Why Did The Kyrgyzstan Revolution Happen

Former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev said the resignation he signed had not come into force because the interim authorities reneged on a promise to protect his relatives. Photo from Radio Free Europe

Bakiyev Says Russian Anger A Factor In Kyrgyz Revolt -- Washington Post/Reuters

MINSK (Reuters) - Deposed Kyrgyz president, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, said on Friday Russian anger at his decision to keep a U.S. air base in the ex-Soviet state was a factor in his overthrow on April 7.

Speaking from the Belarussian capital Minsk, where he fled following a revolt against his five-year rule, Bakiyev said he had no plans to return and lead Kyrgyzstan.

Asked about speculation that Moscow may have played a role in the uprising, Bakiyev said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had been unhappy at his decision in 2009 to extend the lease on the U.S. base.

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More News On Kyrgyzstan

Bakiyev blames Russia for overthrow -- Al Jazeera
Kyrgyz air base linked to U.S. tolerance of corrupt government -- Washington Post
Kyrgyzstan's ousted president vows not to return -- AP
Ousted Kyrgyz president softens defiance -- AFP
Deposed Kyrgyz Leader Vows Not to Return -- Voice of America
Bakiyev 'will not return to Kyrgzstan as president' -- BBC
The Lessons of the Kyrgyz Revolution -- Moscow Times