Kyrgyz Youth Activists Call For Political Dialogue

By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
March 12, 2013

BISHKEK -- About 1,000 youth activists have rallied in Bishkek's Ala-Too Square, calling "for peace, dialogue, and cooperation" among Kyrgyzstan's political parties.

The gathering was approved by city authorities.

Activists representing more than a dozen schools and universities called on Kyrgyz citizens to stop meetings and protests that have not been approved by the authorities.

The demonstrators said they want to prevent unrest and lawlessness similar to that which followed the revolutions in March 2005 and April 2010 that toppled two presidents.

The activists say they plan another public gathering in Bishkek on March 13.

Meanwhile, supporters of three opposition leaders charged with attempting to overthrow the government said they also plan to hold a protest on March 13 on Ala-Too Square.

Officials have given permission for that demonstration.

With reporting by Kyrtag and Interfax