Kyrgyz opposition claims to take power, form new government

2010-04-08 07:06 BJT

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BISHKEK, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The opposition protesters claimed to have installed a new government in Kyrgyzstan late Wednesday amid dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries in the clash with the security forces in the country's capital city of Bishkek.

At least 17 people were killed and 180 others were injured in clash between police
and opposition protesters in the capital city of Bishkek Wednesday, the Health
Ministry said.

Key opposition leader Temir Sariev said on Wednesday a new government, led by Roza Otunbayeva, the country's former foreign minister and leader of the Social Democratic faction, has been formed.

He also said the Central Asian country's Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov had signed a letter of resignation, adding that the opposition has entered the building where government operates.

Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has flied out of the country, and either his whereabouts or destination remained unknown, according to unconfirmed sources.

However, a senior official in the opposition Social Democratic Party said the president's plane already landed in the southern city of Osh.

While opposition claiming it has occupied the presidential palace, Roza Otunbayeva said they are in "full control" of the situation.

The anti-government protesters also seized the headquarters of the country's internal security forces.

Passing the mid-night in the capital, the situation seemed to have eased a little compared to one or two hours ago, with the assembled protesters began to disperse, said the Xinhua reporter.

The country's TV station has constantly broadcast urgent requests for blood donation to treat those injured in the mass protests and clashes, the reporter added.