Kyrgyz Democrats Demand More Reforms

Protesters march to a rally in central Bishkek under the banner "No to Criminality" on April 8 (file photo) (RFE/RL) PRAGUE, April 18, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyzstan's Union of Democratic Forces, which unites over 50 political parties and nongovernmental organizations, today reiterated demands for faster reforms and the resignations of several government officials.

Temir Sariev, one of the Union's leaders, told reporters that the government now has 11 days "to take real measures."

If the government fails to start political and economic reforms and to fight corruption, the democratic forces will continue a campaign of peaceful protest actions, Sariev said.

The group plans to hold a mass protest rally on April 29.

There has been no comment from the country's authorities.

Kyrgyzstan is currently witnessing a fresh wave of popular discontent amid concerns that figures connected to the underworld are trying to gain seats in parliament.