Kyrgyz opposition claims to take power, form new govt
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The opposition protesters claimed to have installed a new government in Kyrgyzstan late Wednesday amid dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries in the clash with the security forces in the country's capital city of Bishkek.
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Burned cars are seen outside the presidential palace in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, April 8, 2010. The Kyrgyz presidential palace has been occupied by the opposition protesters, and a new government, led by Roza Otunbayeva, the country's former foreign minister and leader of the Social Democratic faction, has been formed, key opposition leader Temir Sariev claimed on Wednesday. [Sadat/Xinhua] |
Key opposition leader Temir Sariev said on Wednesday a new government, led by Roza Otunbayeva, the country's former foreign minister and leader of the Social Democratic faction, has been formed.
He also said the Central Asian country's Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov had signed a letter of resignation, adding that the opposition has entered the building where government operates.
Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has flied out of the country, and either his whereabouts or destination remained unknown, according to unconfirmed sources.
However, a senior official in the opposition Social Democratic Party said the president's plane already landed in the southern city of Osh.
While opposition claiming it has occupied the presidential palace, Roza Otunbayeva said they are in "full control" of the situation.
The anti-government protesters also seized the headquarters of the country's internal security forces.
Passing the mid-night in the capital, the situation seemed to have eased a little compared to one or two hours ago, with the assembled protesters began to disperse, said the Xinhua reporter.
The country's TV station has constantly broadcast urgent requests for blood donation to treat those injured in the mass protests and clashes, the reporter added.
According to Health Ministry officials, the death toll would continue to rise. Earlier, the Health Ministry put the number at 40, while the opposition said around 100 people had been killed.
The White House National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer said the United States is "closely" following the situation in Kyrgyzstan and felt concerned about reports of violence and looting, urging all parties to refrain from violence and exercise restraint.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday said he was "shocked" over the deadly clash in Kyrgyzstan and appealed for concerned parties to "show restraint."
"The secretary-general is shocked by the reported deaths and injuries that have occurred today in Kyrgyzstan," said a statement issued by Ban's spokesman.
"He once again calls on all concerned to show restraint," the statement said, "He urgently appeals for dialogue and calm to avoid further bloodshed."
The unrest on Wednesday came one day after Tuesday's violence in the northern Kyrgyz town of Talas, during which at least 15 police officers were missing, 16 civilians and 85 policemen were injured, Prime Minister Usenov said.
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