Kremlin allows ousted Kyrgyz leader to come to Russia

Moscow confirmed on Saturday that it has allowed ousted Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev to come to Russia, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.

"Askar Akayev requested the possibility to come to Russia, and such possibility was given to him," the Kremlin press service was quoted as saying.

At a press conference in Yerevan on Friday, Putin said Akayev could come to Russia. "As for Askar Akayev's possible arrival in Russia, we won't object if he wants. I think it's quite possible,"he said.

On Thursday, Kyrgyz opposition supporters held street demonstrations, demanding the resignation of President Akayev. Massive violence ensued soon after clashes between the protesters and police.

Scores of local residents with red arm ribbons patrolled the streets of capital Bishkek on Friday, calling on compatriots to protect the city after an overnight rampage that saw numerous shops torched and looted.

The situation in Kyrgyzstan has caused international concern. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday regretted the Kyrgyzstan crisis and urged the opposition leaders to restore stability in the Central Asian country.

Source: Xinhua