Kyrgyz Opposition Snubs Talks With Government

Kyrgyzstan's Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov

BISHKEK -- Opposition leaders in Kyrgyzstan have snubbed negotiations with the government, amid deepening political tensions.

The government of Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov had organized a conference with the opposition leaders near Bishkek on April 18.

Government opponents said they refused to attend the talks because they wanted the discussions to be broadcast live on television -- a demand which wasn’t fulfilled.

The opposition has been behind a series of rallies in recent months.

The demonstrators demanded the resignation of the government, saying it failed to keep its promises.

Two presidents have been overthrown in Kyrgyzstan amid public protests since independence in 1991.

With reporting by AP and ITAR-TASS