SCO voices concern over situation in southern Kyrgyzstan.

21/6 Tass 354

BEIJING, June 21 (Itar-Tass) -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO) has expressed "deep concern in connection with the tragic events" in
southern Kyrgyzstan which have resulted in numerous human casualties and
cruel acts of violence.
"The SCO member states are appealing for an end to the rampant crime,
chaos and lawless actions being instigated by the forces that aim to
provoke a confrontation between nationalities and ethnicities who have for
centuries been living side by side in Kyrgyzstan in a spirit of friendship
and understanding," a statement posted on the organisation's website says.
While expressing hope for the earliest possible stabilisation of the
situation, restoration of law and order as well as interethnic harmony,
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is confident that the wise people of
Kyrgyzstan will secure a peaceful and prosperous future for their country.
"While underlining the importance of normalisation of the political
situation in Kyrgyzstan for the sake of maintaining peace and security in
the whole region of Central Asia, the SCO member states note the need to
provide emergency humanitarian aid to the victims, including the refugees,
most of whom have been staying on the territory of Uzbekistan," the
document said.
Mass riots in the city of Osh in the south of Kyrgyzstan and the
adjoining regions flared up overnight to June 11. A state of emergency and
curfew were imposed in the conflict area. Reinforcements from the Kyrgyz
Interior and Defence Ministry troops and volunteers were sent to the south
of the country. A partial mobilisation was declared in Kyrgyzstan, but the
Interim administration has declared now that no more reservists are needed.
According to various estimates, from 40,000 to 110,000 people fled
violence-hit regions of Kyrgyzstan to find shelter in neighbouring
Uzbekistan. The bulk of the refugees are women with children, the aged and
the wounded. Apart from it, some 200,000 people fled the Osh and
Jalal-Abad regions for other regions within Kyrgyzstan. As of now, more
than 10,000 refugees have been reported to return to their homes.
Official data put the death toll in Kyrgyzstan at 208, around 2,100
people hurt in the clashes asked for medical assistance.
-0-zak/


Delete & Prev | Delete & Next