EU Concerned At Situation In Kyrgyzstan

In a statement, the EU said it is worried by the level of political violence in the country. It notes the murders of three Kyrgyz parliamentarians in the past year, and a recent attack on the head of a nongovernmental organization.

It believes a climate of insecurity and intimidation -- including widespread gang violence -- is threatening the country's democratic development.

The EU urged Kyrgyz authorities to prevent criminal figures from gaining influence over the country's political life and institutions, and to press ahead with democratic reforms.

Brussels also noted that the general public is disillusioned with the government and that the economy is shrinking.

(Interfax, AKIpress, AFP, Reuters)