Kyrgyz lawmakers approved a bill in final reading on December 20 amending Kyrgyzstan's national flag amid protests. The draft legislation, initiated by President Sadyr Japarov, says the wavy yellow rays of the sun on a red field depicted on the current flag resemble a sunflower. The Kyrgyz word for sunflower is "kunkarama," which can also mean "dependent." Japarov is now expected to sign the bill into law, which, according to the lawmakers, will allow the "straightening" of the sunrays to make the image look more like the sun. Several rallies protesting the move have been held in the Central Asian nation since it was proposed in October. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, click here.
Kyrgyz Lawmakers Approve Bill On Amending National Flag In Final Reading
The current Kyrgyz flag (left) and the one just approved by Kyrgyz lawmakers (right)