Reactions to the 2010 Kyrgyzstani uprising

The reactions to the 2010 Kyrgyzstani uprising refers to the responses of domestic and international governments and organizations to the violence that led to the overthrow of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev. Many organizations and countries expressed their concern about the situation and wish for a peaceful resolution and political stability.

Contents 1 Immediate reaction 1.1 International bodies 1.2 Countries 2 Settlement reactions 3 References

Immediate reaction

International bodies

 United Nations

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for restraint on Tuesday, and through a spokesperson said "while freedom of assembly is an essential element of any democratic society, the rule of law must be respected."^[1] On Wednesday he said he was "shocked" by the violence, and his spokesperson said the Secretary General "urgently appeals for dialogue and calm to avoid further bloodshed."^[2]

 European Union

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton issued (8 April 2010) the Statement A 52/10, and European Union is in close touch with international partners in view of a shared approach to the new situation.^[3]

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office sends Special Envoy to Kyrgyzstan and discusses situation with UN Secretary-General ^[4]

Countries

 Russia

Official statement by the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was issued on 7 April 2010.^[5] Andrei Nesterenko, the spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry, called for both sides to avoid violence, saying, "as we are interested in preserving political stability in a country that is friendly to us, we consider it important to resolve the issues raised by the current situation by legal means."^[6] Russian President Dmitry Medvedev urged both sides to prevent further human deaths and to restore governability of state.^[7] Vladimir Putin criticized Bakiev, but denied any Russia involvement stating, "Neither Russia nor your humble servant nor Russian officials have anything to do with these events".^[8][9][10] Medvedev also reportedly sent two companies of Russian troops to protect the Russian-leased air base Kant and the families of Russian servicemen.^[11]

 Tajikistan

Tajikistan stated that it was concerned over the outbreak of violence, and expressed hopes that the conflict would be resolved within a legal framework. Tajik Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dawlat Nazriev stated that "Information we receive from the neighboring republic, with which Tajikistan has a nearly 1,000-kilometer border, can't leave the country's authorities undisturbed as our country has already experienced the effect of civil conflict. We hope the politicians and people of the friendly republic will show reason and restraint."^[12]

 United Kingdom

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued a statement warning against "all but essential" travel to Kyrgyzstan, and advising British nationals in the country to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.^[13]

 United States

On 7 April 2010 Assistant Secretary (of Department of State) Philip J. Crowley said, that USA is monitoring very closely the situation.^[14] Officials at the U.S. embassy in Bishkek said it is "deeply concerned" about the events in Talas and urged both sides to "show respect for the rule of law" and to "engage in talks to resolve differences in a peaceful, orderly and legal manner."^[15] Following news of Bakiyev's departure from the capital, a State Department spokesman said the U.S. still considers Bakiyev's government to be in power since they could not confirm reports that the opposition had seized control.^[16] Just outside Bishkek is the Transit Center at Manas, a large logistics base crucial to U.S. efforts in the ongoing war in Afghanistan. Following the outbreaks of violence in Bishkek, the center was temporarily closed.^[17]

 Uzbekistan

The president of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov announced of the closing of the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan Border. In a statement by Foreign Ministry said that the border had been closed to avoid the spreading of riots into Uzbek regions in neighboring with Kyrgyzstan territories. “Uzbekistan’s government has to take steps to tighten the border crossing regime,” said in the statement. "The border has been closed at Uzbekistan's initiative," confirmed the Kyrgyz Border Service officer. "The situation on the border with the neighboring countries remains calm," he added.^[18]

Other countries

At least the following countries has expressed their concern about the situation:  Belarus,^[19]  People's Republic of China,^[20]  Finland,^[21]  Georgia,^[21]  Germany,^[22] India,^[23]  Iran,^[24]  Japan,^[25]  Kazakhstan^[26] and  Ukraine^[12]

Settlement reactions

 United Nations

A spokesman for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Bakiyev's departure was "an important step toward the peaceful, stable, prosperous and democratic development of the country and its good governance."^[27]

 Belarus

President Alexander Lukashenko said he would give Bakiyev asylum under the protection of the state after Bakiyev had made an emotional appeal to the President to take at least his family if not himself.^[28]

 Japan

On a message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations stated: "The Government of Japan expects that this agreement will facilitate the advancement of the normalization of the situation in the Kyrgyz Republic and expresses its respect for the efforts by concerned countries including the United States of America, Russia, and Kazakhstan, as well as concerned international organizations such as OSCE." ^[29]

 Kazakhstan

After Bakiyev flew out of the country into exile in Kazakhstan he was to meet president Nursultan Nazarbayev for talks. This was after Kazakhstan confirmed Bakiyev's departure saying it was an important step towards preventing civil war. The step was a result of joint efforts between the two parties and Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama for Bakiyev to leave the country.^[30]

 Russia

President Medvedev said the Bakiyev regime collapsed because of corruption, reliance on clan ties and inability to solve social problems. PM Putin also promised a member of the provisional government, Almazbek Atambayev, that Russia would give $50 million in aid and loans and 25,000 tons of fuel to aid the spring planting season.^[27]

References