Kyrgyz opposition party leader calls for peace between Atambayev, Jeenbekov
BISHKEK. Aug 8 (Interfax) - Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister and head of the Respublika opposition party Omurbek Babanov, who is currently living abroad, has called on Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov and former President Almazbek Atambayev to stop the confrontation and bloodshed.
"Another tragic event is happening in our Kyrgyzstan! I am urging incumbent President Sooronbai Jeenbekov and former President Almazbek Atambayev to stop the confrontation between people and law enforcers," Babanov said on social media on Thursday.
"Full responsibility for these events rests with the authorities anyway and, regretfully, there are casualties," he said.
"Continuation of this conflict must not be allowed to happen; it has overgrown personal matters and is developing into a civil confrontation. Tragic events must stop, they are hurting average people!" Babanov said.
In his opinion, the altercation between Atambayev and Jeenbekov "may have worse consequences."
"Our people must not be sacrificed to personal interests! [...] I am asking both of you to stop the others and stop yourself for the sake of peace and safety of our country, our brothers and sisters! An escalation must be avoided at all costs. The special operation needs to stop," Babanov said.