BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Azimbek Beknazarov has been hospitalized, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Kyrgyz media outlets reported today that Beknazarov was hospitalized with symptoms suggesting suspected poisoning. But his aide told RFE/RL that Beknazarov's diagnosis is unclear. The aide said a diagnosis of Beknazarov's illness would be made public as soon as doctors issue one.
It is also unclear when Beknazarov was hospitalized.
Beknazarov, 54, was officially appointed deputy prime minister last month after deciding not to take part in parliamentary elections scheduled for October 10.
He has stated his opposition to the government decision to deploy a police force from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in southern Kyrgyzstan and has supported controversial Osh Mayor Melis Myrzakmatov.