Several thousand rallied in front of the Government House in Bishkek about noon. The first reports of it came about one in the afternoon, local time. The news was long expected, and the developments appeared quite harmless, at the start. A sensation came at half past three-the government premises were seized down to the last nook. The opposition established its Coordination Council half an hour later. The lightning revolution thus finished.
The outcome was pre-determined. President Askar Akayev was thirsting for public support. He had none. He vitally needed backing from law-enforcement agencies and the army. He had none. The breathtaking revolution pace comes as another proof of that point. Really, police was surprisingly passive during the riots, in Bishkek and out of it alike.
What next? The opposition appears to be amazed no less than the others with the turn the developments have taken, so it is hardly able to offer an explicit answer.
Now, will it retain its grip of the situation? It will, to all appearances. The storm has badly alarmed Russia and other neighboring countries. The Kyrgyz opposition sees their point, says Muratbek Imanaliev, who leads one of the opposition blocs. He was Foreign Minister in 1991-92 and 1997-2002.
"Moscow is concerned. Its concern found clear expression in a statement by Alexander Yakovenko, Foreign Ministry official spokesman. He insistently called to bring Kyrgyzstan back to law and order. That's just what we intend to do," reassured Mr. Imanaliev.
Opposition leaders are negotiating with top functionaries of key ministries-the Defense, National Security and the Interior-for them to resume their routine. Certain progress is evident. As far as we know, the Defense and National Security ministers have agreed to cooperate with the new regime. A new Interior Ministry top has been appointed. The entire personnel are coming under ex-parliamentarian Alymbai Sultanov and Abdylda Suranchiev, previous Deputy Interior Minister.
The Legislative Assembly appointed Ishenbai Kadyrbekov acting President-a perfectly constitutional move. As the Kyrgyz Constitution has it, the parliament Speaker de facto assumes the duties of head of state when the President or the Cabinet is absent.
The opposition-established Coordination Council of Popular Unity will assume the duties of a provisional government, determined the session.
There are some things that matter even more, stressed Mr. Imanaliev. Bishkek hopes to meet understanding in Moscow. The change of regime in Kyrgyzstan by no means implies whatever geopolitical factors. To shift foreign-political bearings is the last thing Kyrgyzstan intends to do, he reassured. "Whoever stands at the Kyrgyz helm, and whoever gets the foreign-ministerial portfolio, Russia will remain Kyrgyzstan's top strategic partner."
