Kyrgyzstan set for new protests

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6543381.stm

Version 1 of 3.

The Central Asian Republic of Kyrgyzstan is bracing for a fresh wave of protests calling for the resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

Mr Bakiyev has recently tried to compromise with his opponents by appointing a moderate opposition leader as his prime minister.

Dozens of people are putting up tents in Bishkek's main square.

Opposition leaders say buses full of supporters from the regions are on their way to the capital.

The government is also preparing. Across the street from the square, troops have been mobilised to guard the presidential palace.

Instability fears

Two years ago it was President Bakiyev who led the crowds that stormed the palace and ousted the former leader Askar Akayev from power.

But Mr Bakiyev's opponents said he never delivered on his promises of fighting corruption and lifting the country out of poverty and now they want him to resign.

Leading this cause is Felix Kulov, the former prime minister who was until two months ago the president's ally.

His leadership makes the opposition stronger, but most of Mr Kulov's supporters come from the north of Kyrgyzstan while most of the south seems to back the president.

There are fears that this division could split the country apart and lead to serious instability. This political turmoil is also of concern beyond Kyrgyzstan's borders.

America's only remaining military base in central Asia lies just outside the capital. It is a crucial operation that supplies Nato troops in Afghanistan.