President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan has issued an apology to the Kyrgyz people following the release of a video by his niece, Lazat Nurkozhoeva, showcasing her lavish engagement. The video, which circulated widely on social media, sparked public outrage due to its extravagant nature, Vesti.kg reports.
The engagement video features Lazat Nurkozhoeva and her fiancé arriving by a helicopter from the Ministry of Emergency Situations to a picturesque gorge near Bishkek, where their loved ones awaited them. The proposal was accompanied by fireworks set against the backdrop of the mountains, adding to the extravagance of the event.
Public Outrage and Presidential Response
The video's opulence caused a vital backlash among the Kyrgyz public, prompting President Japarov to address the issue. He emphasized that public figures and their families should lead by example.
"I often repeat that we need to stop waste. At the very least, my future son-in-law could support me and think before making such an offer. He had to try not to run into criticism, not to expose the president. I think he did it because he was young. If he had come and asked for her hand in a simple way, he would not have been refused," Japarov stated in an interview with KNIA "Kabar."
President Japarov also addressed the controversy surrounding the use of a Ministry of Emergency Situations helicopter for the engagement. He explained that helicopters are allowed to be operated for commercial purposes when not needed for government activities to ensure they are financially viable and to facilitate the purchase of new helicopters.
"We allowed the operation of helicopters for commercial purposes when they are not used for government needs so that they break even and we can purchase more new helicopters. Therefore, if an ordinary citizen, businessman, tourist or investor wants to rent helicopters, the state will be happy to provide them. Because every penny received from the lease goes to the state and is concentrated on the purchase of new helicopters. If we don’t do this, then, just like before 2020, we won’t have a single helicopter in our country. Now we only have about twenty helicopters. We use the proceeds from the rental to buy new helicopters. We have already said, and I will say now: anyone who needs a helicopter can order one and fly to any point in the country and back. The state will only benefit from this," Japarov explained.
President Japarov reiterated his expectations for his family to avoid repeating past mistakes and to refrain from interfering in state affairs.
"And I apologize to the people for my niece. She also listens to people's opinions. I believe that she will draw the right conclusions from this situation. Moreover, she is going to start her new life and start a family, and I hope that in the future her every action will be reasonable," Japarov concluded.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations provided clarification regarding the use of their helicopter during the engagement of Sadyr Japarov’s niece. The ministry confirmed that the rental was legal and fully paid for by the groom.
They also emphasized that helicopter rentals are available to the public, with rates for the H-125 Airbus at 157,662 soms per hour and the H-145 Airbus at 262,770 soms per hour.
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