Ceasefire Between Kyrgyzstan And Tajikistan Continues To hold

RFE: Cease-Fire Said Holding After Worst Violence In Decades On Kyrgyz-Tajik Border 

Both sides have reported calm on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border as a day-old cease-fire appeared to be holding and more than 40 people were being mourned from some of the worst clashes in decades on their disputed frontier. 

A joint Kyrgyz-Tajik military commission reported finding an unexploded rocket embedded in a residence in the area as the group inspected the scene of 24 hours of intense violence on April 28-29. 

Kyrgyzstan is observing two days of official mourning for 34 people who died in Batken Province. One hundred and seventy-eight more were reported injured on the Kyrgyz side, seven of them still in grave condition.  

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WNU Editor: It is going to take a long time before the bitterness diminishes .... Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan: Officials talk peace, but popular moods still raw (Eurasianet) 

More News On The Border Conflict Between Kyrgyzstan And Tajikistan  

Kyrgyzstan says ceasefire with Tajikistan holding after clashes -- Al Jazeera  

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan agree to withdraw troops -- DW  

Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan agree complete cessation of hostilities after border flare-up prompted by dispute over access to water -- RT  

Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan: Images of destruction after border clashes -- BBC

Kyrgyz Nationalist Sadyr Zhaparov Wins Landslide Victory In Presidential Election

 

DW: Nationalist Sadyr Zhaparov wins Kyrgyzstan's presidential elections 

Winning nearly 80% of the vote, Zhaparov is set to complete his rise from prison to presidency. 

But voters also chose to do away with parliamentary rule in Kyrgyzstan. 

Nationalist Sadyr Zhaparov has won the presidency of Kyrgyzstan on Sunday as the central Asian nation held its first elections since political unrest in October. 

At the same time, voters also elected to do away with a parliamentary system of government, granting more powers to the presidency in the former Soviet state. 

Results published by the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) showed Zhaparov with close to 80% of the vote. 

His closest competitor, Adakhan Madumarov, was at less than 7% support. 

Read more .... 

More News On Kyrgyz Nationalist Sadyr Zhaparov Winning A Landslide Victory In The Presidential Election 

Kyrgyz nationalist wins landslide victory in presidential poll -- Reuters 

Kyrgyz nationalist wins landslide election, months after release from jail -- France 24 

Kyrgyzstan election: Sadyr Japarov looks set for landslide victory -- BBC 

Populist, Prisoner, President: A Convicted Kidnapper Wins Kyrgyzstan Election -- New York Times 

Kazakh ruling party set to sweep parliamentary polls amid boycott -- Al Jazeera

Kyrgyzstan President Resigns After Weeks Of Turmoil

 

Reuters: Kyrgyz president quits; prime minister, newly sprung from jail, takes over 

BISHKEK (Reuters) - Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov resigned on Thursday, leaving power in the hands of a nationalist rival whose supporters freed him from jail last week. 

The swift transition appears to put an end to more than a week of turmoil and unrest that followed a disputed election. 

Sadyr Japarov, 51, who was named prime minister this week, told cheering supporters that he had taken on the powers of the presidency, following the resignation of Jeenbekov and of the parliament speaker, who would otherwise have been next in line. 

“Today, (speaker Kanatbek) Isayev signed a resignation letter. All presidential powers have fully passed to me today,” Japarov said. 

Read more .... 

 More News On Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov Resigning 

Kyrgyzstan’s president says he’s quitting to avoid bloodshed -- AP 

Kyrgyzstan's president quits after days of protests following disputed election on October 4 -- AFP 

Kyrgyz PM Declares 'All Power In My Hands' After President Resigns In Face Of Postelection Unrest -- RFE 

Kyrgyzstan president quits, saying he doesn't want to shoot citizens -- Nikkei Asia Review 

Who is Kyrgyzstan’s new prime minister, Sadyr Japarov? -- Al Jazeera

Kyrgyzstan's President Declares State Of Emergency

 

DW: Kyrgyzstan's president declares state of emergency in capital 

Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov has declared a state of emergency in Bishkek just hours after saying he was prepared to resign. 

Anti-government protests have left hundreds injured. Kyrgyzstan's president, Sooronbai Jeenbekov, declared a state of emergency in the capital, Bishkek, on Friday and ordered troops to take to the streets to restore order. 

The announcement came as large rallies gathered on Friday in the fifth consecutive day of protests. Fist fights broke out between rival factions and gunshots were fired into the air, according to an AFP correspondent on the scene. Key leaders were evacuated from the area. 

Read more .... 

 More News On Kyrgyzstan's President Declaring A State Of Emergency 

Live Updates: Several People Injured in Clashes in Kyrgyz Capital, Witness Reports -- Sputnik 

Turmoil in Bishkek: Kyrgyzstani president accepts PM’s resignation, fires entire government & promises to quit in near future -- RT 

From Hiding, Kyrgyzstan’s Leader Declares State of Emergency -- New York Times 

Kyrgyzstan president calls in military as protesters clash in streets -- Reuters 

Kyrgyzstan President calls in military as protesters clash in streets -- ABC News Online 

Kyrgyzstan election: Fresh clashes as state of emergency comes into force -- BBC 

New clashes in Bishkek as Kyrgyzstan slips deeper into crisis -- France 24 

Ex-Kyrgyz president Atambayev survives ‘assassination attempt’ -- Al Jazeera 

Kyrgyz parliament to meet, consider PM candidates on Saturday: report -- Reuters

Protesters Seize Kyrgyzstan's Government Buildings Over Vote-Rigging Claims

Eurasianet.org: As dawn breaks in Kyrgyzstan, protesters control government buildings 

Only hours after clashes broke out in Kyrgyzstan’s capital between demonstrators and riot police, the headquarters of government and the security services were seized by protesters, prominent imprisoned politicians had been released, and the president had gone to ground. 

By daybreak on October 6, the central Bishkek square where hours of peaceful, if fiery, rallies sparked by anger over election-rigging had degenerated into a scene of bitter fighting the night before, large crowds of men milled around in uncertain anticipation. 

The upper floors of the White House, the objective of much of the night’s fighting, were ablaze. The sheer speed of events was dizzying. 

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WNU Editor: It looks like a revolution is now in play in Kyrgyzstan. The President of the country is nowhere to be seen. 

 More News On The Unrest In Kyrgyzstan 

Kyrgyzstan election: Protesters storm parliament over vote-rigging claims -- BBC 

Kyrgyz protesters take over, torch government headquarters: media -- Reuters V

iolent Protests in Kyrgyzstan Over Results of Election Marred by Vote Buying -- NYT 

Kyrgyzstan protesters seize gov’t house, free ex-leader Atambayev -- Al Jazeera 

Protesters over ‘rigged’ election break into government headquarters in Kyrgyzstan capital (VIDEO) -- RT 

Jailbreak: Kyrgyz protesters free ex-president Atambayev, imprisoned for corruption -- RT 

Video: Massive Fire Engulfs White House Amid Protests in Kyrgyz Capital -- Sputnik

Former Kyrgyz President Atambaev Accused Of Plotting Coup

A mugshot of former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev taken by police after his arrest on August 8

Reuters: Kyrgyz ex-president arrested, accused of coup plan: state media

BISHKEK (Reuters) - The head of Kyrgyzstan’s security forces on Tuesday accused ex-president Almazbek Atambayev on Tuesday of planning to stage a coup, state news agency Kabar said, following a deadly clash last week with police sent to his house to arrest him.

Atambayev surrendered on Thursday when police raided his home and detained him for questioning over a corruption case, laying bare a power struggle with his successor Sooronbai Jeenbekov that has pushed the Central Asian nation to the brink of political crisis.

Atambayev’s supporters had repulsed a similar raid the previous day in which a deputy commander of a special forces unit was killed.

In an indictment related to the botched raid, prosecutors on Tuesday charged him with murder, hostage-taking and causing mass unrest, Kabar said.

Read more ....

More News On Former Kyrgyz President Atambaev Being Accused Of Plotting A Coup

Ex-Kyrgyz President Atambaev Accused Of Plotting Coup -- RFE
Former Kyrgyzstan president faces murder charge in soldier's death -- UPI
Kyrgyz ex-President Atambayev was plotting coup: Security chief -- Al Jazeera
Kyrgyzstan ex-president charged with murder following arrest: reports -- FOX News

Raid To Arrest Kyrgyzstan's Former President On Corruption Charges Fails. A Second Police Raid Is Now Underway

Daily Mail: Raid to arrest Kyrgyzstan's former president on corruption charges fails as his supporters stand their ground in battle that left one special forces soldier dead and more than 40 others injured

* The raid at former president Almazbek Atambayev's residence south of capital Bishkek began last night
* Atambayev supporters resisted troops and some barricaded themselves inside and took six hostages
* Government forces agreed to leave after the hostages were released and 45 people were taken to hospital

A raid to arrest Kyrgyzstan's former president on corruption charges failed after his supporters stood their ground in a battle that left one special forces soldier dead and more than 40 others injured

The raid at former president Almazbek Atambayev's residence south of Bishkek, the Kyrgyzstani capital, began yesterday evening and continued into the pre-dawn hours.

A throng of Atambayev supporters resisted the raiders, while some barricaded themselves inside and took six servicemen as hostages.

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WNU Editor: A second police operation is now underway .... Kyrgyzstan's ex-president resists second raid on his home (BBC).

More News On Yesterday's Raid To Arrest Kyrgyzstan's Former President On Corruption Charges

In Kyrgyzstan, Attempt To Arrest Former President Turns Into Deadly Encounter -- NPR
Kyrgyzstan's wanted ex-leader evades arrest -- Reuters
Elite Forces Try, and Fail, to Arrest a Former President of Kyrgyzstan -- The New York Times
Ex-Kyrgyz President Atambayev Admits Shooting When Police Units Stormed His Residence -- Sputnik

Border Dispute Between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Has Been Resolved (For Now)

(Radio Free Europe)

Radio Free Europe: Uzbekistan Pulls Back Troops From Kyrgyz-Uzbek Border

Uzbekistan has pulled backed troops and military vehicles from a disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, ending a weeklong standoff over the contested area.

The Kyrgyz state border guard service said the troop withdrawal took place early on March 26, a day after a meeting between Kyrgyz and Uzbek officials over the crisis.

The meeting had been initiated by the Uzbek side, the border guard service said.

On March 18, Uzbek authorities deployed troops, two armored personnel vehicles, and two military trucks near the border in Kyrgyzstan’s southwestern in Aksy district in Jalal-Abad province.

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Update #1: Kyrgyzstan: Uzbeks pull back from tense border area -- AP
Update #2: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan end border standoff -- Reuters
Update #3: Kyrgyzstan: Uzbeks Pull Back Troops, But Questions Remain -- Eurasianet.org

WNU Editor: This dispute has been ongoing since the 1930s .... and probably will continue in the years to come.

Kyrgyzstan Declares A State Of Emergency

Kyrgyzstan Declares State Of Emergency -- Al Jazeera

The Kyrgyz government calls for state of emergency after violent clashes between protesters and security forces.

Kyrgyzstan has declared a state of emergency after bloody clashes between security forces and protesters over the arrests of dozens of demonstrators who cut off power to a Canadian-owned gold mine they want nationalised.

Prosecutors said that 92 people were arrested when security forces moved in to disperse the protest over the Kumtor mine, retake control of an electrical substation and dismantle their tents.

But this in turn sparked a new protest on Friday as thousands of locals began a march to call for the release of those detained, clashing with security forces who fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Read more ....

More News On Kyrgyzstan Declaring A State Of Emergency

Kyrgyzstan Declares State of Emergency After Clashes -- New York Times
Hundreds storm office of Canadian gold mine in Kyrgyzstan, 55 wounded in clashes with police -- Washington Post/AP
Kyrgyz police move in on Centerra gold mine protesters -- BBC
Kyrgyzstan sets state of emergency to protect Centerra mine -- Reuters
Kyrgyzstan declares emergency after bloody gold mine clashes -- Global Post/AFP
Kyrgyzstan Calls State of Emergency After Gold Mine Clashes -- Eurasianet.org
Scores injured in clashes as Kyrgyz horsemen hold Canadian-owned mine hostage (PHOTOS) -- RT
Questioning The Environmental Cost Of Kyrgyzstan's Kumtor Gold Mine -- Radio Free Europe
In pictures: Kyrgyzstan gold mine protests -- BBC

Kyrgyzstan’s Fragile Government Collapses

Kyrgyzstan Coalition Falls As Parties Exit Over Economic Woes -- Chicago Tribune/Reuters

BISHKEK (Reuters) - Kyrgyzstan's coalition government collapsed on Wednesday after two parties withdrew in protest over a shrinking economy and alleged corruption in the volatile former Soviet republic.

As they left the four-party coalition that has governed the impoverished Central Asian country since December, deputies from the Ata-Meken and Ar-Namys factions called on Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov to resign.

Read more ....

More News On Kyrgyzstan's Coalition Government Collapsing

Kyrgyz Ruling Coalition Breaks Up, Government to Resign -- RIA Novosti
Kyrgyzstan’s fragile governing coalition collapses after major defection from 4-party pact -- Washington Post/AP
Kyrgyz ruling council disbands -- UPI
Kyrgyz government collapses, increasing political instability -- Washington Times
Kyrgyz Ruling Coalition Collapses -- Radio Free Europe
Kyrgyzstan's ruling coalition collapses -- BNE
Kyrgyzstan: Surprising No One, Governing Coalition Collapses -- Eurasianet.org

Kyrgyzstan Facing Rising Ethnic Tensions

Ethnic Feuding Risks Violence In Kyrgyzstan: U.N -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Southern Kyrgyzstan risks a return to ethnic violence if discrimination persists against minority groups in the volatile Central Asian region, where hundreds were killed in June 2010 clashes, the United Nations' human rights chief said on Tuesday.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called on the mayor of Osh, the focus of clashes between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks that killed nearly 500 people, to condemn torture and other rights abuses she said were taking place in the city.

"Continued imbalances in the treatment of various groups will simply make further outbreaks inevitable, as they feed a cycle of resentment, mistrust and prejudice on both sides," said Pillay.

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My Comment: Another country where ethnic and sectarian tensions that were suppressed by the Communists are now coming back in full force.

Kyrgyzstan And NATO Have Agreed To Allow The Transit Of Military Equipment To Afghanistan

Kyrgyzstan Allows NATO Transits -- RIA Novosti

Kyrgyzstan has signed an agreement with NATO to allow the transit of military cargo to and from Afghanistan, the Foreign Ministry in Bishkek announced on Wednesday.

The deal was inked by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbayev and NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow during the weekend NATO summit in Chicago.

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My Comment: With Pakistan keeping NATO supply lines closed, this agreement was essential. This deal is to the end of 2014.

So Much For Kyrgyzstan's Eternal Flame

The eternal flame is seen with the background of a newly-married couple setting free doves at the Victory Square in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 12, 2009. It is a tradition for many Kyrgyzstan's newly-married couples to come to the Victory Square to pray for happiness in their life.(Xinhua/Sadat)

Kyrgyzstan’s Eternal Flame Dies -- The Telegraph

The Eternal Flame in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, has flickered, faded and died after a utilities company cut off the gas to the World War Two memorial.

Kyrgyzgas justified turning off the gas supply to the monument, built during the Soviet Union to honour the millions who died fighting Nazi Germany, by claiming it was owed nearly £6,000 by the authorities, the AP news agency reported.

The image of an extinguished Eternal Flame is an embarrassing blow for Kyrgyzstan, one of the poorest of the former Soviet states in Central Asia. It has few mineral resources and little arable land to develop.

Read more ....

My Comment: Russians hate reading stories like this one .... and not surprisingly .... this cut-off is big news back in Russia.

Ethnic Tensions Rising In Kyrgyzstan

Ethnic Tension Rising In Southern Kyrgyzstan Says Report -- The Telegraph

Less than two years after clashes between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in southern Kyrgyzstan killed more than 400 people, a leading think tank has warned that relations between the two communities are worsening once again.

In a 23-page report published this week, the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) wrote that leaders in Osh and other cities in the south of the former Soviet state have been pursuing anti-Uzbek policies which have disenfranchised and frustrated the large Uzbek community.

“While Uzbeks are far from embracing violence and have no acknowledged leaders, their conversations are turning to retribution, or failing that a final lashing out at their perceived oppressors,” ICG wrote.

Read more ....

Update #1: Kyrgyzstan: Widening Ethnic Divisions in the South -- International Crisis Group
Update #2: Kyrgyzstan: Disregard For Uzbek Community Pushing Ethnic Minority To Breaking Point -- Eurasia Review

My Comment: Russian media is repeating the same thing .... but focusing on Russian threats that if the 10% Russian community are threatened, Russia's military will intervene.

Why Kyrgyzstan Doesn't Want Russian or American Bases

Going It Alone: Why Kyrgyzstan Doesn't Want Russian or American Bases -- Joshua Foust, The Atlantic

The Kyrgyz leader does not seem terribly interested in being Russia's proxy in Central Asia.

Russian-Kyrgyz relations have deteriorated sharply. Russia is dissatisfied with Kyrgyz plans to shut down a russian military base, and Bishkek demands to replace the General Secretary of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The new apple of discord became the Dastan torpedo producing plant, which Moscow is seeking to control.

Last year, when Atambayev threatened to shut down the U.S. base in Kyrgyzstan, analysts seemed to react in one of two ways: Atambayev was steering Kyrgyzstan toward a new, pro-Russia stance (focusing as well on his endorsement of the Eurasian Union), or he was just sort of angling for more money to coast out the last six months of 2014 until the whole question becomes moot anyway (I still lean toward the latter interpretation).

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My Comment: Russian - Kyrgyzstan differences were glossed over when Kyrgyzstan was a part of the Soviet Union. But with the break-up of the old Soviet Union, the former republics are learning and acting independently. Some .... like Kyrgyzstan .... took longer to learn this, but it appears that they are catching up .... and catching up very quickly. As for U.S. interests .... American concerns were always focused on the Manas airbase, a vital transit hub for supplying Afghanistan. But with the Russians now offering an alternative airbase .... I would not be surprised if this U.S. base will be handed to Kyrgyzstan and then forgotten when the lease is up..

U.S. Pentagon Chief Presses Kyrgyzstan For Continued Use Of Manas Air Base

EN ROUTE TO KYRGYZSTAN
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta answers questions during a press availability onboard an Air Force E-4B National Airborne Operations Center en route to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 12, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Kyrgyzstan Wants Military Role to End at U.S. Base -- New York Times

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — One of Kyrgyzstan’s top defense officials told Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta on Tuesday that a crucial United States air base here should have “no military mission” when its lease expires a little more than two years from now. The request creates a potential hurdle to American plans to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014.

The base, officially called a transit center, is at the Manas airport close to the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, and has been a vital hub for troops and matériel moving in and out of Afghanistan. It is the only such base that American forces have in Central Asia.

Read more ....

More News On U.S. Attempts To Keep A Base In Kyrgyzstan

U.S. Seeks to Extend Base Lease -- Wall Street Journal
Panetta seeks to shore up support in Kyrgyzstan for use of base critical to Afghan withdrawal -- Washington Post/AP
Panetta in Kyrgyzstan to seek continued use of air base -- Washington Post
On Visit To Kyrgyzstan, Panetta Presses For Continued Use Of Manas -- Radio Free Europe
Panetta Hears Kyrgyzstan Open to Talks on Extending Base Deal -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Panetta sounds out Kyrgyzstan on key US base -- International News
US pushes to use Kyrgyztan base after 2014 -- Daily Times
Kyrgyzstan rules out US military using base after 2014 -- International News

Russia Boosts Military Aid To Kyrgyzstan

Russia Boosts Military Aid To Kyrgyzstan -- The Telegraph

Russia has started to send extra military aid to Kyrgyzstan to help bolster security along the Central Asian state’s borders before NATO withdraws from Afghanistan in 2014.

The Central Asian states are worried that once NATO leaves Afghanistan the Taleban will look to push northwards and that security in the region, which is becoming a major energy supplier to Europe, will collapse.

Russia shares their concern and has pledged to help the former Soviet states boost security. In Tajikistan, which lies just north of Afghanistan on the main transit corridor for drugs en route to Europe, Russia wants to assume control of the actual border.

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My Comment: Russia is positioning themselves for the day when U.S./NATO military forces leave Afghanistan, and the expected mess that will then follow. They want to protect their southern borders, and I am sure that the Kyrgyzstan government also shares these sentiments (and appreciates the support).

Kyrgyzstan President Wants To CloseThe American Base In His Country

U.S. Base in Kyrgyzstan 'Very Dangerous': President -- Defense News/AFP

BISHKEK - Kyrgyzstan's new leader said Dec. 29 that it was "very dangerous" for his Central Asian nation to host a U.S. military base at Bishkek airport and that it must become a fully civilian airport by 2014.

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev said he told visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake that the annual users fee of $150 million which Washington paid was not worth the risks involved.

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More News On The Kyrgyzstan President Wanting To Close The U.S. Base In His Country

US base in Kyrgyzstan dangerous: president -- MSN News
US base in Kyrgyzstan 'very dangerous' -- Business Recorder
US base in Kyrgyzstan 'very dangerous': President -- Express Tribune/AFP
U.S. Airbase Threatens Kyrgyz Security, Says President -- CRIEnglish
American Base In Kyrgyzstan Poses Threat To Country – OpEd -- Eurasia Review

WNU Editor: The Russians and Chinese have good reasons to be happy with this base closure. But the Kyrgyzstan President is also peeved off with the Russians.

Kyrgyzstan President-Elect Wants US Base Vital To Supply Afghanistan To Close By 2014

Kyrgyzstan To Close US Airbase In 2014 -- Voice of America

Kyrgyzstan's president-elect has told the United States that its Manas airbase has to close when its lease expires in mid-2014.

Former Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev, who won Sunday's presidential election with more than 60 percent of the votes, said Kyrgyzstan would honor the current lease but has no intention of extending it.

Read more ....

More News On Kyrgyzstan Demanding The Closure Of The US Airbase By 2014

Kyrgyzstan says US has to quit vital Nato airbase in 2014 -- The Telegraph
Kyrgyz election winner says US base poses risk -- Boston.com/AP
US must close Kyrgyz base in 2014: president-elect -- AFP
Kyrgyzstan’s election winner says US air base poses risk, must shut by 2014 after lease ends -- Washington Post/AP

My Comment: 2014 is a long way from now .... and many things can happen by then.

Kyrgyzstan Faces Terrorism Threats Before Upcoming Elections

Upcoming Election Raises Specter Of Terror In Kyrgyzstan -- Washington Times

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — The foiling of a terror plot by Islamic extremists in southern Kyrgyzstan over the weekend has underscored ethnic and regional tensions before presidential elections in Central Asia’s only parliamentary democracy.

The National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan (GKNB) detained 11 members of the Islamic Jihad Union on Oct. 8 as part of a security operation in the southern province of Osh, according to GKNB leader Keneshbek Dushebayev.

Read more ....

My Comment: The sentence that caught my eye was the following description of Kyrgyzstan ....

.... ethnic and regional tensions before presidential elections in Central Asia’s only parliamentary democracy.

Sighh .... it is a sad realization that there is only one parliamentary democracy in the whole of Central Asia, and it is now under threat from Islamic radicals.