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Kyrgyz opposition seizes power, dissolves parliament

donsutherland1

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Kyrgyzstan's opposition said on Thursday it had taken power and dissolved parliament in the poor and strategically important Central Asian state after a bloody uprising forced President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to flee the capital...

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's spokesman said Otunbayeva had told him by telephone she was in full control of the country and he saw her as "the new head of government."

Kyrgyz opposition seizes power, dissolves parliament | Reuters

That Russian Prime Minister Putin had spoken to Ms. Otunbayeva suggests that Russia has recognized the new government. There is no word whether any U.S. officials have spoken with her at this time.

It remains to be seen whether Kurmanbek Bakiyev, the toppled dictator, will attempt a counterrevolution. However, with Russia now recognizing the new government, prospects for a successful counterrevolution are probably fairly low.

In the meantime, the new government has indicated that it will honor all of Kyrgyzstan's international commitments. Finally, the new government indicated that it would remain in power for 6 months, a possible hint that elections will follow.
 
Kyrgyz opposition seizes power, dissolves parliament | Reuters

That Russian Prime Minister Putin had spoken to Ms. Otunbayeva suggests that Russia has recognized the new government. There is no word whether any U.S. officials have spoken with her at this time.

It remains to be seen whether Kurmanbek Bakiyev, the toppled dictator, will attempt a counterrevolution. However, with Russia now recognizing the new government, prospects for a successful counterrevolution are probably fairly low.

In the meantime, the new government has indicated that it will honor all of Kyrgyzstan's international commitments. Finally, the new government indicated that it would remain in power for 6 months, a possible hint that elections will follow.

If the opposition follows through and legitimate elections are held, this will be a big story. Frankly, I am a little surprised Russia recognized it so quickly. There could be things behind the scenes we don't know. Those thoughts don't comfort me because I really don't see how Moscow would like to see another democracy spring up in it's Near Abroad.
 
If the opposition follows through and legitimate elections are held, this will be a big story. Frankly, I am a little surprised Russia recognized it so quickly. There could be things behind the scenes we don't know. Those thoughts don't comfort me because I really don't see how Moscow would like to see another democracy spring up in it's Near Abroad.

I suspect that Russia's quick recognition is aimed at allowing Russia to gain leverage/influence in that country in order to help shape that country's policies in a fashion that is consistent with Russia's interests.
 
I suspect that Russia's quick recognition is aimed at allowing Russia to gain leverage/influence in that country in order to help shape that country's policies in a fashion that is consistent with Russia's interests.

You are probably right, but I am still concerned that Russia is going to work the back doors to do what it can to make sure that any election that MAY be held is not strictly free and fair.
 
You are probably right, but I am still concerned that Russia is going to work the back doors to do what it can to make sure that any election that MAY be held is not strictly free and fair.

Hopefully, the new government will hold elections and, when it does so, will allow robust international monitoring.
 
Hopefully, the new government will hold elections and, when it does so, will allow robust international monitoring.

That is my hope and prayer. This kind of home grown movement in the heart of Central Asia (if allowed to take hold) could be an example to the peoples of the region. This is a region that truly needs a breath of fresh air with all the dictators there are over there...
 
Beautiful landscape they have there.
 
I am a little surprised Russia recognized it so quickly. There could be things behind the scenes we don't know. Those thoughts don't comfort me because I really don't see how Moscow would like to see another democracy spring up in it's Near Abroad.

Keen observation.

From Reuters:

Kyrgyzstan's self-proclaimed new leaders thanked Russia on Thursday for helping to oust President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, and said they aimed to close a U.S. airbase that supplies forces in Afghanistan.

Their comments set Wednesday's overthrow of Bakiyev, who fled the capital Bishkek as crowds stormed government buildings, firmly in the context of superpower rivalry in central Asia.

New Kyrgyz rulers hail Russia, aim to shut U.S. base | Reuters
 
I suspect that Russia's quick recognition is aimed at allowing Russia to gain leverage/influence in that country in order to help shape that country's policies in a fashion that is consistent with Russia's interests.

Exactly and the Commies are still smarting over the fact that we are using the palce as a landing pad for runing supplies into Afghanistan. The Russkies view all former Soviet Republics as their " near abroad" and they in reality still wish that they had the empire of evil going on. I would not be surprised if Russia was behind the upheaval. You just cannot trust The Criminals of the Kremlin.
 
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