Zhirgalbek Surabaldiev, a member of parliament and victim of political violence (file photo) (RFE/RL)
May 2, 2006 -- The European Union today said that it is concerned about the social and political situation in Kyrgyzstan.
In a statement, the EU said it is worried by the level of political violence in the country. It notes the murders of three Kyrgyz parliamentarians in the past year, and a recent attack on the head of a nongovernmental organization.
It believes a climate of insecurity and intimidation -- including widespread gang violence -- is threatening the country's democratic development.
The EU urged Kyrgyz authorities to prevent criminal figures from gaining influence over the country's political life and institutions, and to press ahead with democratic reforms.
Brussels also noted that the general public is disillusioned with the government and that the economy is shrinking.
(Interfax, AKIpress, AFP, Reuters)
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
SUBSCRIBE For regular news and analysis on all five Central Asian countries by e-mail, subscribe to "RFE/RL Central Asia Report."