Russia urges restraint over Kyrgyz unrest

MOSCOW, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Russia expected that disputes between Kyrgyz authorities and the opposition to be resolved through democracy instead of violence, said a deputy foreign minister on Wednesday.

"We are consistently adhering to the position that all disagreements, including political, economic and social ones, should be settled within the framework of democratic procedures existing in Kyrgyzstan, without using force, and without detriment to Kyrgyz citizens," said Grigory Karasin as quoted by the Interfax news agency.

The diplomat said Russia was "closely following the development" of the "quite complicated" situation in the Central Asian country.

At least 15 police officers were missing in the unrest Tuesday in the northern Kyrgyz town of Talas, said Kyrgyz Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov on Wednesday.

Local media reported that on Tuesday afternoon, about 1,000 protestors stormed the regional government building, who were later dispersed by the police.

Press here said the unrest was triggered by the police's arrest of opposition leader Sherniyazo, which angered many opposition supporters.