Pro-Reform Demonstrations Continue In Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Almaz Atambaev met with protesters in Bishkek on April 6 (RFE/RL) BISHKEK, April 7, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Activists and supporters of the United Front for a Worthy Future for Kyrgyzstan continued their hunger strike in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek today, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported today.

The protesters are demanding early presidential elections and constitutional reforms. One of their slogans is "Reforms Without [President Kurmanbek] Bakiev."

Feliks Kulov, a former prime minister and one of the leaders of the bloc, met with the hunger strikers today.

Supporters of the bloc held smaller rallies in other regions of the country.

Meawhile, Bakiev, in an interview today with the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, said the protests are a sign of democracy in Kyrgyzstan.

Bakiev said that police won't be called out against demonstrators at a planned protest rally next week, but that authorities won't allow anyone to provoke the crowds into causing disorder.

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.