Fresh Unrest in Kyrgyzstan as Interim Leaders Pledge Reform
VOA News 19 April 2010
Hundreds of rioters armed with sticks and stones have tried to seize land outside the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, amid continuing political instability in Kyrgyzstan.
The latest unrest came as the country's interim government said it had drafted an action plan to restore democracy.
A high-ranking official Omurbek Tekebayev said Monday the proposed constitutional changes will be put to a referendum later this year.
Officials have also said nationwide elections will be held within six months.
A revolt on April 7 forced President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to resign, leaving the ex-Soviet republic in the hands of his opponents. At least 84 people were killed in the protests.
Mr. Bakiyev fled to Kazakhstan. Officials there said Monday he has now left their country, but it was not immediately clear where he was headed.
On Sunday, supporters of the deposed president seized control of the regional government building in the southern city of Jalalabad and broke into a local television station.
Kyrgyzstan's new leaders say Mr. Bakiyev will face trial for the April 7 deaths, as well as for other crimes, including abuse of power.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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