100 killed in Kyrgyzstan in anti-government protests

http://www.timesofearth.com/Worldnews/?NT=0&nid=20386 Bishkek - Kyrgyz officials say at least 100 people have been killed and more than 400 wounded in clashes between police and anti-government protesters in the capital, Bishkek.

The chaos erupted Wednesday after Kyrgyz police at government headquarters began shooting to drive back thousands of opposition demonstrators gathered to demand the resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

The crowds then stormed other government offices in the city, including Kyrgyzstan's parliament building and the state-owned television station.

Opposition leaders say they have formed a new government and are negotiating with President Bakiyev and other officials. Opposition leader Temir Sariyev says Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov has submitted his resignation.

Anti-government discontent has been rising in Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous impoverished country of 5 million people. The nation hosts a U.S. air base that supports military operations in Afghanistan.

U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the United States believes the government remains in power and has no indication it has ceased functioning.

Crowley said the United States "deplores the violence" in Kyrgyzstan and is "deeply concerned" about the reports of deaths. He said U.S. officials have reached out to government and civil society leaders to urge calm, non-violence and respect for citizens' rights.

Witnesses said police used tear gas and flash grenades as the protesters rammed though the gates of the government headquarters with an armored vehicle. The opposition says at least 100 people were killed in the clashes with police.

Witnesses in the northwest city of Talas say demonstrators beat Interior Minister Moldomus Kongantiyev, but the extent of his injuries is unclear. Protesters stormed the police headquarters in Talas Wednesday, the second day of riots in that city.

The unrest also spread to the town of Naryn, where at least 1,000 demonstrators took over the local government building, forcing the governor to flee.

Tensions have been growing in the Central Asian country over what activists say are the repressive policies of President Bakiyev.

Kyrgyz officials say at least 85 police officers were hurt in Tuesday clashes in Talas. Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov called the opposition "bandits" Wednesday. Authorities responded by detaining several opposition leaders.

Those detained include Almazbek Atambayev and former parliamentary speaker Omurbek Tekebayev. Another opposition leader, Temir Sariyev, was arrested early Wednesday as he arrived on a flight from Moscow.

Internet access also was reported blocked in many areas.

The U.S. embassy in Kyrgyzstan said it was deeply concerned by the unrest. It urged all parties to engage in talks to resolve the dispute peacefully.

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