Kyrgyz Opposition Leaders Won't Join Unity Government

(RFE/RL) March 29, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Two opposition movements in Kyrgyzstan will not participate in a coalition government, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported.

The decision was made today during a meeting of leaders of the For Reforms movement and the United Front for a Worthy Future for Kyrgyzstan.

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United Front member Omurbek Abdyrakmanov told RFE/RL the two groups also decided not drop their plans to launch mass rallies next month.

"[The two opposition movements] decided, first, to jointly carry out their political activities; secondly, not to participate in a coalition government led by [Prime Minister-designate Almaz] Atambaev; third, jointly to prepare a new draft constitution; and forth, jointly to organize indefinite protest rallies set for 11 April," Abdyrakmanov said.

Earlier today, President Kurmanbek Bakiev nominated Atambaev, the leader of the Social Democratic Party and a member of the new United Kyrgyzstan opposition movement, to be prime minister.

The move came after Azim Isabekov resigned, a day after Bakiev blocked his attempt to sack five ministers.

Parliament must now consider Atambaev's candidacy.

Understanding Kyrgyzstan

Workers preparing for celebrations of the constitutional compromise in Bishkek on November 9 (RFE/RL)

A STABLE FOUNDATION? On November 9, RFE/RL's Washington office hosted a briefing featuring RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service Director Tyntchtykbek Tchoroev and RFE/RL analyst Daniel Kimmage.