Political disputes continue amid improving security

Life began to return to normal in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, on Monday, with all government offices and private businesses back at work following the unrest of the last week. According to observers all eyes are now on the political disputes about the legitimacy of both the outgoing parliament and the new incoming one, waiting for action from the interim government. On Monday, interim leader, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, recognised Kyrgyzstan's new parliament as legitimate, seeking to end a struggle between rival legislatures that has threatened to spark fresh unrest, AP reported. Bakiyev's statement of support for the new parliament came after the lawmakers boosted his authority by naming him prime minister, removing the 'temporary' designation from his title. "I expect from the new authorities, first of all, to reconstruct the city [Bishkek], at least to restore how it was before. Secondly, to conduct presidential elections as soon as it is possible," Dmitriy, a university student, told IRIN. Following the protests in Bishkek that toppled President Askar Akayev's government last week, many department stores and supermarkets were ransacked on Thursday night. The police kept a low profile doing little to intervene fearing clashes with demonstrators. David Grant, head of the International Business Council (IBC), a Bishkek-based NGO comprising international and local investors, said that the damage caused by riots and looting was estimated at US $100 million, according to the Kyrgyz Kabar news agency on Monday. Grant added that IBC members noted improvements in terms of security and order over the past three days. With the situation calming down in the capital, local residents are hopeful for change and a better life. "There is much more hope [with the new authority] but a lack of confidence," Antonina Vladimirova, a secondary school teacher in Bishkek, told IRIN. "I think life will be better. I hope the payroll of pensioners, teachers and doctors will increase. First of all, we expect news that will make people happy," Erkingul, a female pensioner, told IRIN. "I do not care who will come to power, I only expect stability and economic improvement," Abdukim, a customs officer, said. Politics in Bishkek are now focusing on disputes on which parliament has the power to take action. The Central Election Commission (CEC) under the leadership of a new chairman, Turgunaly Abdraimov, recognised the new parliament. The previous head of the CEC, Sulaiman Imanbaev, has fled the country and sent a fax from Kazakhstan, tendering his resignation, because of health problems. Meanwhile, deputies from the outgoing government gathered near the parliament building, demanding to be allowed to participate in discussions on the current political situation. "The new parliament is legitimate and the old parliament's term has expired," said Feliks Kulov, an opposition leader who is now in charge of law-enforcement. He warned outgoing parliament members that he would take tough measures, including arrest, if they tried to initiate any protests. The Special Representative for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Central Asia, Alois Peterle, said that presidential elections scheduled for 26 June were "an ambitious intention." Neither deputies nor voters will have enough time to prepare for polls, he maintained. The OSCE has offered to act as a mediator in establishing a dialogue between deposed Akayev and the newly-established government. "Political crisis in this country has been improved, but has not been resolved," said Peterle.