Pomp And Ceremony As Kyrgyzstan Marks 30 Years Of Independence

Kyrgyz Defense Minister Taalaibek Omuraliev (center) salutes troops during a military parade on Ala-Too Square in central Bishkek on August 31. 

Women in traditional clothing watch the ceremony, which marked 30 years since Kyrgyzstan declared independence from the Soviet Union. 

Kyrgyz tanks rumble through the central Bishkek square. The highly militarized parade came amid increased military activity in Central Asia after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. 

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov speaks to the crowd during the ceremony.

Crowds watch the parade.

Soldiers march during the parade. Kyrgyzstan's independence era has been marked by successes in some areas, such as a relatively free press, but the country's economy lags far behind other former Soviet republics. 

Kyrgyz women in traditional dress walk in central Bishkek. 

Soviet-designed S-125 Neva missile launchers rumble past onlookers. 

Military leaders salute as they pass. 

Religious leaders take part in the commemoration. 

Assembled crowds mark the anniversary. 

A Kyrgyz veteran of World War II arrives to watch the military parade.