Kyrgyz Republic Corruption Perceptions Index 2003 score: 2.1 (118th out of 133 countries) Bribe Payers Index 2002 score: not surveyed Conventions: UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (signed December 2000; not yet ratified) Legal and institutional changes • The ombudsman law, signed into law in July 2002, provides the legal basis for the ombudsman to ensure official compliance with constitutional rights. It specifies procedures for appointment to – and removal from – the post, as well as its respon- sibilities and investigative procedures (see below). • A commission on legalising the illegal economy, appointed by Prime Minister Nikolai Tanaev in August 2002, was tasked with drafting a programme of work under the chairmanship of Deputy Premier Djoomart Otorbaev and Finance Minister Bolot Abdildaev. The plan envisions four principal projects: economic analysis of the shadow economy; identification of fiscal policy measures; labour force policy; and accounting and registration policy. The goal of all four measures is to bring illegal businesses in all economic sectors into legal conformity. The National Statistics Committee has reported that the shadow economy accounts for at least 13 per cent and as much as 40 per cent of GDP. • A nationwide constitutional referendum approved in February 2003 introduced reforms that included the extension of immunity from prosecution for the first president (see below). • President Askar Akaev signed a decree in February 2003 raising judicial salaries by 50 per cent. He called the decision a move to reduce corruption in the court system. • An anti-corruption law was adopted in March 2003 to highlight and prevent corruption, call offenders to account and create a legal and organisational framework for anti-corruption operations. The law – which has no implementation mechanisms – calls on the media to investigate and report corruption cases, and to insist that relevant state institutions provide information about such wrongdoing (see below). • President Akaev issued a decree in April 2003 that provides for the establishment of a National Council on Conscientious Government (NCCG) to facilitate transparent administration as part of the government’s anti-corruption strategy. The NCCG is expected to eliminate government interference in the economy; provide openness and accessibility of public services; and enhance the responsibility of officials and supervisors to civil society and the state. Although the 25-member council is working, provisions concerning its operation have yet to be approved by the president. 1 Global, regional and country reports 206 TI 04 chap08 6/1/04 16:14 Page 206