Pro-Government Rally Held In Bishkek

Supporters of Kyrgyzstan's interim government rally in Bishkek on May 16.

A Kyrgyz youth group has staged a march and rally in the capital Bishkek in support of the interim government.

The group, which calls itself "Aykel," or People of Great Spirit, marched through Bishkek on May 16 carrying banners that read "We are for a unified and stable Kyrgyzstan," "North and South are our Kyrgyzstan" and "Bandits should sit in jail." An estimated 500-1,000 people participated

Interim leader Roza Otunbaeva met with the group when they reached the capital's central square and thanked them for their support.

The rally follows a difficult week for Kyrgyzstan's interim government.

Supporters of former President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who was ousted last month, staged protests in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan, and at one point seized administration buildings in all three southern provinces before being chased out by pro-government police and supporters.

At least one person was killed and 60 others injured in the clashes.

compiled from agency reports