Press release of the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva on a visit of the ex- President of the Kyrgyz Republic Rosa Otunbaeva in Geneva

2-3 September 2013, Geneva. The former President of the Kyrgyz Republic Ms. Roza Otunbayeva took part in celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Green Cross International that featured art exhibitions, cultural events, and scientific discussions.

One of the key events during celebrations was presentation of the Green Star Awards to prominent personalities and organizations for their efforts to prevention of and response to environmental emergencies.

The Green Cross International is the international, non-governmental organization founded by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993 after the environmental conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its headquarters is located in Geneva, and has branches in 30 countries, including the United States, Latin America, Asia, Western and Eastern Europe.

The main objective of the celebratory ceremony was development of proposals for prevention of environmental degradation that threatens the health and stability of our planet.

Along with other prominent members of the international community, the last Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev and former Polish President Lech Valensa opened and addressed General Assembly of the Green Cross International. Ms. Otunbaeva made a statement summarising outcomes of discussions within a theme "Dialogue on problem of Earth".

During the visit the former Kyrgyz President met with Mr. Yves Rossier, Secretary of State, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland as well as discussed migration related issues with representatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation. She also discussed issues of school and preschool education with authorities of the Geneva Canton General Directorate for primary education and representatives of the UNICEF Regional Office in Geneva