By empty (4/5/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Russia did not interfere in the change of power in Kyrgyzstan, but was ready to evacuate its citizens, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov told reporters on Tuesday. \"We did not interfere in the internal political events in Kyrgyzstan. Neither Askar Akayev nor the new Kyrgyz authorities requested our help,\" he said.
Russia did not interfere in the change of power in Kyrgyzstan, but was ready to evacuate its citizens, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov told reporters on Tuesday. \"We did not interfere in the internal political events in Kyrgyzstan. Neither Askar Akayev nor the new Kyrgyz authorities requested our help,\" he said. \"But we could not remain indifferent to the destiny of our citizens in Kyrgyzstan, particularly when riots and marauding erupted in Bishkek,\" Ivanov said. Four IL-76 military cargo planes were sent to Kant air base near Bishkek for the possible emergency evacuation of Russian citizens from Kyrgyzstan, Ivanov said. (Interfax)