Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan on Monday announced the formation of a new four-party ruling coalition to be led by its current prime minister following toughly fought parliamentary elections last month.
The Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) of pro-Russian President Almazbek Atambayev, the Kyrgyzstan Party, Onuguu Progress and Ata-Meken all signed an agreement to form a broad coalition in a move that may help shore up stability in the volatile ex-Soviet state.
It will be headed by Prime Minister Temir Sariyev, who has been premier since late April and will remain as head of government.
Two other parties, Bir Bol and Respublika-Ata-Jurt, will form the parliamentary opposition.
Despite being the most democratic state in authoritarian Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan has suffered periodic bouts of instability that have hampered its political and economic development.
In 2010, the country was thrown into turmoil when a bloody popular uprising and ethnic violence left more than 500 people dead.
Kyrgyzstan's last parliament saw five prime ministers take office in the space of five years.
On Saturday, the Central Asian country hosted US Secretary of State John Kerry as part of a tour of all five countries in the region focussed on security in neighbouring Afghanistan, countering Islamic radicalism and strengthening economic ties.
AFP
