Kyrgyzstan interim national security chief promises to prevent further unrest
09/04/201013:17
BISHKEK, April 9 (RIA Novosti) - The situation in the capital of the ex-Soviet Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan stormed by nationwide protests which later turned into riots and looting has been stabilized, the provisional government's national security chief said.
At least 67 people were injured in overnight clashes between police and looters in Bishkek.
"The situation is normalized, a recurrence of disorders will not happen," Keneshbek Dushebayev said.
He added that the city is under control, the looters were dispersed and "will not return."
Dushebayev said the detained looters have been taken to local police stations.
Kyrgyzstan's interim interior minister authorized the police on Thursday to open fire on looters who have rampaged through Bishkek's streets during two days of rioting.
Protests began in the northwestern Kyrgyz town of Talas on Tuesday and spread to other regions of the country, including the capital, Bishkek. At least 75 people were killed and more than 1,400 injured in the unrest.
Kyrgyz opposition-nominated premier Roza Otunbayeva assumed power in the ex-Soviet Central Asian nation and formed a six-month interim government until elections are held. On Thursday, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Otunbayeva who asked for economic assistance from Russia.
A delegation from Kyrgyzstan led by interim First Deputy Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev departed for Moscow Friday morning to hold talks with Russian officials.
Also on Friday morning, public transportation in the republic was reported to have been restored, and shops and banks had opened.
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