Festivities marking 20 yrs since independence to begin in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, August 30 (Itar-Tass) - Festivities dedicated to the 20th
anniversary since the proclamation of independence are due to begin in
Kyrgyzstan Tuesday.
Traditionally, the holiday is marked August 31 but considering the
fact that this year it is a 'good round figure', a two-day program has
been compiled.
"In the morning, a monument to the world-famous writer Chengiz
Aitmatov will be unveiled in the Ala-Too square in the capital Bishkek," a
source in the country's government told Itar-Tass. "Then a gala meeting
will be held in the hall of Kyrgyzstan's Philarmonic Society in connection
with the jubilee," the source said.
Sergei Naryshkin, the chief of staff of the Russian President's
Administration will take part in the festivities, too.
It is expected that he will hold meetings with President Roza
Otunbayeva, Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev and parliament speaker
Akhmatbek Keldibekov.
"August 31, a theatrical show and a military march-past will be held
in the city's central square, after which a big concert will be organized
at the Spartak stadium.
The march-past of military units will include 80 pieces of combat and
automobile technology - tanks, armored cars, antiaircraft systems, and
artillery salvo systems Grad.
More than 2,000 servicemen are expected to march in the parade.