Kyrgyz Opposition Leaders Won't Join Unity Government

(RFE/RL) March 29, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Two opposition movements in Kyrgyzstan will not participate in a coalition government, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported.

The decision was made today during a meeting of leaders of the For Reforms movement and the United Front for a Worthy Future for Kyrgyzstan.


United Front member Omurbek Abdyrakmanov told RFE/RL the two groups also decided not drop their plans to launch mass rallies next month.


"[The two opposition movements] decided, first, to jointly carry out their political activities; secondly, not to participate in a coalition government led by [Prime Minister-designate Almaz] Atambaev; third, jointly to prepare a new draft constitution; and forth, jointly to organize indefinite protest rallies set for 11 April," Abdyrakmanov said.


Earlier today, President Kurmanbek Bakiev nominated Atambaev, the leader of the Social Democratic Party and a member of the new United Kyrgyzstan opposition movement, to be prime minister.


The move came after Azim Isabekov resigned, a day after Bakiev blocked his attempt to sack five ministers.


Parliament must now consider Atambaev's candidacy.

Understanding Kyrgyzstan

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.


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Listen to the complete discussion (about 80 minutes):
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