The opposition in Kyrgyzstan says it is setting up a "people's government"

[G_j]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8608440.stm


The opposition in Kyrgyzstan says it is setting up a "people's government" after deadly clashes left dozens dead.

Rayhan Demytrie, BBC News, Bishkek

Stun grenades and live rounds were fired at protesters in Bishkek's main square. The situation was chaotic with protesters attempting to move towards the presidential administration. They were shouting that President Bakiyev must go.

<snip>

Ms Otunbayeva said in a broadcast: "Power is now in the hands of the people's government. Responsible people have been appointed and are already working to normalise the situation."

The Associated Press news agency reported that an opposition leader had taken over the National Security Agency, the successor to the Soviet KGB.

But Galina Skripkina, of the opposition Social-Democratic Party, told Reuters news agency that the president had not yet resigned.
"He must... formally submit his resignation to parliament so we can appoint a caretaker government," she said.

<snip>

The United States said it deplored the violence and urged "respect for the rule of law". It also said it believed the government was still in control.


..more..

[maryf]

1. K&R

thanks for the report. power to the people...

[FarCenter]

2. From an interview with Ms Otunbayeva

http://runewsline.com/2010/03/25/bakiyev-was-more-monsters-than-akayev/

<B> – Kyrgyzstan have with Russia or the U.S. to be friends? Attempts Bakiyev to maneuver between them are not very good at. </b>

– We have a traditional relationship has historically been and is with Russia. In our peak season up to a million people go to work in Russia. The minds of these people are connected with Russia. We have the formation of industry, our attempts to move away from the plow connected with Russia. The presence in Kyrgyzstan, the Americans dealt with the situation in Afghanistan, but the situation is settled sometime.

We can get out of this tough disposition, which we have drawn great players. There is no precedent in the world to the small country was the base of two opposing countries. We must pursue its national interests. The reality is that we are tightly linked with Russia throughout its history and all of its future.

<B>– If you have to choose between the U.S. and Russia – who will choose? </b>

– We must be realistic. From the history of Afghanistan over two accounts do not get out, but by 2011 we hope to get out of the Afghan knot. And Russia has been and will remain our strategic ally. And the choice that makes the people, not a regime that comes and goes.

[G_j]

3. "Bakiev was not really a copy, and much more monsters than Akayev."

so much for the tulip revolution, or is it accurate to say it is continuing today?

[FarCenter]

4. Maybe it is continuing -- I think that Ms Otunbayeva was a leader of the Tulip Revolution

The problem with revolutions is the transition phase afterwards.

[FarCenter]

5. Scope of operations by US in Kyrgyzstan

The US, which maintains an airbase near Bishkek for resupplying Nato forces in Afghanistan, expressed concern at the violence. About 35,000 US soldiers move in and out of Afghanistan through the US base in Manas every month, and 30 per cent of refuelling operations over Afghanistan originate there. Last night all US military flights were suspended.

From http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article7090332.ece

[tekisui]

6. I wonder what the US military will do if the new government

is antithetical to our use of the air base.

A third go through there, IIRC, nearly that go through the Kyber pass. Which is frequently attacked when we don't pay off the Taliban.