Coup in Kyrgyzstan

After the announcement 8 April of the formation of an interim government led by former Foreign Minister Roza Otunbayeva, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev reemerged with a number of statements from his apparent refuge in southern Kyrgyzstan, speaking of a 'coup' and an 'armed takeover,' and hinting at 'foreign' assistance but refusing to name the suspected instigator. Otunbayeva also gave an interview to Russian radio in which she spoke of 'significant support' from Russia and said 'balanced' decisions would be taken about foreign military bases.

Result of Protests and Violence
Kyrgyzstan's Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov and his cabinet resigned on 7 April amid widespread protests and violence, according to an opposition leader cited on the same day by privately-owned Russian Interfax news agency. The opposition was quick to form an interim government, even as firearms were being handed out to large groups, opposition leader Omurbek Tekebayev said. The new 14-member government is led by former foreign minister Roza Otunbayeva.

On 8 April state-owned Kyrgyz Television 1, now under the control of the opposition movement, broadcast an announcement from Roza Otunbayeva, former foreign minister and 'chairperson of the interim government.' Otunbayeva read out a decree that included the following developments:

1. The interim government is 'temporarily' claiming the powers of the Kyrgyz president and government.

2. The Kyrgyz Constitution remains otherwise in force.

3. Parliament has been dissolved.

4. The Central Electoral Commission has been suspended.

Key Figures in Interim Government
Otunbayeva went on to list a minicabinet of four key figures in the interim government, saying 'I have four key deputies.' They are the first deputy head of the interim government, Almaz Atambayev. He is in charge of all economic issues. Temir Sariyev is in charge of finances and loans.

The third deputy head of the interim government is Omurbek Tekebayev. He is in charge of constitutional reform and amendments, including a new platform, which is now planning to draw up to put the life in our country on to a new path and not to repeat the past mistakes. The fourth is former Opposition Leader Azimbek Beknazarov, deputy head of the interim government, who will be in charge of public prosecution, courts and the financial police.