Jeenbekov promises to award Hero of Kyrgyzstan title to Atambayev
BISHKEK. Nov 24 (Interfax) - Sooronbai Jeenbekov, who was sworn in as the new Kyrgyz president on Friday, has said he would award the title Hero of Kyrgyzstan to his predecessor, Almazbek Atambayev.
"You deserve the high title of Hero of Kyrgyzstan and the Ak-Shumkar [White Falcon] badge for your selfless service to Kyrgyzstan and your foresight," Jeenbekov said in his inaugural address.
"I will be honored to present you with this token of recognition of your services to the country on behalf of the people," Jeenbekov said.
He promised that his first executive order would be to award the title to Atambayev.
In turn, in his farewell speech, Atambayev recited a poem he wrote for Jeenbekov.
The new Kyrgyz president is 59 years old. He won the October 15 election with 54.22% of the vote.