Accessibility links

Breaking News

Kyrgyz FM: Protesters Trying To Destabilize The Country


Kyrgyz protesters rallying in February Bishkek, 17 March 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry is expressing concern that the ongoing opposition protests in the country are being coordinated to destabilize the country.

The Ministry appealed to all Kyrgyzstan's opposition parties to "gracefully recognize" the results of the country's recent parliamentary elections.

The statement comes as demonstrations by opposition groups continue in several parts of the country. Speaking to RFE/RL, Boris Poluektov, first deputy chairman of the Kyrgyz National Security Service, said the situation is broadly under control: "I think the situation is under control, on the whole. Only several regions have taken a position which is not very good. I don't think this will take a massive scale because the elections were transparent and clear."

Kyrgyzstan's opposition says the recent parliamentary elections were rigged in favor of the government. They want the results cancelled and a re-vote held.

The elections saw President Askar Akaev maintain an overwhelmingly loyal parliament. Opposition protesters have seized administration buildings in Bazar-Korgon in the Jalal-Abad region, in Kochkor in the eastern Naryn Province, and in the southern town of Toktogul.

Other demonstrations continued today in western Talas District, in the southern city Osh, and in the capital Bishkek.

(RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service/Interfax)

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG