Appeal to support Silk Road Media office in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Silk Road Media opened its satellite office in February 2010, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The main objective of our representation is to report events happening in both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. We also wish to promote Kyrgyzstan as a new tourist area, through the publication of guidebooks and colourful journals. Opening this office is a strategically important step for both the company and for the region as a whole, since all of our information can be taken from primary sources. The special feature of our publications is our ability to cover the culture, history, traditions and art of the people of Central Asia, within the framework of objectively reflecting the positive aspects of this collection of Central Asian countries, excluding the pursuit of dubious sensationalism. Since we have been the only publication specialised in promoting tourism in Central Asia for the last 8 years, our work is very important. Our direct mission is to attract tourists and investment in this still relatively unexplored region, as well as fostering the development of tourism and international relations. During the events of April 7th-8th, 2010, our representative office, which was located in the Agroprom building on Bishkek's central Ala-Too Square, suffered badly. The demonstrators broke into the building between 9 and 10 PM, and the entire building from the 1st to 7th floor was destroyed and robbed. The building rented offices to governmental and international organisations, committees for religion and culture, and many other private organisations. All were equally ruined.

Having broken down the door and the metal grid, all the equipment was stolen by the thieves: 5 laptops, 1 camera, 1 printer, 1 phone and 2 internet routers, as well as 1 PC, which we were renting. Objects that couldn’t be carried out were savagely broken: racks, tables, chairs, printed material was torn and scattered everywhere, accounting documents, contracts, home appliances. Personal items were also stolen: handbags, cosmetics, household utensils and accessories. All the equipment we estimated at the purchased cost, but in reality it is much more expensive due to lost information, accumulated over the years, the recovery of which will take months. The damage we have suffered as a result of this tragic event endangers our activity because these investments have been stolen and the company itself can not fully restore them. Overall we estimate the loss to total GBP 13 000. The actions of these marauders led the country into shock. However, such angry demonstrators represent less than 1 percent of the total population of the country. The percentage is minimal, and we cannot generalize these actions on all of the people of Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, Kyrgyzstan, in such a difficult period of its history, should not lose the opportunity to promote its culture and tourism opportunities throughout the world. All regular readers who are not indifferent to such publications as Open Central Asia, Discovery Central Asia Travel Magazine, and Travel Guides, etc., and are not indifferent to the fate of Kyrgyzstan, we appeal to you to respond and help to resume our work as soon as possible . We have appealed to local authorities and law enforcement agencies. But in this situation of chaos, we have not received real assistance or moral support. However, we continue to believe in justice, and above all in the assistance and contribution of our readers and fans from Europe, international organisations, embassies, private companies and charitable foundations. Help can be provided, both in monetary terms as well as office equipment. For contributions you can send a check to: Silk Road Media , 110 Suite, 456-458 The Strand London, WC2R ODZ, UK You can also transfer to our bank account or via Paypal to the address: silkroadmedia@gmail.com. This is also the e-mail address to use if you would like to make further enquiries. May we take this opportunity to thank you in advance for you continued and unwavering support in this difficult time. Silk Road Media

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