Snow leopard becomes Kyrgyz national symbol

BISHKEK. Oct 23 (Interfax) - The Kyrgyz government has passed a resolution declaring the snow leopard as the country's national symbol, its government's press service said in a statement on Thursday.

The decision is part of the implementation of a presidential decree recognizing the snow leopard as the national symbol of Kyrgyzstan in order to preserve, protect and popularize symbols which reflect the country's natural and cultural heritage.

The government also approved an official logo for use on state awards, coins, banknotes and commemorative medals, posters of public holidays, formal events and anniversaries, festivals, exhibitions, fairs, educational, cultural and image projects, and on official websites representing Kyrgyzstan. Distorting the image, using it for political agitation, illegal advertising or in a context harming the image of the Kyrgyz state is prohibited.