New Kyrgyz Minister Threatens Force to Quell Protests

[chlamor]

Kyrgyzstan's new interior minister warned today that authorities might use force to restore order in the south of the country, where protesters demanding the president's resignation have taken control of several towns.

Keneshbek Dushebayev - the former chief of police in Bishkek and an acknowledged hardliner - spoke shortly after the president, Askar Akayev, sacked his predecessor and the chief prosecutor over the unrest in the south."Our primary task is to restore constitutional order in all regions, but strictly in accordance with the constitution," Mr Dushebayev said. "The law gives us every right to take action, including by using physical force, special means and firearms."

<snip>

Mr Akayev's spokesman, Abdil Seghizbayev, said the country's prime minister, Nikolai Tanayev, was planning to visit Osh to seek negotiations with the opposition, but he stressed there would be no talks with "criminal groups that are controlling the situation there". The opposition has rejected talks that do not include the president.Mr Akayev, 60, is prohibited from seeking a third term in office, but the opposition has accused him of manipulating the parliamentary vote to gain a compliant legislature that would amend the constitution to allow him another term. Mr Akayev denies the charge.


Kyrgyzstan is home to both Russian and US military bases. The US operates a base used for refuelling planes in Afghanistan, about 200 miles north of Osh. The Russian base is 12 miles east of Bishkek.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1444232,00.html

[expatriot]

1. Freedom is on the march.... n/t

[GregW]

2. Damn - he should buy a few vowels for his country first!

:evilgrin: