Coup attempt financed by Kyrgyz ousted pres relatives - security

17/5 Tass 260

BISHKEK, May 17 (Itar-Tass) - Kyrgyzstan's National Security Service
on Monday accused ouster President Kurmanbek Bakiyev's relatives and team
members of financing the May 12-13 mass disorders and the attempted coup.
Criminal proceedings were initiated against the former president's
adviser, Usen Sadykov, and other "unidentified" persons, the service said
in a statement circulated by its press service.
"Investigation revealed that Sadykov colluded with leader of the Party
of Communists Iskhak Masaliyev, with more than 40 former members of the
pro-presidential Ak-zhol faction in the parliament and with other persons
to seize power in the Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken regions, with taking
hostage administration officials and advancing political demands," the
press service said.
According to the republican security service, the plotters intended to
"use the unstable political situation" to elect Masaliyev parliamentary
speaker and to vest him with powers of acting head of state. Bakiyev's
supporters "sought to seize power in the republic ignoring possible loss
of human lives and other grave consequences." It has been evidenced by
media reports of Sadykov's telephone conversation, witnesses' testimonies
and interrogation data, the press service said.
According to the National Security Service, Sadykov and his supporters
supplied arms to rioters on May 13 and sent them to organize mass unrest
and seize administration buildings. These groups were tasked to install
their adherents as governors of these regions. "The criminal group
intended to take hostage Osh region governor Sooronbai Zheenbekov and
members of the interim government, including deputy prime minister Azimbek
Bkenazarov, acting defence minister Ismail Isakov and acting emergencies
minister Duishen Chotonov," the press service said.
According to official statistics, two persons were killed and 63
received injures, half of which were gunshot wounds, in clashes in
Kyrgyzstan's southern provinces.
"Large-scale ethnic provocations were plotted," the National Security
Service said.
Sadykov and Masaliyev were arrested on charges of seizure of power and
organizing mass disorders. "Currently, police are taking measures to
identify all participators in these crimes," the press service said.
-0-ras/gor