As stalemate continues, Ban appeals for peaceful end to Kyrgyz crisis

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called once again on all parties in Kyrgyzstan to restore constitutional order in a peaceful manner, as the crisis which saw the country’s President ousted amid violent protests last week continues.

Mr. Ban is “following with concern the continuing constitutional stalemate in Kyrgyzstan and the threats to use force,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

Deadly clashes in the Central Asian nation last week led to the establishment of a provisional authority by the opposition in Bishkek, the capital, while President Kurmanbek Bakiyev fled to the south.

The interim leaders have reportedly lifted Mr. Bakiyev’s presidential immunity and said they would arrest him if he refused to surrender, while the ousted leader has said he will resign if his safety, and that of his family, is guaranteed.

“In order to avoid a further escalation and destabilization of the situation, the Secretary-General appeals to all parties concerned to resolve the issue peacefully and on the basis of the Constitution,” said the statement.

It added that the Secretary-General, who visited Kyrgyzstan earlier this month, has instructed his Special Envoy, Ján Kubiš, to continue working in this direction with all parties.

Mr. Kubiš, the Executive Director of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), was dispatched last week and is currently in the country to try to help resolve tensions and promote dialogue.