TASHKENT, May 15 (RIA Novosti) - The Uzbek government claims full control of uproar-torn city of Andizhan, the presidential press service of Uzbekistan told RIA Novosti."The situation in Andizhan is stable and controlled by the government," the press service said. The official spokesman rebutted reports about a fire in the Andizhan regional government office, information that a state police source had also failed to confirm previously.
News agency Fergana.ru reported earlier today that the Andizhan regional government office had possibly been set on fire, citing thick smoke visible from a distance.
In the early hours of Friday, armed protesters took over the Andizhan prison and some government buildings. Later, government forces entered the city to storm and regain control of the regional government office.
Uzbek president Islam Karimov told reporters on Saturday that "ten police officers were killed" during the uproar, "with naturally more casualties on the criminals' side."
