhstan, trade relations between Kyrgyzstan and Canada, human rights issues, situation in Ukraine.
- In your Twitter-feed the visit to Kyrgyzstan was called as a “successful”. What was the purpose of your visit to Kyrgyzstan?
First of all, I was very pleased to travel to Central Asia, and this was to advance economic and political relationships between Canada and the region, especially with the Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan, where I'm traveling during this week.
During the two days I've spent in the Kyrgyz Republic, I had opportunity to meet with a number of business, political, academic, and religious leaders. We had constructive discussions on the importance of education, regional growth, and stability in Central Asia. We had discussions about religious tolerance, about the presence of important Canadian investors in the country, participation of young women in political life, along with many other subjects.
During my visit to the region, I'll attend the Astana Economic Forum in Kazakhstan to take part in a panel discussion on women in new economies.
- Can you elaborate on your participation at the Astana Economic Forum?
I look forward to providing a Canadian perspective on the important role of women in economy at the Forum. While in Kazakhstan I will meet with political officials, discussing Canada's economic and commercial relationship with Kazakhstan, the ongoing situation in Ukraine, and religious freedoms in the region. Certainly, there are many opportunities for Canadian businesses in Kazakhstan – given the similarities in geography and climate. Also there is interest in leading Canadian technology in aerospace, such as Canadian aircraft, mining and agriculture.
Canada values the Astana Economic Forum. This is the 3rd year in a row where Canada is represented at ministerial level. Three years ago the Minister of State for Finance visited the forum, last year - the Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz, this year - the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Consular. I'm going to be the 3rd high-level representative from Canada, putting an emphasis on how important the Economic Forum is.
I will be participating in a panel discussion on a role of women in new economy and it'll be a great opportunity for me to share Canadian experiences with respect to women's leadership in political and economic spheres.
Yesterday, we had a meeting with NGOs during the roundtable in Bishkek. This was a dynamic discussion about empowerment of women and promotion of women's participation in democratic process. We talked about fight against corruption. I was encouraged to see that NGOs and the authorities are working together and they've been able to establish mechanisms and platforms to make real progress in that area.
I believe and we all believe that women do face challenges in achieving participation in society and the economy. Canada recognizes the enormous contributions that women make to the economy. We recognize the contribution that women make to not just the economy, but that they are continuing to participate in communities and families. Canada is very committed to supporting the economic participation of women. Canada has taken actions and developed tools to help women better prepare to participate in the economy as workers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, so they can take charge of their own economic futures. I'll be glad to share this experience at the Forum in Astana this week.
- What are prospective areas of cooperation between Canada and Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is an important partner in regional and international security through both NATO partnership framework and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on issues such as non-proliferation and disarmament. We are keen to continue Canada's dialogue with Kazakhstan in the area of religious freedom. Recently we participated in a conference on religious freedom in Kazakhstan. The conference has established a solid base for future dialogue and experience exchange.
Kazakhstan is an important security partner in the region. We want to work with partners such as Kazakhstan to address threats that are posed by the proliferation, weapons of mass destruction and related materials – threats that potentially are used by terrorists. This collaborative work will benefit all of us.
Our commercial relations with Kazakhstan are strong. We are seeking to further deepen these relations by contributing to increased opportunities, especially in agriculture and extractive sectors for Canadian firms in Kazakhstan.
Canada is Kazakhstan’s leading trading partner from the Americas. Our total merchandise in 2013 was over $2.6 billion dollars.
- You had a meeting with Kyrgyz Prime minister Joomart Otorbayev. How can you comment results of your talks with him?
Trade relations between Canada and Kyrgyzstan have mainly focused on the operation of the Kumtor gold mine, and the 2nd smaller Canadian investment in rare earth metals operated by Stans Energy.
I've stressed about how it was important to encourage investment.
Stans Energy, for example, if allowed to invest, is interested in making multimillion dollar investments in construction of the processing facility for its Kutesai project. This would translate in hundreds of high paying jobs in the local community. That's what we talked about – how it is important to have Canadian investments in this area of the republic.
We want for local communities to understand that it is a very significant investment that would make significant contribution to infrastructure and communities.
We've talked about Kumtor mine. I want to go there for a minute as it is important to Canada. Canada wants its mining companies to be treated in a fair manner. If there is suspect or any evidences of wrongdoing, we want Kumtor to be treated in a transparent fashion. They want a license to continue to work in the Kyrgyz Republic. We want the parliament to give them a favorable conclusion.
We can talk about the benefits that Kumtor makes in this jurisdiction. I want to talk a little bit how Kumtor respects the environment. Every year over 9000 samples of air, soil, and water are taken. We have to understand that they're are not detrimental but they are very concerned about the environment. They work very hard to make sure that the mine is developed responsibly. They continue to do analyses to make sure that the water and the soil are safe, and that the mine is operated in an environmentally acceptable way. There are safe levels of emissions and discharges.
Many people don't realize that they contribute to development of the community. They contribute one million dollars annually to the youth micro-credit program. I think we need to look into how much a mine like that can mean to a community, to the republic. They have spent money on agricultural development: 5 million dollars annually goes to the Community Development Fund. It focuses on education, supporting local schools, and to vocational programs. It's not going out of the country, it's going into the community.
A strong community can build a strong region, a strong region can build a strong sovereign state. I think this is what has to be understood about Kumtor, about what benefits are to have a Canadian company invest in this jurisdiction.
Another thing they do is – I think I did mention already about the micro-credit for youth - $1 million in 2014 alone, that focuses on development. Youth are important – developing young entrepreneurs in society will be a very important revenue stream in time.
That was a lot of our conversation – on how it was important to have Kumtor mine recognized for the good it does, and for how it is very important for the environment, for they have taken this very seriously. Canada is the country that wants to invest, and we want to continue to have a friendly investment climate and a friendly relationship.
Unfortunately, there is a huge amount of misinformation about Kumtor in mass media here. All of the positive things, that I spoke about, have to be understood, taking into account its contribution to local communities.
Yesterday around the roundtable we talked many times about how it is important to have responsible media and responsible communications. We talked about how many journalists are spreading myths that the Kumtor company is operating improperly. That's a myth! These myths are damaging and are irresponsible.
We want to see responsible coverage, we want responsible journalists who are prepared to properly research, to do investigative research, to investigate the true story of Kumtor which is positive story of compliance with the highest standards of corporate social responsibility. They work under very high standards that exceed international standards.
I believe that during my visit with the prime-minister yesterday, I emphasized that. I'm hoping that it was well understood and that it can be communicated to the people through this interview as well.
I really wanted to discuss today mainly how important to establish trust between our countries so we can see more Canadian investment in the Kyrgyz Republic. That is critical right now. Without positive decision on Kumtor mine there could be very terrible impact for the area. It has to be understood here.
- How does Canada evaluate the Kyrgyz Republic's progress towards democracy after April 2010?
I want to say on behalf of Canada that we do take note about advances that the Kyrgyz Republic has made in human rights and democracy, particularly in increased media and NGOs' freedoms, in promotion and protection of LGBT rights. It's a crucial area where progress has been made. Tolerance, understanding, and respect for LGBT rights are consistent with the development of democracy in the Kyrgyz Republic. To go in opposite direction would be damaging to the development of the democracy in the republic and to the country's international image.
We want to also say that advances are also made with NGOs' freedoms.
We continue to encourage efforts by the Kyrgyz Republic to move forward with democratic reforms that stress internationally recognized principles I just spoke about: principles of human rights, minority rights, and promoting political pluralism.
We encourage the government of Kyrgyz Republic to build on its efforts to address inter-ethnic tensions in the country with an understating that justice and accountability are important components of the process of national reconciliation.
Canada wants to stand with the government of the Kyrgyz Republic and its effort to build stable, inclusive, prosperous, and a democratic country based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Canada is committed to working with Kyrgyz partners and sharing best practices to promote and to protect religious freedom. Canada's contributing to initiatives designed at assisting the Kyrgyz Republic in reducing inter-ethnic tensions and strengthening the capacity of the police: we provide some officers through the OSCE.
- During the visit to Bishkek you discussed the situation in Ukraine with government officials of Kyrgyzstan. Can you outline Canada's position on this issue and what you conveyed to the Kyrgyz government?
Yesterday we talked about encouraging the Kyrgyz Republic to take a position with Ukraine and convey it. The Kyrgyz Republic has now democratic credentials with its own history of overthrowing corrupt and authoritarian regimes. I want them to understand how it's important to be vocal, supporting the democratic process in Ukraine. The democratic process in Ukraine is under great threat. This is jurisdiction where the Kyrgyz Republic has so much to offer because of its own history right here. We have to have stability in the region. We are deeply concerned by continued efforts of Russian-backed separatists who wish to destabilize Ukraine.
I want to talk about the disconcerting parallels, what is now happening in Eastern and Southern Ukraine, and advances leading to Putin’s illegitimate invasion of Crimea. We discussed how it's important for Canada, its allies, and partners to continue to speak out with the unified voice in support of the democratic aspirations of the Ukrainian people and against those who wish to illegally redraw the borders of Europe. The Putin lead regime continues to disregard its Geneva commitments and has taken no concrete action in support of de-escalation or any respect for Ukraine sovereignty. This continues to escalate tensions by the ongoing rhetoric and military posturing at the Ukraine border.
I discussed this question with some of government officials yesterday. I conveyed Canada’s position very strongly that we are deeply concerned by the situation. Again we want the Kyrgyz Republic to be vocal. There is no doubt that the Russian regime has invaded and occupied Crimea.
Until clearly Russia demonstrates its respect for Ukraine sovereignty and territorial integrity we - Canada, G7 allies - must continue to apply pressure through sanctions and further isolate Russia economically and politically.
- What are prospective areas of cooperation between Canada and Kyrgyzstan?
I again can tell you right now how it was important to meet with the authorities yesterday and how important relationship with Canada is politically and economically, and how it's important for this government to show the world it's open for business with countries which built on the same principles of human rights, freedoms, and the rule of law. The rule of law must be applied to the Kumtor mine. We ask the recognition of Canadian investment importance. Foreign investment is important because of the jobs it brings, it stimulates economy. Kumtor employs 3б000 people.
I gave examples how the company respects the environment.
We in Canada have one of highest standards for developing our resources responsibly through heavy regulations. We regulate very heavily to make sure there is no threat to our water, air quality, and endangered species. We also work to make sure that development also has good balance to help our economy to create jobs.
Did you discuss other possible areas of cooperation with Central Asian countries, for instances, in consular affairs?
That is all the part of our relationship that builds on some of conversations we had. First of all, we have to really establish investment climate. Those areas come in as we start to build our trust to make sure that Kumtor mine is respected, it has fair hearing, and they are able to show how important they are. Those are areas that come in to play after that.
My visit was to protect Canada's interests, to help and to protect the Kyrgyz Republic from making mistakes by making negative decisions. I know what I can expect if there is no positive decision – this means that the mine would have to close down and 3000 jobs will be lost. It will be devastating not just for that community. It builds the region. They contribute a lot of money through tax and general revenues. 12% of GDP of the Kyrgyz Republic comes from that mine.
I'm trying to impress upon them that it is a responsible Canadian company that respects and goes above international standards in their work. Workers are making wages well above the national average there. If there is a problem they have to have a forum, where they can tell their side of story to convince people that this is a good thing for this jurisdiction and for other investors to come. Because the alternative is not good.
- Thank you very much for interview.