Posted on 03/27/2005 10:53:07 AM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Rival parliaments are meeting in Kyrgyzstan amid rowdy scenes and confusion over who has the right to be part of the interim government. The country's electoral body on Sunday backed the parliament elected in February's disputed polls that led to the removal of President Askar Akayev.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court annulled the polls and said the previous parliament had authority. The acting president, Kurmanbek Bakiev, supports the court ruling.
However, the new head of security, Felix Kulov, told deputies gathered in the capital, Bishkek, that the term of the old parliament had expired and that legally, the new parliament was legitimate. 'Government interference' The BBC's Ian MacWilliam says most of those present were newly elected deputies.
But some members of the outgoing legislature complained loudly, shouting that people who had won their seats in "rigged" elections should not be taking part. The Supreme Court said in its ruling to annul the polls that they had been widely discredited by government interference. Some speakers on Sunday said that both bodies should be disbanded. Our correspondent says the apparent disagreement between the acting president and the acting security head could foreshadow further disagreements between the two most influential leaders of the opposition groups who now run the country. Whereabouts unclear Mr Bakiev has announced that presidential elections will take place on 26 June.
However, Europe's key security body has opposed the plan.
Markus Mueller, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) envoy to Kyrgyzstan, said: "I don't believe this [date] is realistic because it's a very short period of time. There are still a lot of questions unresolved - constitutional questions." The envoy would not give a date when he thought elections could be held, saying talks with the rival parliaments and powerful clans would be necessary. "If it does not become quieter, elections will just add to the instability," he said. Mr Akayev was ousted amid large-scale demonstrations following the disputed parliamentary elections. It remains unclear where the former president is, but many observers say he is probably in Russia. Russia says it has offered to host Mr Akayev, at his own request. Mr Akayev has accused the opposition of staging an "anti-constitutional coup". The US and Russia vie for influence in Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet state bordering China, with each holding a military base outside Bishkek. |
Region's press gripped by Kyrgyz uncertainty
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Newspapers across Russia and Central Asia have described events unfolding in Kyrgyzstan with increasing dismay and uncertainty. Some commentators see President Askar Akayev's removal from power as an opening for chaos and economic decline, which will have an impact on Russia and the region. The floral revolution is in fact a bloody coup, others argue, brought on nonetheless by popular anger at corruption and cronyism. Instead of "velvet" and the aroma of roses and citrus in the air, there is the smell of smoke, blood and chaos. Kazakhstan's Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
The tulip revolution has put the economic interests of Russia and Kyrgyzstan at risk. The country is gripped by chaos and disorder, and no-one knows what the new authorities will be like, or whether they will embark upon reprivatisation, Eastern-style. It is the West's economic policy which has first and foremost suffered a defeat in Bishkek. Yevgeny Arsyukhin in Russia's Rossiyskaya Gazeta Like all Kazakhs, I am anxiously following events in that country. And I desperately don't want that famous quote from the Iron Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, to come true yet again: "Revolutions are planned by philosophers, carried out by idealists, and it's scum that reap the rewards." Mark Aysberg in Kazakhstan's Ekspress-K The Kyrgyz revolution has flared up out of a difficult socio-economic situation. It shows that, unless the new Kyrgyz authorities devise a clear strategy for their actions in the future and pay attention to solving the people's socio-economic problems, we may see fresh, widespread unrest. And it's unclear who that would sweep into power. Roman Streshnev in Russia's Krasnaya Zvezda Lying at the heart of the coup in Kyrgyzstan, as in other countries in the CIS, are popular dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, severe unemployment, corruption, arbitrary conduct among officials and in the courts, cynical cronyism and nepotism. No 'floral' revolution can happen without relying on widespread and justified protest. But the outcome of this popular discontent depends on who grabs it by the horns and gives it direction. Y Kotofeyev in Russia's Sovetskaya Rossiya The Kyrgyz revolution puts one in mind of that old English saying: "Where there's a will, there's a way". The opposition decided to come to Bishkek, and came. But life is rewriting that saying to accompany a rather revolutionary tune: "Where there's a way, there lie desire, enticement and temptation." Georgia and Ukraine paved the way for Kyrgyzstan, showed it the path, scattered with roses and decorated with orange road signs. Sergei Maslov in Russia's Tribuna The Uzbek side proceeds from the conviction that the events of recent days and weeks in Kyrgyzstan are not sudden and spontaneous processes, and that they have, first of all, resulted from indignation that has been mounting for a long time among the people... Uzbek foreign ministry statement in Uzbekistan's Pravda Vostoka An honest nation, a genuine nation, will not put up with oppression and humiliation. What is it, if not humiliation, when the country's president sidelines citizens who know the situation very well, and ushers in his relatives from all over the place? Kazakhstan's Zhas Alash Bishkek has officially spent its first night of freedom. After the rebels seized power in the country, the cradle of "stability and prosperity" was looted and destroyed... Even the wildest fantasy of a sick man could hardly expect that "revolutionaries" and "freedom fighters" - read: marauders and criminals - would destroy the centre of the city, seize arms and refuse to obey the leaders who led them to the barricades. And that "the people's anger" would in fact turn into banal robberies... Thanks to television the world has seen shameful footage: a coup d'etat and rebellion by a bestial crowd drunk on vodka and high on drugs - and which had been taken to the capital "for peaceful protests". Kazakhstan's Liter BBC Monitoring selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaus abroad. |
What next for Kyrgyzstan?
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The opposition took control of the capital, Bishkek, after storming the president's palace. Protesters had fought running battles with sticks, stones and shields. The protesters demanded president Askar Akayev step down after disputed elections in February. Economic problems and alleged government corruption have also stoked the unrest. What next for the people of Kyrgyzstan? How will the ousting of the government affect regional stability? Are you in Bishkek or do you have friends or family there? Send us your comments.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
My city Bishkek was in that situation for a short period, and I am really happy it seems over. I really would like to believe that a new leader will be able to lead a real democratic republic and will fight corruption. I really hope that new minister of defense Felix Kulov will be able to control Bishkek and the whole country from violence and civil war; I really hope that my people will start a new life with a new beginning. Interesting, isn't it, that yet another part of the 'evil empire' of communism which the USA demonised as a threat to world peace, but has since quietly approved of as it has created thousands of multi-millionaires on the back of organised crime, violence and corruption, has descended into lawlessness. The Soviet Union, for all its monolithic faults, fed its people and kept bullyboy USA cowed enough not to dare impose its extremism on the rest of the world. I fear that unless some way is found to cut the USA down to size, the independence of other countries will systematically be stamped out in the interests of US power and profit. This one-day revolution has great potential for change in Kyrgyzstan - especially greater justice and equality for the poor majority in the country. The only concern I have is - who will step up to be the future leader of the country? Who can be trusted? Who genuinely has the best in mind for Kyrgyzstan and is not just in it for his/her own gain? I hope and pray that the right person may be found and elected in June and that Kyrgyzstan can look forward to a brighter and better future for all.
Wind of changes blew over Kyrgyzstan. I strongly believe all what's happening is for the bright future of our people. All credits should go to common people, who made this revolution, not aftermath leaders. Even some news about looting won't change my beliefs, I am extremely happy for my people and proud of them. The revolution will be better off in the long run for both Kyrgyzstan and many other ex-Soviet Satellite Nations. I know that the fighting and turmoil is causing large amounts problems now. My friend was on an exchange trip with other American students in Bishkek. While I feared for his life, I knew that any chance to rebel against the yolk from the Kremlin is for the best. Kyrgyzstan will now have a truer and longer chance for peace and Democracy. We are seeing a trend among these nations that they are not accepting Moscow-backed leaders (i.e. the Ukraine and Georgia). This seems to be the epilogue to the Cold War. The nations are free both in their independence from Russia (and her influence) and also truly heading towards freedom and democracy. In the end, the 10 American students were returned home this morning, much to my relief. This is just incredible! I am impressed how diverse are the comments and they are from all over the place. I called my family in Bishkek and Osh, they are very jubilant. I warned them on looting, it was expected and almost a certainty in this type of situation. Akayev is a coward of a worse kind, can't control the crowds, can't resign with dignity. Ultimately, he is to blame. We probably won't be able to accurately assess the impact of these events on the history until say 2015. Meanwhile, I pray for tolerance and peace, good luck to people who want to get out and people who want to return... All Westerns don't understand Asians. It is clear that one clan just overrun another one. People of Kyrgystan are just puppets in the hands of experienced politicians. Don't overestimate this coup. The old government was so corrupt and inefficient that it could not even issue valid passports. Kyrgyzstani citizens are trapped throughout the world and unable to travel as a result. If the government cannot even guarantee valid passports to its own citizens, then that government does not represent its people. I have only more hope that the new government will resolve this issue. The revolution in Kyrgyzstan has been called an "anti-constitutional coup" by Akayev and an "illegal" overthrow by Putin. Akayev fled when the people spoke and one wonders if Putin thinks the revolution in the former USSR that led to him leading Russia today was also "illegal". When will these leaders learn that you can only hide corruption and/or oppression behind a constitution for so long? The looting that has been reported should be seen as an expression of the people who have been facing chronic poverty. If the US and Russia really do "see eye to eye", then the best thing that could happen to Kyrgyzstan is that the US and Russia work together to break the grinding poverty of the Kyrgyz. We cannot stop people fighting for there lives. the Superpowers and western world are already witch hunting and warning us that if we revolt, then war will begin. I am very happy and proud for my people! I really hope the diverse ethnic and regional groups in the country could manage a violence-free change into a more democratic order. No one in that beautiful country wants more problems.
The revolutionaries have "freed" the people, yet they destroyed what many have built with their own hands. People were seen crashing the windows of the stores and grabbing everything they saw and running... Hundreds of cars, stuffed with chairs, stoves, refrigerators, etc flooded the streets of once very beautiful city. (...) Is the a future for Kyrgyzstan? Who will be its leader and what is he like? What will he do for the people? I am incredibly sceptic about whoever it will be. Does anyone really believe that Akaev's corrupt government will be replaced with something fresh and not corrupt? ...My heart is in and with Bishkek... When a mob of 15-year old kids take over government building, little doubt remains that Akayev's government was corrupt and weak. When that same mob goes on to rape and pillage through the city, destroying private property, ruining the lives of thousands of people - I become convinced that the new so -called "opposition movement" is capable of very little indeed.
My wife was a journalist for state television in Bishkek and it broke her heart to see the opposition take over the station, not knowing what happened to her friends who still worked there. Chingiz Aitmatov, a great Kyrgyz writer in one of his novels wrote about a man who quietly achieved his hopes and dreams in a dignified way. I do not see riots, lootings and anarchy being a legacy in the tradition of a dignified people. Let's hope sanity is served and all will find a peaceful solution.
I hope this is only the beginning and we see further change in Asian countries, and especially in Hong Kong and China. I hope China will also become a democratic nation in one day. As a Hong Kong citizen, I hope that people in Hong Kong and China can chose their leader through universal suffrage, not by appointment from central government in Beijing. I am an exchange student in the US from Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan. I am so worried about my parents, relatives and of course my motherland which is having a terrible situation. I'm taking part in the demonstrations, and I strongly believe that the elections weren't fair. 15 years should have been enough for him and his family. He should have let elections to be fair or honest and he should have supported people with new head of state or president. I am agreeing with people who were protesting because they are fed up with their life. We trusted our president. But now we understand the political and economical issues that we have. That's why all Kyrgyz people decided to protest, to serve democracy, to have freedom of speech, and right to live better, after the experiences in Ukraine and Georgia. They hope to have a life like Americans do. I hope it is the first and last revolution which will change everything to best.
I'm currently in Bishkek and from talking to people, these events result from them being fed up their corrupt leaders, which is stronger than their alleged thirst for democracy. I admire the people of this country for rising up against corruption. It's a shame my fellow Europeans don't stand up against their own corrupt leaders. The question should be not "what next for Kyrgyzstan", but "What next for Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan?". Russia desperately wants those already "lebanized" countries back, especially oil and gas rich Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. That's what the ugly and inhuman Russian military assault in Caucasus is all about. In addition to Chechnya and Abkhazian we shall soon see doubling of Moscow special services' efforts to destabilize Georgia.
I am very happy and proud for my people! This is the day that we were waiting for a long time. Akaev's regime was corrupted and weak. The ease with which it was overthrown proofs it. This will be the fate of all dictators, sooner or later.
Unfortunately, as usual in the former USSR, one corrupted regime will be replaced in Bishkek by another more corrupted regim. The speed of the uprisings and the unwillingness of the Akayev government to mobilise the armed forces is most surprising. They went quietly into the night. What next? There must be something done about corruption. On a trip there last August, our passports were requested in the VIP lounge of Bishkek airport then someone came back an hour later asking for money. It was not what you wanted after a 10 hour flight. Eventually we got our passports back. It is a great country, scenic, and unspoilt. I hope whatever form the new government takes it can address the rampant cronyism of recent years. The Kyrgyz people I met were very kind and generous despite their obvious poverty. I pray the future brings them a better government that can boost its trade with China. Best wishes for the future.
I am a citizen of Tajikistan, where parliamentarian elections were held on the same day as in Kyrgyzstan, and perhaps with even more brutal violations then in KG. Opposition won only a decorative role in the new parliament, and not a single representative of ethnic minorities got a seat. There were also protests from the opposition parties which were again calmed down from the top. Tajik people have very similar problems as Kyrgyz do. These are poverty, corruption, dirty water, unemployment, high labour migration, etc. I am sure, Tajik people are also morally ready to demolish its government; however they still remember horrors of the recent Civil War of 1992-1997 and prefer peace. But these sentiments must not be misused by the TJ government. Hope they will learn a lesson from the situation in KG and make effort to improve lives of over 60% poor living for a less then 1$ a day!
I am a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic currently living in the US. The news is very alarming to me. I do share the sentiments of people who are fed up with the president and unfair elections, but so far the situation seems to be chaotic and unstable. Who will be the next leader? What will be his agenda? Very disturbing. We are watching the news breathless... We hope that the light will come to our country too. Although, we know that some western countries are behind the tulip revolution in Kyrgyzstan, we believe that this will be a good example for some neighbours where dictators killed any opposition and freedom has to cry outside of the country with no hope to get the residence at home. I was born and lived in Kyrgyzstan for more than 25 years. What's happening in Jalal-Abad, Osh, Bishkek is scary and crazy. I don't believe in illegal methods of decision any kind of situation, especially changing political leaders. I don't see any potential leaders who deserve to be a president of this country. Georgia, Ukraine and next..? Could it be Zimbabwe? Let the cheaters learn a lesson from these.
What are talking about! Were the elections fair or not! It doesn't matter at all. There was nothing special in these elections. All this is only for foreigners; everybody who lives in Bishkek knows that it is just dirty games. It is not a democracy, it is just a crowd. I am not in Bishkek, but I am with my people. I hope that the revolution will be peaceful. Kyrgyz people always were and are rather peaceful people. To be honest, I didn't expect such events as we have seen these past few days. But I am proud of my Kyrgyz friends for having the courage to take a stand against corruption. Change is a process, though, and I pray that the Kyrgyz people do not lose heart or lose hope, but persevere. I also pray, and hope that all religious people are praying, that anarchy will not erupt, nor civil war. The last thing this country needs is looting, burning, and killing.
My mom is in her early 60s and has been a homemaker for over 20 years. My mother and my older brother have been going to the Ala-Too central square in Bishkek to protest for the last few days in a row. Of course, I strongly oppose to that due to security concerns, but I can emotionally relate to why they have been doing it. If I were in Kyrgyzstan, I would be right there, standing and shouting next to them. Years ago, I had actually worked in the Office of the President. I had left primarily to pursue better professional and economic opportunities outside of my country. Since then I have travelled a lot, I have worked in the US, I have been educated from top US universities, but I am Kyrgyz and I am from Kyrgyzstan. And my heart is right there in the Ala-Too square. People have been fed up with the corruption, poverty and fraud. These are not ethnic, religious or criminal-inspired riots. It's simply common people united against the corrupt regime. People are indeed united against injustice. There would be no civil war. Far from that. It's time for changes that Kyrgyz people have long deserved. It's difficult to describe, what people feel now, but this vague sensation definitely calls a premonition of positive changes. This is all simply amazing. I was in Kyrgyzstan only about four months ago. Back then, no one could even imagine such a transformation of power in the country. Although the recent popular uprisings in countries as diverse as Georgia, Ukraine and Lebanon have given a direct, if implicit, momentum to the protests, what has been happening since the parliamentary elections in the country are a result of genuine popular resentment at government corruption and nepotism on the side of Akayev's government. And I really hope the diverse ethnic and regional groups in the country could manage a violence-free change into a more democratic order. No one in that beautiful country wants more problems. I have been working in Kyrgyzstan, leaving only a week ago. I had to pay bribes to police and border officials there many times. It's so sad to see a beautiful country being destroyed by official corruption. However, many neighbouring countries have the same, even worse problems. Freedom and rule of law cannot be achieved through corrupt governments who laugh at the misery of their own peoples. It must change and the sooner the better. Everything in the capital is chaotic. My family and I are trying to leave the country and head for Moscow. Protesters are everywhere. I agree with their principles. I was at the presidential palace and I saw three dead bodies next to me. I hope we will have peace soon in this country. I am an exchange student from Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek staying in USA. I think it was always going to happen some day. Former president was controlling everything and all was too corrupted. People have nothing to lose, they are too tired. It is sad to see all what is happening but I am happy and excited even though we don't know what will happen next. I pray for a better future.
Stolypin once told to the Bolsheviks: "Russia needs peace and stability instead of revolution and disturbance." The history has shown that he was right. The same could be said to those rebels in Kyrgyzstan. I almost can bet that half of them don t know what they are doing, possibly drunk, and their minds were manipulated by the leaders of the opposition. Akayev was not the worst president of the former Soviet states. He is a scientist, an intelligent man, who was not that bad for the country during its interim period I am a Kyrgyz citizen, residing in the US. I have been following the events unfolding in Kyrgyzstan with great concern. Now, more so with admiration and pride for my countrymen for standing up to the Akayev's big family and regime. I don't think that the elections were fair, but at the same time I think that it's early to make the conclusions concerning the so-called revolution. Who is going to be responsible for its consequences? A lot of common people are confused.
I was in Bishkek in late January, the place runs on graft and corruption; police stop passing cars and demand money; bureaucrats ask for fees 10 times the posted amount. I have family currently living in Bishkek and they are staying home tomorrow as most government offices and almost all the large stores and business's are closed, I think things there are going to be a mess for a while. I'm worried about the effect it can have on the neighbouring Central Asian republics since they are not in a better shape either. Staying a president for 13 years and calling your country a democracy, "adjusting" the constitution so you can stay longer in the office... Come on, how long can that really last? At some point people just get tired. I really hope the opposition will have a good strong leader who will do smart things. At this point it hasn't happened yet. Now that Felix Kulov has been released from prison, will the opposition rally behind him, or will they still be divided? Although I reside in New York City I am following the news anxiously about my homeland. I am worried about my family, friends and relatives. I have been sending text messages to my sister's husband but no response. I hope they are safe. Following Georgia and the Ukraine's example is great and I am proud of my fellow Kyrgyz people. However, does Kyrgyzstan have its own Mikhail Saakashvili and Viktor Yushchenko? There are a lot of opponents who want the job. I hope Kyrgyzstan won't have a civil war. In my opinion, the opposition groups must be united and elect a Western-educated, modern and non-corrupt person. I have just returned from the Bishkek's central square, where all today's tensions took place. Everything goes on and people are in a positive mood. There are absolutely no drunk people. I can hardly name any serious damages of buildings... Some windows are broken in the White House (about 100m from the central square). People burnt two cars with governmental numbers. Public transport service is working normally, but practically all shops are closed. Studies in all the universities are paused until April 4. There are a lot of gawpers. Yes, the democracy in our country is definitely very "young" and has lots of flaws. But who's going to guarantee that those people who call themselves opposition will change things for the better? What have they done so far? Set some criminals free from prison, took the national TV, provoked young poor people to crush everything around. There are lots of doubts that they are going to settle the situation. The country's fragile stability has been undermined, that's for sure. I have a good friend who teaches at the American University in Bishkek, and given the general difficulty I have reaching her I can only wonder at her fate in all of this. My sense is that there is a strong nationalist pull to the opposition, and I worry that in the current global climate of anti-Bush, anti-Western sentiment, the opposition will not be limited to political leaders but will generalise to intellectuals. I do not feel that the elections were 100% fair, however, I do not think that the election was rigged. This does not give a mandate to the protesters to storm public building and cause fear and instability in the country. It is frustrating to see the events in Kyrgyzstan be compared to the past events in Georgia and Ukraine. Perhaps the only similarity is that the opposition was funded and fuelled by the United States. The international community can not sit and watch chaos looming in Kyrgyzstan. We as the international community need to condemn these acts of violence and destruction of public property. We saw them storm the White House, windows broken, armchairs/computers/pictures of Akayev/ thrown out and a Kyrgyz flag pushed out the window as sign of victory, then a lull and slight confusion as no leader had emerged to take control (although now they have released Felix Kulov, whose release was demanded by many of the banners). Children as young as 10 carrying police shields and triumphantly sporting army helmets and bullet-proof vests paraded on the lawn of the White House. Akayev's problem was that before the elections the people warned him that they wanted no vote-rigging and he just didn't listen. Interestingly very few of Bishkek's large Russian population participated in the demonstrations. I hope this is only the beginning and we see further change in Central Asia, lets move on to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan! I agree with the protesters as the elections were unfair. How comes unknown children of Akayev become members for parliament? What have they done successful and meaningful for the people of Kyrgyzstan to be chosen as members? I fully agree with asking Akayev step down the power. However, I don't agree with violence of protesters, still our people need different ways other than violence and destruction. People should know that what they are burning now will cost money to reconstruct. I am not currently in Bishkek, but most of my friends involved in the elections noted unprecedented amount of fraud. The government candidates have openly used illegal methods to secure seats in the new parliament. Just the fact that half the parliament was packed by the relatives of the toppled president, including his son and daughter, indicates at the fraudulent nature of the elections. Georgia, Ukraine, and now Kyrgyzstan: Yet another oppressed Asian people overthrow their corrupt government. Those who claimed that the recent tentative moves towards democracy in the Middle East (Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia) are a positive effect of the occupation of Iraq have been proved wrong. None of these Asian countries, of course, has been threatened with Western military intervention, or even has reason to fear it, despite questionable human rights records. Yet the people have risen up against the tyranny of their governments, something we were told the Iraqis were quite incapable of. I am happy Kyrgyz people have the courage to take an active stand for their beliefs. Yet no-one seems to be controlling the situation, which does not induce confidence in aptness of present opposition leaders. I hope they will have enough wisdom to elect a leader who can carry forward and fulfil the ideas behind the protests, for none of the present prominent leaders is suitable for this role. I believe we need a new face of the opposition. As a former resident of Kyrgyzstan, today I feel very proud that people have stood up not just to a corrupt government, but to unjust the socioeconomics of the country. Having been to KG three times, and with a father residing there, this has been an issue of great interest for me. To this point, the actions have not been unexpected - the United States reaction (considering the large presence at the Manas air base) will be the most unpredictable. Half of my family is currently in Kyrgyzstan. They are overwhelmed with happiness. These changes have been long overdue. There is only one person alone to blame for what has happened. The country has been driven to poverty and violence by an overthrown president. Let's just pray that the uncertainty will resolve soon and the country will start changing soon.
The former minister of culture immigrated here in 2003 and is my good friend. He described a political system that is extremely autocratic and ruthless to any opposing views, as well as being very corrupt. Of course, the US supports this dictator Akayev, as we want our defence presence there, unfortunately. When will America truly support democratic societies? It is really concerning what is now happening in Bishkek. The elections were as fair as it is possible in this part of the world. And I mean you cannot expect more democracy at the moment. All opposition leaders are the same establishment figures. They are not able to bring any new democratic winds to the republic. The demonstrators are led mainly by general poverty, lack of any political culture and mob psychology. I strongly hope that the international community do not support such a way of "democratisation". I am a Russian ethnic Kyrgyz citizen and I still hope that a wisdom of my multiethnic people prevails and unrest will end very soon. I am currently in Bishkek, in our office which is located nearly 700-800 meters far from so-called "White House", the government HQ. It is quiet and calm in the streets. Students, folks are going to and fro as usual and it is completely unbelievable that all these things happened. Internet, telephone, electricity and TV broadcasts are running, and I thank God for that. I feared the worst. I have my family in Osh, Kyrgyzstan and friends in both Osh and Bishkek but I am so far away and able to follow the new on the internet only with some news from my family saying that they are fine. I lived through the ethnic conflict in 1991 and know that now as well as then common people would suffer from all these political games. I did not participate in the elections this year as I am away but from what my parents say I can say that these elections and many previous ones were not fair. If the government cannot even register properly people for participating in the elections (my parents always have problems with registration for participating in the election), what can I say about the fairness of the elections' results. I am not in Bishkek but I am continuing receiving information from my friends who are in the capital, the city is getting under control of opposition and is almost under its control. The president has left the government office and the state secretary Osmonakun Ibraimov who up to this day was supporting the president and kept criticising the opposition and the events has resigned, due to his "disagreement" with the position of the president. But is too late, he as well as the press secretary and others who were supporting the president lost this confrontation and politically as well as strategically can not be interpreted as a success.
My wife is from Bishkek. The government is just as bent and self-serving as the others in the region. It has been a great surprise to me that people haven't stood up before now. Let's hope this goes the relatively peaceful route of the Ukrainian uprising, rather than some of the more brutal outcomes in other Caucasus countries. My other half is in constant contact with her parents now trying to make sure they are fine. As far as we can tell, they are worried, but they probably have much less awareness than us of the situation. Certainly Kyrgyz TV was not even reporting Akayev's comments until yesterday.
The elections were definitely fixed. Politicians are buying their way into government positions. The opposition and the general public have a right to be upset. The country is a mess while corruption is out of control in positions of power. The problem now is that there is no clear leader of the opposition and this could very well end up in anarchy or civil war if someone doesn't emerge soon. I am originally from Kyrgyzstan and all of my family still resides there. I think people have lost the patience to live in poverty with no hope for any change. Most of young population with Western education have fled the country like myself and like many of my friends who currently are working in Germany, GB, USA, Australia and etc. Many of them have organised pickets in countries of their residence in support of the opposition. The Kyrgyz community in Almaty has set a meeting for tomorrow. I am glad that changes are around the corner. I only hope that the acting government and the international community will make sure to prevent any armed activities. I'm a student of Kyrgyz National University. Today we went to study but all our teachers went away. However, our administration made us stay at university because they were afraid of some trouble on the streets. I can't understand why they didn't cancel subjects. The protesters in Kyrgyzstan are cultivating a kind of violence that is going to destabilise their nation. They should have learnt from other world happenings that violence is not the best way to solve issues especially political. I used to work for Mercy Corps in Kyrgyzstan. I have many friends and former colleagues there and I'm very concerned and worried about the unfolding situation. Yesterday my friend who is head of a microcredit program in Bishkek said that news reports were confusing and blurry. Putting a bad guy out is great, but not being able to put up a good one makes things worse since it's easier to destroy than to build. Kyrgyz mob is calling in their country's doom while thinking they are salvaging it.
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BTTT!
Strike that country where I will be visiting anytime soon. How I miss Tashkent and Samarkand!
Russia Fumbles, and Former Sphere of Influence Deflates
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