Chaos in Bishkek, looting and deaths
Bishkek (AsiaNews) – Almost 100 people have been killed in the uprising in Kyrgyzstan, according to the head of the opposition Ata Meken party Omurbek Tekebayev, in an interview on national television. A far more dramatic toll than that so far reported by local media that put the dead at 17 dead.
It is difficult to get independent confirmation on the number of victims from clashes that erupted in the capital today and yesterday’s riots in the northern city of Talas.
Meanwhile, the residence of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Kurmanbek Bakiev in Bishkek, the capital has been sacked. Russian agency, Interfax reports that a group of people broke into the residence and began carrying clothing, sheets and dishes away in large plastic bags,
Others emerged bearing carpets on their shoulders. Earlier, Russian radio, Echo of Moscow reported that Bakiev would leave the country.
The opposition leader has clarified the reasons for the popular protest: "Opposition leaders have agreed to hold talks with Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov, with the only goal that (the authorities) resign" said Tekebayev, one of the ten opposition leaders who was arrested in the night and was released today with the hope that it would open a window for negotiations.
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04/02/2009
