Praise, Warnings For Kyrgyz Constitution Deal

A gathering in Bishkek on November 9 to celebrate the new constitution (RFE/RL) PRAGUE, November 9, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The OSCE chairman in office today praised Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev's government and its opponents for reaching an agreement on constitutional reforms.

Belgium's Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht said in a statement he hoped that the deal "will pave the way for further fruitful cooperation between all parties, and that all branches of power will now be able to concentrate on other important challenges."

MORE: Coverage in Kyrgyz from RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.

China, which has a border with Kyrgyzstan, also expressed relief at the outcome of the Kyrgyz crisis.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said China was glad to see that the weeklong standoff was resolved peacefully and legally.

The Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank, however, warned today that the situation in Kyrgyzstan remains fragile.

ICG said it had written to EU, U.S., Russian, UN, and OSCE leaders to help Kyrgyz authorities develop a long-term mechanism to resolve underlying disputes.

Kyrgyz opposition leaders say they now want Bakiev to implement other pending reforms.

(with material from Xinhua)

Understanding Kyrgyzstan

Workers preparing for celebrations of the constitutional compromise in Bishkek on November 9 (RFE/RL)

A STABLE FOUNDATION? On November 9, RFE/RL's Washington office hosted a briefing featuring RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service Director Tyntchtykbek Tchoroev and RFE/RL analyst Daniel Kimmage.