Osh protesters say they are ready to appoint their mayor
OSH. Jan 15 (Interfax) - Supporters of Melis Myrzakmatov, who lost the mayoral election in Osh, the administrative center of southern Kyrgyzstan, on Wednesday, said they were prepared to negotiate with City Council deputies for resolving the standoff.
The City Council elected the new mayor on Wednesday. The former mayor, Myrzakmatov, who was popular in the city, lost the ballot.
Myrzakmatov's supporters gathered on the central square of Osh. They ignored the appeals calling for them to leave the square, threw stones at the city administration building and then tried to get inside. The police prevented the invasion.
Then the protesters elected their delegates for negotiations with City Council deputies. The meeting has yet to be held.
Participants in the rally, which had a turnout between 3,000 and 8,000 depending on various estimates, say they are ready "to appoint the mayor themselves."
"We refuse to recognize results of this election," the protesters said as they were burning a portrait of the chief of state.
"We will occupy the City Hall unless our demands are met," they said.
City Council deputies and officials seated in the same building have left through the back doors.
"The situation in the city is tense but stable and there are reinforced patrols on the streets," an Osh police source told Interfax.
Meanwhile, classes were cancelled in schools located close to the city center.