| Kyrgyzstan opposition leader Kurmanbek Bakiev says he has been named acting president, a day after protests toppled the central Asian state's government. 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:
I am greatly concerned about my country and people, now seen from the perspective of another highland nation, Scotland, where I now live. I have mixed feelings with sadness that Akaev put his own people into such desperation bringing revolution with violence, vandalism, and anarchism. 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.
Ainur Durusalieva, Aberdeen, Scotland 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.
RQ Claughton, Hastings 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.
Thirza, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan After Georgia and the Ukraine, the people of another former part of the Soviet Empire revolt and overthrow a corrupt government. And all these revolutions came from the people and were not imposed by an outside force. A sharp contrast to Iraq where the US wanted to bring democracy by means of war and failed so miserably.
Kaan, Düsseldorf, Germany 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.
Mars, Dubai, UAE 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.
Kevin Kline, Cary, NC, United States 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...
Talai, Mississippi, USA 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.
lev idels, Nanaimo, Canada 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.
Asel, Toronto 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.
Kad Mann, Western Australia 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.
Andi Watamachi , Sendai 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.
João Paulo, Pouso Alegre, Brazil I do not know what is next for Kyrgyzstan or its people, and I do not believe anyone does. The situation that developed in the last week has made me sleepless. My family lives in Bishkek. Frequent emails and phone calls do not pacify me because I do not know what is going to happen tomorrow. I hear many people praise the Kyrgyz for being brave and rebelling; however, I refuse to join the lines. The past two days have been hell for most people in Bishkek. Most of the supermarkets, small stores, businesses, and such have been destroyed. Streets of the city are trashed. Hearts of the people are blackened. 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...
Anna, Pt. Lookout, Missouri, USA 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.
Igor, USA
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.
Curt Somers, Washington DC
 |
 The people of Kyrgyzstan have risen bravely 
|
As Malcolm X said, "You can't separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom." The people of Kyrgyzstan have risen bravely against a corrupt government, it's not just the opposition who won, but the people themselves who have finally won. In the creation of a new Kyrgyzstan, I hope that the new government does not go down the same path of corruption.
Alex, Alexandria, USA
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.
Laikinon, Hong Kong, China 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.
Nargiza Ajimatova, Kochkor-Ata, Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan My entire family has left the Kyrgyz Republic last week in anticipation of what they thought was a long overdue process of change. My mother who lives on Chuy prospekt is hearing explosions and has seen extensive looting (Russians call it maradyer). But the mood is upbeat. We simply pray that Russia, in spite of its old-style Soviet rhetoric on the K.R. does not intervene and allow us to take care of our issues by ourselves. We love freedom!
Kazambalu Nurkambalinyev, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic 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.
Francois, London, UK (currently in Bishkek) 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.
Mirek Kondracki, Bielsko-Biala, Poland 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.
Ulukbek, Bishkek/USA We are far away from home and we are worried about the security of family and friends. My husband and I had to leave Kyrgystan in order to secure stable lives for ourselves and help our families back home. I feel proud for people of Kyrgyzstan making it this far. Many thought that because of central Asian mentality, Kyrgyz would not have enough courage to rise. My only hope is that the opposition leaders will come to a common strategy and quickly bring order into everyday life.
Nargiza Hakimova, Australia Unfortunately, as usual in the former USSR, one corrupted regime will be replaced in Bishkek by another more corrupted regim.
V.P. Zhdanov, Goteborg, Sweden 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.
Ravi Lockyer, London UK I am an Englishman who has been living here in Bishkek for more than 7 years and as a fluent Russian speaker I am well versed in life here. I was not in the first wave that entered the 'White House' but went in an hour later when the new 'leaders' were there. I honestly hope that the new 'regime' will try to solve the chronic problems facing the people, especially outside Bishkek and particularly those facing the Uzbeks and minorities in the south. The city has been looted - only to be expected when people who have had nothing see a chance to get something for nothing - and even the roadside kiosks are closed. Corruption is a way of life here and who can expect the police (USD 10.00 per month salary) or conscript soldiers (USD 5.00 per month) salary to remain loyal to people driving gold plated top of the range Land Cruisers! The borders with Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan are now the route of choice for smuggling drugs and weapons. Let's hope Kyrgyzstan can once again become a stunningly beautiful, raw natured country of amazingly hospitable people, towering mountains (93% of the land mass,)sunshine, traditions, beautiful women and fearless horsemen, kick boxers and wrestlers that make it so unique.
David Hutton, Bishkek Kyrgyzstan 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!
Anonymous, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
|
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
|
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.
Olga Kuzmich, Sacramento, CA, USA 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.
Karim Usmanov, Tashkent, Uzbekistan 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.
Ell, Bishkek/USA Georgia, Ukraine and next..? Could it be Zimbabwe? Let the cheaters learn a lesson from these.
SH Moulana, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
|
All this is only for foreigners; everybody who lives in Bishkek knows that it is just dirty games
|
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.
Sarygul, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Saltanat, Milwaukee, WI, USA 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.
Grace, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
|
It's simply common people united against the corrupt regime. People are indeed united against injustice
|
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.
Aselia Kupueva, Kuwait It's difficult to describe, what people feel now, but this vague sensation definitely calls a premonition of positive changes.
Leonid, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Janan, Ottawa, Canada 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.
Anon, Ireland 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.
Ahmed, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Meerim, Minneapolis, MN
|
Akayev was not the worst president of the former Soviet states
|
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
AB, Almaty, Kazakhstan 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.
Ainur Ismailova, MD, USA 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.
Olga, Bishkek The revolution was definitely coming. Although Mr Akayev had to leave his position in October, he was building a government that would protect him and his corruption from the people. Although there are many concerns that the opposition is not united, the people are united and are ready for drastic changes in Kyrgyzstan.
Almaz Tchoroev, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Stephen Shackelford, Santee, California, USA 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.
Anonymous, US Now that Felix Kulov has been released from prison, will the opposition rally behind him, or will they still be divided?
David Gullette, Cambridge, UK 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.
Suzanna Damilovna Begalieva, NYC, USA 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.
Leonid, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Aliona, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Eric Macaux, Washington, DC 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.
AK, Washington, DC 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.
Fergus Eckersley, London, England (currently in Bishkek) I hope this is only the beginning and we see further change in Central Asia, lets move on to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan!
Anonymous, Washington, DC 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.
Rahat, Osh, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Azamat, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
James Hayes, London, England 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.
Assamedin, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
San Juan, Puerto Rico 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.
Robert Michael Stone, Denver, Colorado 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.
Anonymous I just want to say only one things that I just came from central square, I saw how people crying but all tears of happiness, I do believe that today is first day of new Kyrgyzstan with no Akayev and his family, also I would like to inform you that Kyrgyz people deserve changes. We need to free our minds because during the last 10 years state bodies were corrupted with no limit, but now our people have changed our history. I am afraid that Russia will assist to Akayev, but I hope that Putin will be quite wise and will not let the Russian military intervene.
Bakyt Tulpar, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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?
John, Charlottesville, USA 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.
Youri Lysogorov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Adilet, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Nadia Jukova, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 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.
Azat Imashev, Bishkek I'm a 18 year-old student and I have 80% of my family and friends in Kyrgyzstan. Yesterday I had contact a friend of mine attending the American university, which is located next to the Kyrgyz parliament. She told me she is no longer going there because police and the military come and oblige student to take part in the pro-Akayev protests. What concerns me is the lack of decent opposition leader, there are several but no serious good one with the necessary charisma etc.
Van Den Bossche Maxim, Brussels, Belgium 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.
Anonymous, UK
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.
Mike Martin, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Mirgul, Almaty, Kazakhstan 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.
Jildiz, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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.
Arthur Harleston, Freetown, Sierra Leone 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.
Sherry Sposeep, Washington DC, USA 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.
Rubab Khan, New York, USA |
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
A selection of your emails was used on BBC World