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Clashes Erupt In Kyrgyz Capital, Ex-President's Supporters Rally In South

Last updated (GMT/UTC): 19.04.2010 16:00

(RFE/RL) -- The situation in Kyrgyzstan is tense once again as clashes over land have erupted in Bishkek suburbs, and supporters of ex-President Kurmanbek Bakiev rallied in the south.

The developments come as the new interim government in Bishkek, formed in the aftermath of recent bloody political upheaval in the country, said it had the entire country under control.

Several hundred people armed with sticks and stones clashed with landowners in the village of Maevka, before moving toward the capital and demanding talks with officials.

In Bishkek, they briefly surrounded the office of the acting mayor, Isa Omurkulov. The crowd dispersed after several hours.

RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service correspondents in Bishkek say most of the rioters were those with no homes of their own -- people who live in rented places in Bishkek and nearby areas.

Omurkulov told our correspondent that groups of "provocateurs" were trying to seize land in an attempt to destabilize the situation in the country.

"There are about four or five places in Bishkek where people pushed by organized groups are trying to seize land," Omurkulov said. "Two other places around Bishkek belong to local communities. The land in Bishkek seized by squatters is meant for building schools, or kindergartens."

The interim government called for calm, saying in a statement: "We will do everything to preserve interethnic tolerance and integrity in Kyrgyzstan. Those who break laws and regulations will be severely punished. Everyone involved in the organization of disorders in the country will be accountable."

Similar riots and clashes over land happen routinely in the mountainous country, where land is in short supply for those who want to build houses.

Restive South

Meanwhile, rallies by supporters of former President Bakiev have continued in his native Jalal-Abad.

Some 1,000 people gathered in the southwestern town's main square today, denouncing the interim government and chanting pro-Bakiev slogans. Some of them gave out flyers calling for the former president's return to the country.

Over the weekend, Bakiev supporters seized a regional government office, after appointing their own governor, Paizullabek Rahmanov.

RFE/RL's Jalal-Abad correspondent, Ryspai Abdraimov, said the building is still under the control of protesters, and that today they also seized the building of the provincial Interior Ministry branch.

Abdraimov said gunfire could be heard from the area but it was unclear who was responsible.

Different rallies also took place today in neighboring Osh and Batken provinces.

Several hundred employees of law enforcement agencies in the southern town of Osh gathered in front of the provincial administration building, calling on the interim government to defend their rights.

They said law enforcement forces should not be used for officials' political agendas. They also protested against the appointment of the new interior minister, Bolot Sherniazov. Hours later, officials in Bishkek dismissed Sherniazov and instead appointed Bakyt Alymbekov.

Also, the interim government's appointment of a new mayor of Kyzyl-Kya in Batken Province sparked protests in the town. The protesters prevented Elmira Arapova from entering her office today.

Bakiev's Location Unknown

Bakiev was flown to Kazakhstan on April 16 after an agreement for his departure was brokered by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the United States, and Russia.

Kazakh Foreign Ministry spokesman Ilyas Omarov told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service today that after staying in the southern Kazakh city of Taraz, Bakiev has left now Kazakhstan.

"I cannot say where he left for, because he didn't reveal that information," Omarov said. "It is believed that he left the country this past weekend."

Bakiev's whereabouts are unclear.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenka on April 18 reiterated his offer to accept Bakiev and his family in Belarus.

Lukashenka said he still recognized Bakiev as the president of Kyrgyzstan. He said Bakiev was with "his 5-year-old son, a daughter, and his wife."

written by Farangis Najibullah, with contributions from RFE/RL's Kyrgyz and Kazakh services and regional media

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/Clashes_In_Bishkek_As_Bakiev_Supporters_Rally_In_South_Kyrgyzstan/2017658.html

Copyright (c) 2010. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.