AND A LITTLE SPARK AT THE "MIDDLE" OF THE WORLD HERE COULD SET OFF A
GLOBAL CONFLAGRATION....
Kyrgyzstan: Authorities Warn Protesters Ahead Of Major Rally
Civic groups and the political opposition in Kyrgyzstan are making
final preparations for a major demonstration in the capital on April 28
to condemn criminal elements in official life. The organizers predict
that more than 10,000 people will turn out -- make it one of the
biggest political gatherings in Bishkek since the country gained
independence in 1991. The prospect has authorities concerned. After
all, demonstrations ousted long-time Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev from
office little more than one year ago.
PRAGUE, April 17, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The demonstration is being organized
by the Union of Democratic Forces, a coalition of about 50 political
parties and nongovernmental groups (NGOs).
The union wants President Kurmanbek Bakiev to fulfill pledges to rid
politics of the criminal elements that he admits have taken up
positions in public office.
The recent victory in a parliamentary by-election of man widely reputed
to have ties to organized crime in Kyrgyzstan lent new momentum to the
group's calls. One of that alleged crime boss's biggest critics was
later attacked.
Authorities expect a huge crowd and are bracing for trouble. Senior
officials tried to defuse the situation with a publicly televised
meeting with NGO and opposition leaders on April 19.
Mindful that protesters chased his predecessor out of the country in
March 2005, President Bakiev warned rally organizers late on April 26
not to provoke trouble.
"Those who are leading [rally preparations] -- [Omurbek] Tekebaev,
[Kubatbek] Baibolov, [Temirbek] Sariev, and [Melis] Eshimkanov -- may
be held responsible if there is a big conflict," Bakiev said. "We are
saying to those who claim there has been no dialogue [between the
Kyrgyz government and the opposition]: What else was there besides
dialogue a few days ago?"
In an address to parliament on April 27, organizer and parliamentary
speaker Omurbek Tekebaev, bristled at the insinuation that
demonstrators were planning to cause trouble. He reminded Bakiev of the
public's right to peaceful assembly.
"This [warning] shows that the president does not know our laws, he
does not know about his direct duties," Tekebaev said. "The president
is the guarantor of citizens' rights. It is written in our laws that
the government provides security at rallies in order to ensure
citizens' rights. [The authorities] are threatening that rally
organizers might be held responsible for possible lootings in the city.
First and foremost, the president and the government [and] the heads of
law-enforcement forces have to be responsible for [security]."
Another organizer, lawmaker Temirbek Sariev, said organizers have set
up an informal security force to maintain order. He said they have also
coordinated with local law-enforcement agencies to ensure that no
violence or lawlessness mars the rally.
"Even at the central square [Alatoo], there will be about 300 unarmed,
self-defending team members," Sariev said. "We also agreed with the
law-enforcement forces to take joint measures and to jointly maintain
security, to patrol there."
Interior Minister Murat Sutalinov told RFE/RL that he doesn't
anticipate problems. But he also cautioned that his troops would deal
quickly and decisively with anyone causing trouble.
"I think the rally will be peaceful," Sutalinov said. "However, if
there are any attempts at provocation, then we will take all
[necessary] measures. We will use harsh measures against provocateurs,
and we will work to ensure that there is no provocation."
Prime Minister Feliks Kulov sought on April 27 to ease tensions by
describing the rally as a healthy sign of political pluralism.
"[The rally] will be held in a normal, democratic way," Kulov said. "No
matter what demands they make, I think it's a good sign. If it takes
place in a normal way -- which I'm sure it will -- it will prove the
maturity of our civil society."
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