Kyrgyzstan's interim government says it has regained control of three southern provinces after supporters of deposed President Kurmanbek Bakiyev took over government buildings. Meanwhile, Moscow has also pledged to help the volatile former Soviet Republic.
Kyrgyzstan's interim government, lead by former foreign minister, Roza Otanbayeva, says that it has restored power. This after supporters of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev stormed government buildings in the provinces of Osh, Jalalabad and Batken.
Witnesses say demonstrators used sticks, guns and rocks during the clashes that drew hundreds of protesters throughout the southern part of the country, seen by many as Mr. Bakiyev's power base.
Moscow and Washington have both voiced their concern over the turmoil in the mostly Muslim Central Asian state. Both the United States and Russia have military bases in the country.
The Russian government was so worried about the tense situation in the neighboring region that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent a special envoy to the former Soviet Republic in a show of support.
Vladimir Rushailo, a former interior minister and security council secretary, has been put in charge of improving relations with Kyrgyzstan.
Rushailo says Moscow will do its part to help quell violence in the region.
He says Russia's aim is to provide help in all areas of the Kyrgyz state.
Ms. Otanbayeva praised Moscow's show of support.
She says Russia came to help us. Russia is with us. She said Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev made it clear and said Russia will support us both politically and financially through this difficult period. Ms. Otanbayeva quoted Presdent Medvedev as saying Kyrgyzstan has to come out of this dead end, it has to protect the integrity of the country and keep the control in the government's hands and Russia will be there together with Kyrgyzstan during these difficult days.
Kyrgyzstan's interim government claims Mr. Bakiyev orchestrated the unrest in the southern areas, which officials are calling a coup attempt.
Mr. Bakiyev fled the country, to Belarus in April, after the opposition staged demonstrations in the capital of Bishkek. They demanded that he step down over claims of rampant corruption. They also demanded that Mr. Bakiyev remove his many family members from office. At least 85 people were killed in the violent clashes.
