26 ноября во Дворце Кампидолия на Капитолийском холме Рима состоялась церемония вручения премии Минерва за 2015 год . Экс-Президент Р.И.Отунбаева получила премию, учрежденную в Италии в 1983 году, которая присваивается ежегодно выдающимся женщинам, продвигающим, вопреки всем трудностям, новые знания, новые ценности и новые увлечения в своих сообществах как в Италии, так и во всем мире. Медаль с изображением головы Минервы (италийская богиня мудрости) патронирует Президент Италии. При вручении премии Генеральный директор департамента по политическим вопросам и вопросам безопасности МИД Италии Лука Джианзанти отметил высокую институциональную роль Р.Отунбаевой в развитии КР и ее постоянную работу в пользу мира и демократии в международном плане. Наряду с лауреатами этой премии из Италии в этот вечер премией Минерва была также награждена Джойс Алуоч, судья и вице-президент Международного Уголовного Суда (Гаага).Текст выступления Генерального директора департамента по политическим вопросам и вопросам безопасности МИД Италии Лука Джианзанти:Luca Giansanti - Director General for Political and Security Affairs , Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italian Republic:I am particularly honored to present the Minerva Prize to Ambassador Roza Otunbayeva. Her personal history is a demonstration of commitment towards democracy and peace and of dedication to the wellbeing of the people of Kyrgyzstan. Her political engagement was unprecedented in Central Asia and instrumental in making the promotion of pluralism and democratic values a success in her Country. Not only has Ambassador Otunbayeva been a skilled diplomat, but also a prominent political leader and stateswoman. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, Roza Otunbayeva accepted the challenges arising from the Political and economic transformation of her Country, managing them with a unique combination of charisma, leadership and moderation. She committed herself in a tough electoral campaign in 2005 and later on she was among the leaders of the popular uprising called the “Tulip Revolution”. That revolution (one of the first “colored” revolutions of this century) aimed at opening a new page in the history of Kyrgyzstan, getting rid of authoritarianism, corruption, and undue privileges. Ambassador Otunbayeva was on the frontline while facing the formidable challenge of building a new Country from the ashes of the previous regime, first as Prime Minister and then as President of the Republic. Her belief in democracy led her to support a parliamentary system in Kyrgyzstan, an experience never tried before in the region. In doing so, she interpreted and embodied the quest of her fellow citizens for political and institutional renovation, while preserving stability. Being with her people, working for her people: that was the recipe for the successful outcome of her political strategy, resulting into the introduction of parliamentary democracy in Kyrgyzstan in 2010, through a referendum. Thanks to those wise choices at a key point in its history, last month Kyrgyzstan was able to run again very successful parliamentary elections, confirming the unique position of this Country in Central Asia. In sum, Ambassador Otunbayeva features high among the key political and institutional figures of modern Central Asia. In addition to her diplomatic and political career, Ambassador Otunbayeva has always attached relevance to motherhood and young generations. The Foundation bearing her name devotes special attention to education, human development, gender issues, entrepreneurship, culture, with concrete programs and projects. Her endeavours in this respect deserve recognition and appreciation. Thanks to Roza Otunbayeva, Kyrgyzstan is nowadays a reliable partner in Central Asia, which remains a strategic region for the global security. The awarding of the Minerva Prize makes Ambassador Otunbayeva even closer to Italy, to our people and our society. I am sure that we can count on her wise advice in our efforts to strengthen the relationship between Rome and Bishkek and I thank her warmly for that. Thank you.