Kyrgyz Opposition Announces National Protests Against President

Some opposition members objected to Bakiev's deal with Russia.

BISHKEK -- The United Popular Movement (BEK), a bloc of Kyrgyz opposition parties, has announced that it is planning a series of nationwide protests this spring against President Kurmanbek Bakiev's government and his polices.

BEK leader Azimbek Beknazarov, a former prosecutor-general, said the bloc will urge people to end "the one-family-run regime," RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

BEK member Topchubek Turgunaliev said that Bakiev's agreement with Moscow this week on a $2 billion loan and investment deal could make the country dependent on Russia.

But parliament deputy Askarbek Shadiev, a member of the pro-presidential Ak-Jol party, told parliament that Bakiev should be praised for signing the deal with the Kremlin.

Analyst Orozbek Moldaliev says he does not think a repeat of the March 2005 Tulip Revolution that ousted President Askar Akaev is possible now.