rferl--2020-10-08--Kyrgyz Lawmakers Fail To Gather Quorum Amid Power Vacuum Following Protests

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz lawmakers have failed to gather a quorum to discuss ways of solving the country 's ongoing political crisis amid a power vacuum following mass protests that ousted the government earlier this week .
Unrest sparked by allegations of vote buying and impropriety at elections last weekend has gripped the Central Asian nation , which borders China and hosts a Russian military air base , with thousands of demonstrators spilling into the streets and seizing government buildings .
Lawmaker Ryskeldi Mombekov told RFE/RL on October 8 that only 40 members of parliament gathered in a Bishkek hotel overnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session of parliament , elect an interim prime minister to set a new cabinet , and decide on President Sooronbai Jeenbekov 's impeachment .
At least 61 of the 120 members of parliament must be present at parliamentary sessions to have the lawmakers ' decisions be considered legitimate .
It was the second attempt by the fractious outgoing parliament to gather to discuss ways to solve the crisis .
Another lawmaker , Elvira Surabaldieva , told RFE/RL that Myktybek Abdyldaev , whom a group of lawmakers announced as the interim chairman of parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake of the protests , refused to include Jeenbekov 's impeachment on the gathering 's agenda .
Opposition groups have proposed candidates for an interim prime minister , who would need to oversee a repeat vote in the coming months .
Sadyr Japarov , whom many in Kyrgyzstan consider to be linked to Jeenbekov , and Tilek Toktogaziev , who was nominated by youth groups , have made their ambitions for the post clear this week .
Several lawmakers told RFE/RL that Omurbek Babanov , who has already served as the cabinet head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Association of Kyrgyzstan 's Entrepreneurs announced on October 8 that they would nominate their own candidate , Askar Sydykov , the executive director of the International Business Council .
Kyrgyzstan 's central bank allowed financial institutions to reopen on October 8 after their closure two days earlier , as business associations warned the country could face food shortages if banks and tax offices remained shut , which would create public safety fears .
The results of the October 4 parliamentary elections handed victory to pro-government parties .
Opposition parties refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Commission subsequently annulled them in the wake of the protests .
Jeenbekov has not appeared in public since the protests erupted and ousted the cabinet , although his office said he remains in the capital , Bishkek .
Jeenbekov has issued three statements calling for talks between rival political factions .
The protests were marred by the death of 19-year-old Umutbek Altynbek-uulu , while more than 1,000 people have sought medical attention since the unrest broke out as police and men in civilian clothing scuffled with protesters .
Altynbek-uulu was buried in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 .
During the protests , jailed former top officials , including former President Almazbek Atambaev , convicted on corruption charges and facing other trials , were released .
Acting Interior Minister Kursan Asanov , who took over this week after running in the election as an opposition candidate , said on October 8 that the issue of the legality of the former officials ' release will be decided after a new government is formed .
Also , the heads of departments across Kyrgyzstan were removed by force or voluntary resignation during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Bishkek and the second-largest city in the country 's south , Osh , were also replaced .
However , on October 8 , Bishkek Mayor Aziz Surakmatov returned to his office and announced that he would continue to carry out his mayoral duties .
A day earlier , Osh Mayor Taalaibek Sarybashov also returned to his office and said that he would also continue to carry out his duties despite the ongoing rallies by both his supporters and opponents in the city .

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, who has not been seen in public since his government was ousted by mass protests this week, has held his first round of talks with members of parliament as they look to restore order in the Central Asian nation.
The parliament's press service said on October 8 that Jeenbekov even discussed the possibility of his own impeachment with Myktybek Abdyldaev, whom a group of lawmakers named as parliament's new speaker in the wake of the protests.
Unrest sparked by allegations of vote buying and impropriety during parliamentary elections last weekend has gripped the Central Asian nation, which borders China and hosts a Russian military airbase, with thousands of demonstrators spilling into the streets and seizing government buildings.
The talks on October 8 came as hundreds rallied in the southern city of Osh and the nearby town of Kara-Suu, to express support for Jeenbekov.
"The issue of impeachment raised by the parliament was discussed. On that issue, the president said it was most important to bring the situation in the country to within legal boundaries first. After that, he clearly said he is ready to sit with the parliamentary chairman and other [political] groups to discuss all other issues," Jeenbekov's spokeswoman Tolgonai Stamalieva said.
Earlier in the day, the deputy secretary of the Security Council, Omurbek Suvanaliev, who is acting chief of the State Committee for National Security (UKMK), said he had ordered the border=guard service to stop top officials from leaving the country.
In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman told reporters that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) head Aleksandr Bortnikov held talks with Suvanaliev on October 7.
The FSB supports the Kyrgyz security service in its efforts "to prevent the situation in the country from sliding into chaos," Dmitry Peskov said.
Kyrgyz lawmakers have failed to gather a quorum to discuss Jeenbekov's impeachment and other issues related to the political crisis amid a power vacuum.
Lawmaker Ryskeldi Mombekov told RFE/RL on October 8 that only 40 members of parliament gathered in a Bishkek hotel overnight to set a date for an extraordinary session of parliament, elect an interim prime minister to set a new cabinet, and decide on Jeenbekov's impeachment. At least 61 of the 120 members of parliament must be present at parliamentary sessions to have the lawmakers' decisions be considered legitimate.
It was the second attempt by the fractious outgoing parliament to gather to discuss ways to solve the crisis.
Another lawmaker, Elvira Surabaldieva told RFE/RL that it was Abdyldaev who refused to include Jeenbekov's impeachment on the gathering's agenda.
Opposition groups have proposed candidates for an interim prime minister, who would need to oversee a repeat vote in the coming months.
Sadyr Japarov, whom many in Kyrgyzstan consider to be linked to Jeenbekov, and Tilek Toktogaziev, who was nominated by youth groups, have made their ambitions for the post clear this week.
Several lawmakers told RFE/RL that Omurbek Babanov, who has already served as the cabinet head, had also emerged as a contender.
The Association of Kyrgyzstan's Entrepreneurs announced on October 8 that they would nominate their own candidate, Askar Sydykov, the executive director of the International Business Council.
Kyrgyzstan's central bank allowed financial institutions to reopen on October 8 after their closure two days earlier, as business associations warned the country could face food shortages if banks and tax offices remained shut, which would create public safety fears.
The results of the October 4 parliamentary elections handed victory to pro-government parties. Opposition parties refused to accept the results, and the Central Election Commission subsequently annulled them in the wake of the protests.
Jeenbekov has not appeared in public since the protests erupted and ousted the cabinet, although his office said he remains in the capital, Bishkek. Jeenbekov has issued three statements calling for talks between rival political factions.
The protests were marred by the death of 19-year-old Umutbek Altynbek-uulu, while more than 1,000 people have sought medical attention since the unrest broke out as police and men in civilian clothing scuffled with protesters.
Altynbek-uulu was buried in his native southern Batken region on October 8.
During the protests, jailed former top officials, including former President Almazbek Atambaev, convicted on corruption charges and facing other trials, were released.
Acting Interior Minister Kursan Asanov, who took over this week after running in the election as an opposition candidate, said on October 8 that the issue of the legality of the former officials' release will be decided after a new government is formed.
Also, the heads of departments across Kyrgyzstan were removed by force or voluntary resignation during the protests this week, while the mayors of Bishkek and the second-largest city in the country's south, Osh, were also replaced.
However, on October 8, Bishkek Mayor Aziz Surakmatov returned to his office and announced that he would continue to carry out his mayoral duties.
A day earlier, Osh Mayor Taalaibek Sarybashov also returned to his office and said that he would also continue to carry out his duties despite the ongoing rallies by both his supporters and opponents in the city.
With reporting by Reuters


rferl--2020-10-09--Russia Steps Up Diplomatic Efforts To Stop Latest Nagorno-Karabakh Fighting

YEREVAN/BAKU -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a pause in hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone in order for the two sides to exchange prisoners and the bodies of people killed .
Putin raised the possibility of a pause in the fighting after a series of telephone conversations with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian , the Kremlin ’ s press service said in a statement on October 8 .
Putin also invited the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia to Moscow on October 9 to hold consultations on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Sergei Lavrov .
U.S. , Russian , and French officials have been holding talks in Geneva to try to halt the fighting and avert a wider war in the South Caucasus .
Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov was due to attend the session on October 8 , but no information was available about results of his meeting , according to Reuters , which said no direct meetings have been scheduled between Armenia and Azerbaijan .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin was also part of the diplomat effort on October 8 .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Prime Minister Ali Asadov , to underscore the importance of stabilizing the situation and restarting negotiations seeking a political and diplomatic settlement , according to TASS .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh erupted on September 27 .
The fighting , which has involved the use of heavy artillery , warplanes , and drones , has continued despite numerous international calls for a cease-fire .
Earlier on October 8 Armenia accused Azerbaijan of shelling a historic cathedral in territory controlled by ethnic-Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Residents of the town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cathedral sustained exterior and interior damage after being hit twice within several hours .
An RFE/RL correspondent reported that women and children were inside the cathedral at the time of the first shelling , but nobody was wounded .
Three Russian journalists were reportedly wounded in the second attack .
One of them was said to be hospitalized in critical condition .
Also known as the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral , the 19th century building is part of the Armenian Apostolic Church .
It is perched on a strategic clifftop in Susha just a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s largest city .
Azerbaijan 's Defense Ministry denied attacking the cathedral , saying its army `` does n't target historical , cultural , especially religious buildings and monuments . ''
Baku said earlier that Armenian forces had attacked several Azerbaijani towns and villages the night before , causing casualties .
The fighting marks the biggest escalation of the decades-old conflict since a shaky cease-fire was reached in 1994 .
Yerevan and Baku accuse each other of expanding the hostilities beyond Nagorno-Karabakh and of targeting civilians .
Nagorno-Karabakh 's military says 350 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 .
Azerbaijan , which is backed by Turkey , has n't provided details about its military losses .
Nagorno-Karabakh is recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan .
But it has been under the control of Yerevan-backed ethnic Armenian forces since the 1994 cease-fire brought an end to the separatist war that broke out during the late 1980s .
With reporting by Reuters and TASS

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev says he is giving Armenia a "last chance" to resolve a conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh as his country will reclaim the territory "either via peace or by war."
Speaking in a televised address to the nation on October 9 as the countries began their first high-level talks after nearly two weeks of clashes in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, Aliyev said Baku was giving Armenia “a chance to settle the conflict peacefully,” though he is not willing to make concessions to Armenia.
“The conflict is now being settled by military means and political means will come next,” he warned, saying nearly three decades of international talks “haven't yielded an inch of progress; we haven't been given back an inch of the occupied lands.”
Nagorno-Karabakh is recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan. But it has been under the control of Yerevan-backed ethnic Armenian forces since a 1994 cease-fire brought an end to the separatist war that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed.
Since then, Nagorno-Karabakh has been populated and governed by ethnic Armenians, leaving hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from the region as internally displaced war refugees for more than a quarter century.
Zaur Shiriyev, a South Caucasus analyst for the International Crisis Group, says there is a “very visible lack of support” from the Azerbaijani population for going back to peace talks in the hope of returning the country's internally displaced people to their homes in and around Nagorno-Karabakh.
Shiriyev says Azerbaijanis “demand” from Aliyev “not to return to ‘fruitless’ talks, but to continue the war, which finally promises real results.”
“Therefore, the international calls for cease-fire are broadly seen as an attempt to disrupt Baku’s success and do not find support in the Azerbaijani public,” Shiriyev says.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh erupted on September 27. The fighting, which has involved the use of heavy artillery, warplanes, and drones, has continued despite numerous international calls for a cease-fire.
Aliyev's fiery speech came as the foreign ministers of the two countries prepared to sit down with their Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, for Russia-mediated talks in Moscow.
“It has begun," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Facebook, posting a picture of the three ministers sitting at a table.
Russia's Interfax news agency reported the talks lasted more than two hours.
The hostilities -- the biggest escalation of the decades-old conflict since a shaky cease-fire was reached in 1994 -- have increased concern that a wider conflict could drag in regional power Turkey, which is Azerbaijan's closest ally, and Russia, which has a defense pact with Armenia.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on October 9 that Azerbaijan's offensive would not stop until Armenia withdrew its own forces and other fighters he said it had brought to the region.
"Until the occupation is over, until the terrorists and mercenaries are taken out of there, nobody should expect our Azeri brothers to stop," Akar said.
In an October 9 interview with CNN, Aliyev called on countries to “stay away” from the conflict so that it doesn't escalate into a wider war.
He also praised Turkey for providing diplomatic support to Baku and for playing “a stabilizing role in the region and in particular in the situation with respect to the Armenia-Azerbaijan-Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged a pause in hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone in order for the two sides to exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed in the fighting.
Putin raised the possibility of a pause in the fighting after a series of telephone conversations with Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, the Kremlin’s press service said in a statement on October 8.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian leader did not intend to meet with the visiting Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers.
Meanwhile, the French presidency said that Armenia and Azerbaijan were moving "towards a truce" to end the fighting, with a deal expected late in the day or on October 10.
"We are moving towards a truce tonight or tomorrow but it's still fragile," President Emmanuel Macron's office told AFP.
France, along with Russia and the United States, is cochair of the OSCE's so-called Minsk Group that has been mediating in the conflict since the early 1990s.
Officials from the three countries have been holding talks in Geneva to try to halt the fighting and avert a wider war in the South Caucasus.
Meanwhile, the defense forces of Nagorno-Karabakh's de facto government said on October 9 there was intense fighting to the south of Stepanakert, the region’s largest city.
The previous day, Armenia accused Azerbaijan of shelling a historic cathedral perched on a strategic clifftop in Shushi (known as Susa in Azeri), just a few kilometers south of Stepanakert.
Residents of the town said the Holy Savior Cathedral sustained exterior and interior damage after being hit twice within several hours.
Also known as the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, the 19th century building is part of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Russia's Health Ministry said two Russians wounded in shelling were airlifted to Moscow on October 9 and are in satisfactory condition.
With reporting by Reuters, TASS, AFP, and AP


rferl--2020-10-08--Six Russian Weightlifters Banned From Competition For Doping

The International Weightlifting Federation ( IWF ) says six Russian weightlifters have been banned from competition for doping violations .
The punishments were based on evidence of cheating obtained by the World Anti-Doping Agency 's investigation of samples taken from the Moscow laboratory at the center of the Russian doping scandal that erupted in 2014 , the IWF said in statement on October 8 .
Dmitry Lapikov received the heaviest sanction -- a competition ban until August 2026 .
The 38-year-old was a bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics , 2009 world silver medalist , and 2011 European champion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2012 and 2013 , was banned for six years .
Ruslan Albegov , bronze medalist at London 2012 and a two-time world champion , Egor Klimonov , Yuliya Konovalova , and Tima Turieva received four-year bans .
Eight other cases `` are currently pending , ” the IWF said , adding that three further Russian athletes had been provisionally suspended -- also on doping charges .
IWF acting President Ursula Papandrea said the decisions `` are proof that the anti-doping system has become significantly stronger in recent years , notably thanks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The IWF `` will continue to play its part…in doing all it can to protect clean weightlifters and promote clean weightlifting , '' she added .
WADA is in the process of analyzing data retrieved earlier this year from the Moscow laboratory and submitting the results to international sports federations .
The doping scandal resulted in Team Russia 's ban from international competition , including the 2016 Olympics and 2018 Winter Olympics .
With reporting by AFP and the BBC

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) says six Russian weightlifters have been banned from competition for doping violations.
The punishments were based on evidence of cheating obtained by the World Anti-Doping Agency's investigation of samples taken from the Moscow laboratory at the center of the Russian doping scandal that erupted in 2014, the IWF said in statement on October 8.
Dmitry Lapikov received the heaviest sanction -- a competition ban until August 2026.
The 38-year-old was a bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2009 world silver medalist, and 2011 European champion.
Maksim Sheiko, European silver medalist in 2012 and 2013, was banned for six years.
Ruslan Albegov, bronze medalist at London 2012 and a two-time world champion, Egor Klimonov, Yuliya Konovalova, and Tima Turieva received four-year bans.
Eight other cases "are currently pending,” the IWF said, adding that three further Russian athletes had been provisionally suspended -- also on doping charges.
IWF acting President Ursula Papandrea said the decisions "are proof that the anti-doping system has become significantly stronger in recent years, notably thanks to WADA's powers to investigate."
The IWF "will continue to play its part…in doing all it can to protect clean weightlifters and promote clean weightlifting," she added.
WADA is in the process of analyzing data retrieved earlier this year from the Moscow laboratory and submitting the results to international sports federations.
The doping scandal resulted in Team Russia's ban from international competition, including the 2016 Olympics and 2018 Winter Olympics.
With reporting by AFP and the BBC


rferl--2020-10-08--EU Mulls Adding Lukashenka To Blacklist Over Belarusian Election, Crackdown

The European Union stands ready to include Alyaksandr Lukashenka on its blacklist of Belarusian officials deemed responsible for electoral fraud and a brutal crackdown on protesters and opposition members , according to a draft document seen by RFE/RL .
The document , drafted by the council of the EU , is expected to be adopted by the bloc ’ s 27 foreign ministers when they meet in Brussels on October 12 .
It comes after the EU last week agreed to impose visa bans and asset freezes on 40 Belarus officials following weeks of street protests against the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave Lukashenka a sixth term .
Diplomats told RFE/RL that Lukashenka was not included on the sanctions list because there was still hope he would engage in talks with the opposition to find a way out of the political crisis in Belarus .
Lukashenka claims to have won the August election by a landslide and had himself secretly sworn in .
However , the European Council ’ s document does not refer to him as the president of Belarus but only uses his surname and first initial .
Describing the vote as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says that Lukashenka `` lacks any democratic legitimacy.
” `` The list of persons targeted will be under constant review .
In line with the EU ’ s gradual approach , the EU stands ready to take further restrictive measures , including against entities and high-ranking officials , including [ Lukashenka ] , ” the draft document says .
The 7-page document also says that the EU will review its relationship with Minsk , including cooperation with Belarusian central authorities and financial assistance to the country `` in order to ensure it benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to the maximum possible extent away from central authorities . ''
If a democratic transition takes place in Belarus , it says , the EU would offer economic support to Belarus and back the country 's bid to join the World Trade Organization .
The document also notes that the opening of a dialogue with Minsk aimed at granting the country complete visa liberalization `` is possible under the precondition of sustained and effective implementation of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements as well as a well-managed and secure mobility . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , making it easier and cheaper for Belarusian citizens to enter most EU countries .

The European Union stands ready to include Alyaksandr Lukashenka on its blacklist of Belarusian officials deemed responsible for electoral fraud and a brutal crackdown on protesters and opposition members, according to a draft document seen by RFE/RL.
The document, drafted by the council of the EU, is expected to be adopted by the bloc’s 27 foreign ministers when they meet in Brussels on October 12.
It comes after the EU last week agreed to impose visa bans and asset freezes on 40 Belarus officials following weeks of street protests against the results of the “rigged” presidential election that gave Lukashenka a sixth term.
Diplomats told RFE/RL that Lukashenka was not included on the sanctions list because there was still hope he would engage in talks with the opposition to find a way out of the political crisis in Belarus.
Lukashenka claims to have won the August election by a landslide and had himself secretly sworn in.
However, the European Council’s document does not refer to him as the president of Belarus but only uses his surname and first initial.
Describing the vote as "neither free nor fair," it says that Lukashenka "lacks any democratic legitimacy.”
"The list of persons targeted will be under constant review. In line with the EU’s gradual approach, the EU stands ready to take further restrictive measures, including against entities and high-ranking officials, including [Lukashenka],” the draft document says.
The 7-page document also says that the EU will review its relationship with Minsk, including cooperation with Belarusian central authorities and financial assistance to the country "in order to ensure it benefits the population at large notably by directing it to the maximum possible extent away from central authorities."
If a democratic transition takes place in Belarus, it says, the EU would offer economic support to Belarus and back the country's bid to join the World Trade Organization.
The document also notes that the opening of a dialogue with Minsk aimed at granting the country complete visa liberalization "is possible under the precondition of sustained and effective implementation of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements as well as a well-managed and secure mobility."
The two deals entered into force earlier this year, making it easier and cheaper for Belarusian citizens to enter most EU countries.


rferl--2020-10-08--Bulgaria, Slovakia, Czech Republic Recall Ambassadors From Belarus

Bulgaria , the Czech Republic , and Slovakia announced on October 8 that they are recalling their ambassadors from Minsk , following similar action by fellow EU countries Poland and the Baltic states over the disputed presidential election in Belarus .
The announcements came a day after Estonia and Latvia said they were recalling their ambassadors .
Lithuania and Poland did so on October 5 after the government in Minsk recalled its ambassadors in Vilnius and Warsaw .
Lithuania , Estonia , and Latvia are all European Union members .
Belarus took the step in the wake of EU sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and human rights abuses .
Belarusian authorities have accused Vilnius and Warsaw of backing the mass protests that have erupted against Alyaksandr Lukashenka since election officials declared he had won reelection on August 9 with more than 80 percent of the vote .
Opposition leaders and some former Belarusian election officials say the official tally was rigged in Lukashenka 's favor .
`` I have decided to recall our Head of Mission in # Minsk for consultations to Slovakia as ( an ) expression of solidarity with Lithuania and Poland , '' Slovak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on October 8 .
`` Steps taken by Belarus authorities against other EU member states are unacceptable .
EU remains united in its support of [ the ] people of Belarus . ''
The Czech ambassador to Belarus will also be recalled to Prague for consultations `` for a week or so , '' Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zuzana Stichova told the CTK news agency .
Bulgaria 's Foreign Ministry said its ambassador to Minsk had announced his imminent departure `` in a show of solidarity '' with Lithuania and Poland .
Sofia also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release of all the political prisoners '' in Belarus , as well as for dialogue with the opposition with a view to holding free elections .
With reporting by RFE/RL 's Bulgarian Service and AFP

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia announced on October 8 that they are recalling their ambassadors from Minsk, following similar action by fellow EU countries Poland and the Baltic states over the disputed presidential election in Belarus.
The announcements came a day after Estonia and Latvia said they were recalling their ambassadors. Lithuania and Poland did so on October 5 after the government in Minsk recalled its ambassadors in Vilnius and Warsaw.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia are all European Union members.
Belarus took the step in the wake of EU sanctions against Belarusian officials accused of election fraud and human rights abuses.
Belarusian authorities have accused Vilnius and Warsaw of backing the mass protests that have erupted against Alyaksandr Lukashenka since election officials declared he had won reelection on August 9 with more than 80 percent of the vote.
Opposition leaders and some former Belarusian election officials say the official tally was rigged in Lukashenka's favor.
"I have decided to recall our Head of Mission in #Minsk for consultations to Slovakia as (an) expression of solidarity with Lithuania and Poland," Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok said on Twitter on October 8. "Steps taken by Belarus authorities against other EU member states are unacceptable. EU remains united in its support of [the] people of Belarus."
The Czech ambassador to Belarus will also be recalled to Prague for consultations "for a week or so," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zuzana Stichova told the CTK news agency.
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry said its ambassador to Minsk had announced his imminent departure "in a show of solidarity" with Lithuania and Poland.
Sofia also called for "the immediate and unconditional release of all the political prisoners" in Belarus, as well as for dialogue with the opposition with a view to holding free elections.
With reporting by RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service and AFP


rferl--2020-10-08--Washington Blacklists Iran's Entire Financial Sector

Washington has blacklisted virtually all of Iran ’ s financial sector , striking an economy already hit hard by U.S. sanctions .
The move on October 8 blacklists 18 Iranian banks that had , so far , escaped most of the U.S. sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump 's administration since the United States pulled out of a 2015 nuclear pact between Tehran and world powers .
Critically , the move subjects foreign , non-Iranian financial institutions to penalties for doing business with the blacklisted Iranian entities -- effectively cutting off Iran from the international financial system .
`` Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sanction eighteen major Iranian banks reflects our commitment to stop illicit access to U.S. dollars , '' U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in statement .
“ Our sanctions programs will continue until Iran stops its support of terrorist activities and ends its nuclear programs , '' Mnuchin added .
`` Today ’ s actions will continue to allow for humanitarian transactions to support the Iranian people . ''
However , Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused the United States of targeting Iran 's `` remaining channels to pay for food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Iranians WILL survive this latest of cruelties , '' he tweeted .
The Treasury Department statement said the action targets 16 Iranian banks for their role in the country 's financial sector .
It says one bank was blacklisted because it is affiliated with Iran 's military and one for being owned or controlled by another sanctioned Iranian bank .
Some of the institutions had been covered by previous designations , but the move on October 8 places them all under the same authority covering Iran 's entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Amin Investment Bank , Bank Keshavarzi Iran , Bank Maskan , Bank Refah Kargaran , Bank-e Shahr , Eghtesad Novin Bank , Gharzolhasaneh Resalat Bank , Hekmat Iranian Bank , Iran Zamin Bank , Karafarin Bank , Khavarmianeh Bank , Mehr Iran Credit Union Bank , Pasargad Bank , Saman Bank , Sarmayeh Bank , Tosee Taavon Bank , Tourism Bank , and the Islamic Regional Cooperation Bank .
Foreign companies that do business with those banks were given 45 days to wind down their operations before facing so-called `` secondary sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the regime and its corrupt officials that have used the wealth of the Iranian people to fuel a radical , revolutionary cause that has brought untold suffering across the Middle East and beyond , '' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement .
`` Our maximum economic pressure campaign will continue until Iran is willing to conclude a comprehensive negotiation that addresses the regime 's malign behavior , '' he said .
With reporting by Reuters and AP

A polytechnic school in Russia’s Tatarstan, a region some 900 kilometers east of Moscow, is using manufacturing facilities that are part of a nearby special economic zone to assemble Iranian attack drones and are increasingly turning to underage students as laborers, many of whom often work in exploitative conditions.
The revelations at Alabuga Polytechnic University raise troubling implications about the lengths that Russian authorities are going to in order to boost the war effort and how the advanced Iranian weaponry -- which is increasingly used to bombard Ukrainian cities and has only recently begun to be manufactured inside Russia -- could contribute to escalating tensions and rising civilian casualties.
The use of underage students as drone factory workers and the details of the manufacturing facilities were first reported by Russian independent media outlets Protokol and Razvorot, which published a series of investigations in July.
Since then, RFE/RL’s Idel.Realities has spoken with students who describe grueling working conditions and interviewed dozens of parents whose children have been enrolled at Alabuga Polytechnic University -- some as young at 15 -- who say that their children were forced to work exceedingly long hours, often without proper breaks or meals, and under hostile conditions that have deeply affected their mental health.
“My son enrolled and 2 1/2 months later he called for me to take him away,” Zhanna, who asked to be identified only by her first name to protect against reprisals for speaking about the operation, told RFE/RL. “He said to me on the phone, ‘Come and get me or I’ll die,’ so I picked him up immediately.”
Zhanna, who asked that her underage son’s name also not be used, says that she sent him from Nizhny Novgorod to study at Alabuga Polytechnic University in 2022 because of its reputation as a leading technical institution inside Russia.
The school offered students -- often between the ages of 15-18 -- an opportunity to get vocational training as part of a dual program that combines a classroom education with practical work experience. Students were also promised an opportunity to work and earn a locally competitive salary of up to 70,000 rubles ($700) a month as part of the work experience program that could further their career growth.
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But, instead, those enrolled were encouraged and in some cases pressured into working at the drone facility, where the salaries of the mostly underage laborers are contingent on meeting tough production quotas.
“This is a textbook definition of what constitutes exploitation,” Sergei Podsytnik, an investigative journalist at Protokol who worked on the series of reports, told RFE/RL. “[Students] assemble drones, with the work taking priority over their studies.”
The pressure to fulfill these quotas has allegedly led to strenuous back-to-back days -- with some shifts lasting up to 15 hours -- with little time for sleep or adequate sustenance. Overtime work is often unpaid, further highlighting potential labor violations. Exhausted students also reported not always meeting their quotas, which led to them not earning the salary initially promised by the school. Many students came from disadvantaged backgrounds and relied on their earnings to cover costs for tuition, room, and board and would send the remainder home.
Other parents, such as Marina, said she decided to take her daughter out of the program when she discovered that she was working in apparent unsafe conditions and that staff from the school had instructed students not to tell their parents about the drone assembly work.
“This was the last straw for me,” Marina, who also asked for her identity to be concealed, told RFE/RL. “This is a dangerous production process that involves dangerous chemicals. They also forbid the kids from telling everything to their parents.”
RFE/RL sent multiple requests for comment to various staff and administrators at Alabuga Polytechnic University but received no replies.
Making Iranian Drones In Russia
The complicated and concerning dynamic at Alabuga Polytechnic University stems from growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia that has accelerated since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Iran has said it provided drones to Russia before the start of the war, but not since. However, U.S. intelligence officials have warned for months of continued deliveries and deepening cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, saying the two sides were exploring how to set up a manufacturing plant for Iranian drones inside Russia.
According to The Wall Street Journal, an Iranian delegation visited Yelabuga in Tatarstan on January 5, touring a potential site for such a factory at the Alabuga special economic zone close to Alabuga Polytechnic University. U.S. officials released satellite images in April of the plant being built.
Russia already possesses an array of unarmed aerial vehicles, or UAVs, which are used mainly for surveillance and artillery spotting, but has turned increasingly to Tehran for attack drones.
After being forced to abandon Ukrainian territory that its troops captured in the early stretches of the war, Moscow shifted to a strategy of relentless air assaults on Ukrainian cities. These attacks often rely on a combination of cruise missiles and self-detonating drones packed with explosives to knock out electricity and running water for the civilian population in Ukraine.
So far, Iran has provided Russia mostly with so-called "suicide" drones, known as the Shahed-136, that contain a modest amount of explosives that can detonate when the drones crash into targets, military experts say.
In acquiring its own domestic assembly line, Russia could dramatically increase its stockpile of the relatively inexpensive but highly destructive weapons systems.
WATCH: Russia has resorted to using Shahed-136 drones from Iran in its war on Ukraine. Ukraine says it's already downed many of the drones, which work by slamming into their intended target, laden with explosives. Ordinary Ukrainians say they can already recognize the sound of the drones, which use two-stroke engines like lawnmowers or motorbikes. Iran has denied supplying the drones to Russia.
The arrangement also offers substantial economic and political benefits for Iran, which has sought to portray itself as neutral in the Ukraine war. The appearance of Iranian-made drones over Ukrainian cities, however, has triggered threats of new economic sanctions from the West. The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have also all issued rules in recent months designed to cut off the flow of drone components to Russia and Iran.
The Washington Post reported in November 2022, citing unnamed U.S. intelligence officials, that the agreement to deliver Iranian drone schematics and materials for manufacture in Russia resulted from Iranian leaders believing that the arrangement would allow Tehran to avert new sanctions.
Foreign Recruitment And Patriotic Education
Alabuga Polytechnic University is formally not a college. All of its students are officially enrolled at nearby Yelabuga Polytechnic College, with the Alabuga institution existing on paper as a specialized program for students looking to break into high-tech industries.
Currently, about 1,000 students are studying at Alabuga Polytechnic University, with several hundred of them -- most of whom are between the ages of 15 and 17 -- involved in assembling the Iranian drones.
In addition to the work on the drones, there are other signs that point to blurred lines in Russia between the education system and the country’s military amid the war in Ukraine.
According to current and former Alabuga Polytechnic University students, team-building and organized extracurricular activities through the school often take on a “patriotic” character that may be designed to expose students to official government narratives of international events or echo talking points from state television.
Organized paintball games have become a mainstay for students, especially first-year arrivals, in which they are encouraged to compete against one another and then play together against more experienced outside players. Teachers and administration officials regularly refer to paintball as being part of a “patriotic” education needed to complement the technical aspect of their studies.
In one instance, a group of new students competed in paintball as Soviet soldiers against outside players who were dressed as troops from Nazi Germany in a capture-the-flag competition meant to simulate the World War II battle of Stalingrad. According to one student, the Nazi flag contained the compass symbol used by the NATO military alliance instead of the swastika used by Nazi Germany.
Other instances of political teachings from staff are more direct. In a recording obtained by RFE/RL from June 16, a senior administrator can be heard telling the teenagers that NATO launched a hybrid war against Russia back in 2011 and that it has slowly become more overt. The man then goes on to tell students that their hard work and exceeding long days at the drone factory are part of a nationwide struggle against the West and that their patriotism will be rewarded.
Several students and parents identified the man in the recording as Timur Shagivaleev, the director-general of the special economic zone where Alabuga Polytechnic University and the drone factory operate.
Shagivaleev did not respond to RFE/RL’s request for comment.
The man in the recording then goes on to tell students not to take holidays and to continue working “even if it's mom's birthday,” before ending his speech with, “Long live our great country.”
WATCH: Amid a new wave of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine, analysts in Kyiv are gaining useful intelligence from a collection of downed Russian aerial weapons. They have been studying the remains of Iranian Shahed drones and Russian Kinzhal missiles, among others.
Multiple current and former students told RFE/RL that students who work in the drone factory are often praised by staff, while those who have refused or asked to be reassigned due to the high workload are often publicly shamed. In some instances -- according to recordings heard by RFE/RL -- staff even encourage students to bully others who are not deemed “patriotic” enough.
According to Protokol and Razvorot’s investigations, Alabuga Polytechnic University has also turned toward recruiting foreign students to enroll. The majority of them come from African countries, but also from Central Asia and Azerbaijan, where they are promised “world class” salaries as part of the dual-track world experience program.
However, these foreign students are then given low-skill and menial tasks around the campus and the special economic zone, such as janitorial work, and are also paid lower salaries than initially promised.
Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by RFE/RL’s Idel.Realities


rferl--2020-10-08--Associate Of Belarusian Opposition Leader Tsikhanouskaya Detained In Minsk

Belarusian police say they have detained one of the associates of opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya on suspicion of committing an administrative violation .
Minsk city police spokeswoman Natallya Hanusevich said on October 8 that Anatol Lyabedzka was detained in the capital .
She did not elaborate .
Earlier in the day , Lyabedzka 's colleagues said he had stopped answering phone calls and that his whereabouts were unknown .
Tsikhanouskaya has announced she had picked Lyabedzka , a former leader of the opposition United Civic Party ( AHP ) , as her representative on constitutional reforms .
Lyabedzka has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past for his opposition activities .
Tsikhanouskaya denounced Lyabedzka 's detention , saying that Alyaksandr Lukashenka 's regime `` showed again that its words mean nothing . ''
`` [ The regime ] has vowed about its readiness to carry out constitutional reforms , but today Anatol Lyabedzka , who coordinated the work of the Public Constitutional Commission , was detained , ” she wrote on Telegram .
`` Do not trust the regime 's words .
Do not offer it any proposals except one -- Lukashenka must go away , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by BelaPAN and Deutsche Welle

Belarusian police say they have detained one of the associates of opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya on suspicion of committing an administrative violation.
Minsk city police spokeswoman Natallya Hanusevich said on October 8 that Anatol Lyabedzka was detained in the capital. She did not elaborate.
Earlier in the day, Lyabedzka's colleagues said he had stopped answering phone calls and that his whereabouts were unknown.
Tsikhanouskaya has announced she had picked Lyabedzka, a former leader of the opposition United Civic Party (AHP), as her representative on constitutional reforms.
Lyabedzka has been fined and briefly jailed several times in the past for his opposition activities.
Tsikhanouskaya denounced Lyabedzka's detention, saying that Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime "showed again that its words mean nothing."
"[The regime] has vowed about its readiness to carry out constitutional reforms, but today Anatol Lyabedzka, who coordinated the work of the Public Constitutional Commission, was detained,” she wrote on Telegram.
"Do not trust the regime's words. Do not offer it any proposals except one -- Lukashenka must go away," the opposition leader added.
With reporting by BelaPAN and Deutsche Welle


rferl--2020-10-08--Six Jehovah's Witnesses Receive Suspended Prison Sentences In Russia

A Russian court has handed down suspended prison sentences to six members of the Jehovah 's Witnesses , in what a spokesman for the religious denomination called a `` gross injustice . ''
Judge Galina Soshkina in the central city of Ulyanovsk sentenced the defendants on October 8 to between 2 1/2 years and four years , plus between seven and 10 months of restricted freedom , according to the Jehovah 's Witnesses world headquarters in the United States .
`` We are pleased that they were not imprisoned , yet it remains a gross injustice for them to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' spokesman Jarrod Lopes said in a statement .
Lopes called on Russia to `` stop vilifying Jehovah ’ s Witnesses with the preposterous label of 'extremists ' so they can once again worship freely and contribute fully to the communities they love . ''
The ruling comes a day after Galina Soshkina , a judge in the North Caucasus region of Kabardino-Balkaria , `` courageously '' issued the first `` not guilty '' verdict on a Jehovah ’ s Witness since Russia banned the group in 2017 and declared them an @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A Russian court has handed down suspended prison sentences to six members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, in what a spokesman for the religious denomination called a "gross injustice."
Judge Galina Soshkina in the central city of Ulyanovsk sentenced the defendants on October 8 to between 2 1/2 years and four years, plus between seven and 10 months of restricted freedom, according to the Jehovah's Witnesses world headquarters in the United States.
"We are pleased that they were not imprisoned, yet it remains a gross injustice for them to be convicted simply for their peaceful Christian worship," spokesman Jarrod Lopes said in a statement.
Lopes called on Russia to "stop vilifying Jehovah’s Witnesses with the preposterous label of 'extremists' so they can once again worship freely and contribute fully to the communities they love."
The ruling comes a day after Galina Soshkina, a judge in the North Caucasus region of Kabardino-Balkaria, "courageously" issued the first "not guilty" verdict on a Jehovah’s Witness since Russia banned the group in 2017 and declared them an extremist organization, the spokesman said.


rferl--2020-10-08--Volunteers Block Looters Amid Kyrgyz Power Vacuum

Volunteers in the Kyrgyz capital , Bishkek , say they have stopped attacks by looters amid a power vacuum in @ @ @ @ @ The volunteers , who organized through social-media channels , said they had to step in @ @ @ @ @ as police had vanished from many areas .
Kyrgyzstan 's government resigned after mass protests @ @ @ @ @ as rigged .

Volunteers in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, say they have stopped attacks by looters amid a power vacuum in the Central Asian nation. The volunteers, who organized through social-media channels, said they had to step in to protect buildings and property as police had vanished from many areas. Kyrgyzstan's government resigned after mass protests over parliamentary elections many saw as rigged.


rferl--2020-10-08--Iran Releases Prominent Rights Activist Narges Mohammadi

Iran has released Narges Mohammadi , a prominent human rights activist who campaigned against the death penalty .
Mohammadi , arrested in May 2015 , was freed late on October 7 after her 10-year prison sentence had been reduced .
Judiciary official Sadegh Niaraki was quoted by the semiofficial ISNA news agency as saying that Mohammadi was released based on a law that allows a prison sentence to be commuted if the related court agrees .
Mohammadi ’ s husband , political activist Taghi Rahmani , confirmed on Twitter that she had been released .
`` I heard from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Rahmani , who lives in France , said .
Earlier this year , the United Nations and rights groups had called on Iran to release Mohammadi who had shown suspected COVID-19 symptoms in prison .
Mohammadi was sentenced in Tehran ’ s Revolutionary Court on charges that included harming Iran 's national security , spreading propaganda against the establishment , and forming and managing an illegal group .
She was in a prison in the northwestern city of Zanjan , some 280 kilometers ( 174 miles ) northwest of the capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was welcomed by human rights groups and Iranian rights activists .
`` She should have never been unjustly jailed for over 5 years , '' Amnesty International said on Twitter .
Mohammadi was the spokesperson of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center co-founded by Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi .
She has been awarded several prestigious prizes , including the American Physical Society 's Andrei Sakharov Prize in 2018 for outstanding leadership in upholding human rights .


rferl--2020-10-08--Armenia Cancels Accreditation Of Russian Journalist After Report From Nagorno-Karabakh

Armenian authorities have canceled the accreditation of journalist Ilya Azar , a Moscow-based correspondent for Novaya Gazeta , after a report he wrote stated scores of lives had been lost in a military conflict that broke out on September 27 in Azerbaijan ’ s breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Azar wrote on Telegram on October 8 that he had received the accreditation specially to cover ongoing developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region , where fighting between forces from Azerbaijan and Armenia in and around the breakaway region has surged to its worst level since the 1990s , when some 30,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was told that `` the accreditation had been changed ... during the process . ''
`` The unofficial and main reason , as I was clearly hinted at , is my report from [ the Nagorno-Karabakh city ] Shushi and [ the ethnic-Armenian forces-controlled city of ] Lacin , which a representative of [ the Armenian ] Foreign Ministry said had caused a negative public reaction , '' Azar added .
In his report from the two cities , Azar interviewed local ethnic Armenians , who talked about Azerbaijani bombing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of ethnic-Armenian military and police officers , and criticized Yerevan for giving what they called `` false '' information about the situation and being unable to provide proper resistance to Baku 's offensives .
In 2011 , Azerbaijani authorities deemed Azar persona non grata for his journalistic activities in the breakaway region .

Armenian authorities have canceled the accreditation of journalist Ilya Azar, a Moscow-based correspondent for Novaya gazeta, after a report he wrote stated scores of lives had been lost in a military conflict that broke out on September 27 in Azerbaijan’s breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Azar wrote on Telegram on October 8 that he had received the accreditation specially to cover ongoing developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, where fighting between forces from Azerbaijan and Armenia in and around the breakaway region has surged to its worst level since the 1990s, when some 30,000 people were killed.
Azar also wrote that he was told that "the accreditation had been changed... during the process."
"The unofficial and main reason, as I was clearly hinted at, is my report from [the Nagorno-Karabakh city] Shushi and [the ethnic-Armenian forces-controlled city of] Lachin, which a representative of [the Armenian] Foreign Ministry said had caused a negative public reaction," Azar added.
In his report from the two cities, Azar interviewed local ethnic Armenians, who talked about Azerbaijani bombing of the House of Culture in Shushi, killing hundreds of ethnic-Armenian military and police officers, and criticized Yerevan for giving what they called "false" information about the situation and being unable to provide proper resistance to Baku's offensives.
In 2011, Azerbaijani authorities deemed Azar persona non grata for his journalistic activities in the breakaway region.


rferl--2020-10-08--Britain, Ukraine Sign Partnership Deal With Eye On Russia's 'Malign Influence'

Britain and Ukraine have signed a bilateral agreement to support Kyiv 's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia 's `` malign influence , '' British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s office says .
The U.K.-Ukraine Political , Free Trade , and Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed on October 8 , the second day of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy 's visit to Britain .
The deal `` lays the foundation for an intensified bilateral relationship in areas including trade , defense and political cooperation , '' Johnson 's office said in statement .
It replaces key elements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the European Union .
Britain formally left the bloc in January but remains bound by most of its rules until the end of the year .
It is now looking to its post-Brexit future in 2021 .
Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and threw its support behind separatists in Ukraine 's east , where some 13,200 people have been killed in an ongoing conflict .
During their meeting in Downing Street , Johnson and Zelenskiy discussed `` the importance of working together to counter Russia ’ s malign influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider region , '' according to the prime minister ’ s office .
The statement said Johnson `` stressed that reform and rule of law drive economic growth , and reiterated the UK ’ s commitment to Ukraine 's reform programme.
” In a separate statement , Johnson said his country was Ukraine 's “ most fervent supporter . ''
`` Whether it ’ s our defense support , stabilization efforts , humanitarian assistance or close cooperation on political issues , our message is clear : we are utterly committed to upholding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Britain has been `` a staunch defender of Ukraine 's right to self-determination , '' the statement noted , adding that British troops had trained more than 18,000 members of Ukraine 's armed forces since 2015 .
The new deal , which Johnson said `` signals the next chapter in our relationship , '' includes a comprehensive preferential free trade agreement covering goods and services , tariffs , and quotas , his office said .
It also details commitments to cooperate on peaceful conflict resolution , defense and security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran and the British Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace on October 7 signed a memorandum on strengthening cooperation in the defense sector .
With reporting by AFP and Reuters

Britain and Ukraine have signed a bilateral agreement to support Kyiv's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's "malign influence," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office says.
The U.K.-Ukraine Political, Free Trade, and Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed on October 8, the second day of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to Britain.
The deal "lays the foundation for an intensified bilateral relationship in areas including trade, defense and political cooperation," Johnson's office said in statement.
It replaces key elements of an existing partnership agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.
Britain formally left the bloc in January but remains bound by most of its rules until the end of the year. It is now looking to its post-Brexit future in 2021.
Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and threw its support behind separatists in Ukraine's east, where some 13,200 people have been killed in an ongoing conflict.
During their meeting in Downing Street, Johnson and Zelenskiy discussed "the importance of working together to counter Russia’s malign influence, both in Ukraine and in the wider region," according to the prime minister’s office.
The statement said Johnson "stressed that reform and rule of law drive economic growth, and reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine's reform programme.”
In a separate statement, Johnson said his country was Ukraine's “most fervent supporter."
"Whether it’s our defense support, stabilization efforts, humanitarian assistance or close cooperation on political issues, our message is clear: we are utterly committed to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," he said.
Britain has been "a staunch defender of Ukraine's right to self-determination," the statement noted, adding that British troops had trained more than 18,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces since 2015.
The new deal, which Johnson said "signals the next chapter in our relationship," includes a comprehensive preferential free trade agreement covering goods and services, tariffs, and quotas, his office said.
It also details commitments to cooperate on peaceful conflict resolution, defense and security, climate change, and human rights.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran and the British Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace on October 7 signed a memorandum on strengthening cooperation in the defense sector.
With reporting by AFP and Reuters


rferl--2020-10-08--Armenia Accuses Azerbaijan Of Shelling Cathedral In Nagorno-Karabakh

YEREVAN/BAKU -- Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of shelling a historic cathedral in territory controlled by ethnic-Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh as fighting over the breakaway Azerbaijani region continues to rage .
Residents of the town of Susha said that the Holy Savior Cathedral sustained exterior and interior damage after being hit twice within several hours .
An RFE/RL correspondent reported that women and children were inside the cathedral at the time of the first shelling , but nobody was wounded .
Three Russian journalists were reportedly wounded in the second attack .
One of them was said to be hospitalized in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral , the 19th-century building is part of the Armenian Apostolic Church .
It is perched on a strategic clifftop in Susha just a few kilometers south of Stepanakert -- Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s largest city .
Azerbaijan 's Defense Ministry denied attacking the cathedral , saying its army `` does n't target historical , cultural , especially religious buildings and monuments . ''
Earlier on October 8 , Baku said Armenian forces had attacked several Azerbaijani towns and villages overnight , causing casualties .
The Defense Ministry in Baku @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were `` taking adequate measures , '' without elaborating .
Armenia 's Defense Ministry reported earlier in the day that the Armenian-backed separatist forces had repelled an attack to the southeast of Stepanakert and Susha , killing Azerbaijani soldiers and destroying military equipment .
The latest clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces over Nagorno-Karabakh erupted on September 27 .
The fighting , which has involved the use of heavy artillery , warplanes , and drones , has continued despite numerous international calls for a cease-fire .
The fighting marks the biggest escalation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reached in 1994 .
Yerevan and Baku accuse each other of expanding the hostilities beyond Nagorno-Karabakh and of targeting civilians .
Scores of civilians on both sides have been killed .
Nagorno-Karabakh 's military says 350 of its soldiers have been killed since September 27 .
Azerbaijan , which is backed by Turkey , has n't provided details about its military losses .
Nagorno-Karabakh is recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan .
But it has been under the control of Yerevan-backed ethnic Armenian forces since the 1994 cease-fire brought an end to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the late 1980s .
Earlier on October 8 , before reports emerged about the shelling of the cathedral in Susha , Nagorno-Karabakh 's de facto leadership said its forces were `` suppressing the activity '' of Azerbaijani forces along the front lines to the southeast of Stepanakert .
Stepanakert has been under intense shelling for days , forcing residents to stay in shelters and in the basements of apartment buildings .
Armenian officials allege that Turkey 's involvement in the conflict includes sending Syrian mercenaries to fight on Azerbaijan 's side .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denies sending fighters to the region .
Russia , the United States , and France co-chair the so-called Minsk Group , which was set up in the 1990s under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) to mediate the conflict .
They have called repeatedly for stopping hostilities and starting peace talks .
The Minsk Group was scheduled to meet on October 8 in Geneva with Azerbaijan ’ s foreign minister expected to attend and present Baku ’ s position on the conflict .
Azerbaijan has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces from the region is Baku 's main condition for a cease-fire .
Armenian and Azerbaijani representatives were not expected to meet at the Minsk Group gathering in Geneva .
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on October 7 that Russian , French , and U.S. representatives would meet in Moscow on October 12 to find a way to get the warring sides to negotiate a cease-fire .
`` We want everyone to understand that it 's in their interest to immediately stop hostilities without conditions and that we start a negotiation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's foreign affairs committee .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the Minsk Group for failing to resolve the issue .
On October 8 , he reiterated his country 's full support for Azerbaijan , saying Baku is determined to reclaim its territory .
`` The Minsk Group until now has not shown any will to solve this problem , '' Erdogan told economic forum in Istanbul via video link an October 8 .
`` The solution to the issue -- which has turned into gangrene , so to speak , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attitude for years -- is for the occupation to end . ''
With reporting by AP , AFP , Reuters , dpa , Interfax , and TASS

YEREVAN/BAKU -- Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of shelling a historic cathedral in territory controlled by ethnic Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh as fighting over the breakaway Azerbaijani region continues to rage.
Residents of the town of Shushi (known as Susa in Azeri) said that the Holy Savior Cathedral sustained exterior and interior damage after being hit twice within several hours.
An RFE/RL correspondent reported that women and children were inside the cathedral at the time of the first shelling, but nobody was wounded.
Three Russian journalists were reportedly wounded in the second attack. One of them was said to be hospitalized in critical condition and undergoing surgery.
Also known as the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, the 19th-century building is part of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is perched on a strategic cliff top in Shushi just a few kilometers south of Stepanakert -- Nagorno-Karabakh’s largest city.
Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry denied attacking the cathedral, saying its army "doesn't target historical, cultural, especially religious buildings and monuments."
Earlier on October 8, Baku said Armenian forces had attacked several Azerbaijani towns and villages overnight, causing casualties.
The Defense Ministry in Baku said on its website that Azerbaijani forces were "taking adequate measures," without elaborating.
Armenia's Defense Ministry reported earlier in the day that the Armenian-backed separatist forces had repelled an attack to the southeast of Stepanakert and Shushi, killing Azerbaijani soldiers and destroying military equipment.
The latest clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces over Nagorno-Karabakh erupted on September 27. The fighting, which has involved the use of heavy artillery, warplanes, and drones, has continued despite numerous international calls for a cease-fire.
The fighting marks the biggest escalation of the decades-old conflict since a shaky cease-fire was reached in 1994.
Yerevan and Baku accuse each other of expanding the hostilities beyond Nagorno-Karabakh and of targeting civilians. Scores of civilians on both sides have been killed.
Nagorno-Karabakh's military says 350 of its soldiers have been killed since September 27. Azerbaijan, which is backed by Turkey, hasn't provided details about its military losses.
Nagorno-Karabakh is recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan. But it has been under the control of Yerevan-backed ethnic Armenian forces since the 1994 cease-fire brought an end to the separatist war that broke out during the late 1980s.
Earlier on October 8, before reports emerged about the shelling of the cathedral in Shushi, Nagorno-Karabakh's de facto leadership said its forces were "suppressing the activity" of Azerbaijani forces along the front lines to the southeast of Stepanakert.
Stepanakert has been under intense shelling for days, forcing residents to stay in shelters and in the basements of apartment buildings.
Armenian officials allege that Turkey's involvement in the conflict includes sending Syrian mercenaries to fight on Azerbaijan's side. Although Turkey has publicly backed Azerbaijan, Ankara denies sending fighters to the region.
Russia, the United States, and France co-chair the so-called Minsk Group, which was set up in the 1990s under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to mediate the conflict. They have called repeatedly for stopping hostilities and starting peace talks.
The Minsk Group was scheduled to meet on October 8 in Geneva with Azerbaijan’s foreign minister expected to attend and present Baku’s position on the conflict.
Azerbaijan has said previously that the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the region is Baku's main condition for a cease-fire.
Armenian and Azerbaijani representatives were not expected to meet at the Minsk Group gathering in Geneva.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on October 7 that Russian, French, and U.S. representatives would meet in Moscow on October 12 to find a way to get the warring sides to negotiate a cease-fire.
"We want everyone to understand that it's in their interest to immediately stop hostilities without conditions and that we start a negotiation," he told the French parliament's foreign affairs committee.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the Minsk Group for failing to resolve the issue. On October 8, he reiterated his country's full support for Azerbaijan, saying Baku is determined to reclaim its territory.
"The Minsk Group until now has not shown any will to solve this problem," Erdogan told economic forum in Istanbul via video link an October 8. "The solution to the issue -- which has turned into gangrene, so to speak, because of Armenia’s uncompromising and spoiled attitude for years -- is for the occupation to end."
With reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa, Interfax, and TASS


rferl--2020-10-08--Kyrgyz President Holds Talks With Lawmakers On Crisis, Impeachment

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov , who has not been seen in public since his government was ousted by mass protests this week , has held his first round of talks with members of parliament as they look to restore order in the Central Asian nation .
The parliament 's press service said on October 8 that Jeenbekov even discussed the possibility of his own impeachment with Myktybek Abdyldaev , whom a group of lawmakers named as parliament 's new speaker in the wake of the protests .
Unrest sparked by allegations of vote buying and impropriety during parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian nation , which borders China and hosts a Russian military airbase , with thousands of demonstrators spilling into the streets and seizing government buildings .
The talks on October 8 came as hundreds rallied in the southern city of Osh and the nearby town of Kara-Suu , to express support for Jeenbekov .
`` The issue of impeachment raised by the parliament was discussed .
On that issue , the president said it was most important to bring the situation in the country to within legal boundaries first .
After that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit with the parliamentary chairman and other [ political ] groups to discuss all other issues , '' Jeenbekov 's spokeswoman Tolgonai Stamalieva said .
Earlier in the day , the deputy secretary of the Security Council , Omurbek Suvanaliev , who is acting chief of the State Committee for National Security ( UKMK ) , said he had ordered the border=guard service to stop top officials from leaving the country .
In Moscow , President Vladimir Putin ’ s spokesman told reporters that Russia 's Federal Security Service ( FSB ) head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 7 .
The FSB supports the Kyrgyz security service in its efforts `` to prevent the situation in the country from sliding into chaos , '' Dmitry Peskov said .
Kyrgyz lawmakers have failed to gather a quorum to discuss Jeenbekov 's impeachment and other issues related to the political crisis amid a power vacuum .
Lawmaker Ryskeldi Mombekov told RFE/RL on October 8 that only 40 members of parliament gathered in a Bishkek hotel overnight to set a date for an extraordinary session of parliament , elect an interim prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide on Jeenbekov 's impeachment .
At least 61 of the 120 members of parliament must be present at parliamentary sessions to have the lawmakers ' decisions be considered legitimate .
It was the second attempt by the fractious outgoing parliament to gather to discuss ways to solve the crisis .
Another lawmaker , Elvira Surabaldieva told RFE/RL that it was Abdyldaev who refused to include Jeenbekov 's impeachment on the gathering 's agenda .
Opposition groups have proposed candidates for an interim prime minister , who would need to oversee a repeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japarov , whom many in Kyrgyzstan consider to be linked to Jeenbekov , and Tilek Toktogaziev , who was nominated by youth groups , have made their ambitions for the post clear this week .
Several lawmakers told RFE/RL that Omurbek Babanov , who has already served as the cabinet head , had also emerged as a contender .
The Association of Kyrgyzstan 's Entrepreneurs announced on October 8 that they would nominate their own candidate , Askar Sydykov , the executive director of the International Business Council .
Kyrgyzstan 's central bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 after their closure two days earlier , as business associations warned the country could face food shortages if banks and tax offices remained shut , which would create public safety fears .
The results of the October 4 parliamentary elections handed victory to pro-government parties .
Opposition parties refused to accept the results , and the Central Election Commission subsequently annulled them in the wake of the protests .
Jeenbekov has not appeared in public since the protests erupted and ousted the cabinet , although his office said he remains in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three statements calling for talks between rival political factions .
The protests were marred by the death of 19-year-old Umutbek Altynbek-uulu , while more than 1,000 people have sought medical attention since the unrest broke out as police and men in civilian clothing scuffled with protesters .
Altynbek-uulu was buried in his native southern Batken region on October 8 .
During the protests , jailed former top officials , including former President Almazbek Atambaev , convicted on corruption charges and facing other trials , were released .
Acting Interior Minister Kursan Asanov , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the election as an opposition candidate , said on October 8 that the issue of the legality of the former officials ' release will be decided after a new government is formed .
Also , the heads of departments across Kyrgyzstan were removed by force or voluntary resignation during the protests this week , while the mayors of Bishkek and the second-largest city in the country 's south , Osh , were also replaced .
However , on October 8 , Bishkek Mayor Aziz Surakmatov returned to his office and announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayoral duties .
A day earlier , Osh Mayor Taalaibek Sarybashov also returned to his office and said that he would also continue to carry out his duties despite the ongoing rallies by both his supporters and opponents in the city .


rferl--2020-10-09--Belarus Postpones Launch Of Nuclear Plant Near Lithuania To 2022

MINSK -- Belarus says it has postponed the full launch of the first reactor at its Astravets nuclear power plant @ @ @ @ @ .
The plant , located near the Lithuanian border , was scheduled to be launched @ @ @ @ @ cabinet order on October 9 .
Built by the Russian state firm Rosatom and financed @ @ @ @ @ 10 billion loan , the project is opposed by neighboring EU member Lithuania , whose @ @ @ @ @ just 50 kilometers away .
Lithuania , Latvia , and Estonia are moving to a @ @ @ @ @ common power system by 2025 .
Lithuania has already banned all electricity imports from the @ @ @ @ @ about safety and national security .
Belarus has rejected suggestions that the plant poses a @ @ @ @ @ meets all safety standards .
The loading fuel into the 1.2 gigawatt water-water energetic reactor @ @ @ @ @ plant began in August .
Construction of a second reactor is scheduled for completion in @ @ @ @ @ plant 's capacity to 2.4 gigawatts .

MINSK -- Belarus says it has postponed the full launch of its Astravets nuclear power plant being built by Russia by two years to 2022.*
The plant, located near the Lithuanian border, was scheduled to be launched in full during the fourth quarter before a cabinet order on October 6 delayed it.
Built by the Russian state firm Rosatom and financed by Moscow with a $10 billion loan, the project is opposed by neighboring EU member Lithuania, whose capital, Vilnius, is just 50 kilometers away.
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are moving to a full decoupling from their Soviet-era common power system by 2025.
Lithuania has already banned all electricity imports from the Astravets plant, citing concerns about safety and national security.
Belarus has rejected suggestions that the plant poses a risk and has insisted it meets all safety standards.
The loading fuel into the 1.2 gigawatt water-water energetic reactor (VVER) at the plant began in August.
Construction of a second reactor is scheduled for completion in 2022 and will double the plant's capacity to 2.4 gigawatts.
*CORRECTION: This article has been amended to reflect that the delay is for the full launch of the plant and not for the first reactor.


rferl--2020-10-09--Turkmen President Replaces Several Officials, Regional Judges, Prosecutors

ASHGABAT -- Turkmenistan 's authoritarian President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has replaced several officials , regional judges , and prosecutors .
According to state media reports , Berdymukhammedov sacked Mergen Gurdov from the post of the chairman of the State Migration Service ; Bekmyrat Ovezov became the service 's new chief .
No explanation for the moves was given .
Berdymukhammedov also reprimanded the commander of the border guard service , Shadurdy Durdyev , and Charymyrat Amanov , the deputy prime minister and secretary of the Security Council , for `` improperly carrying out their duties . ''
It was not clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry out properly .
Berdymukhammedov also fired the deputy chief of the state bank Dayhanbank , Yslam Artykov , for `` poor performance '' and appointed Guichmyrat Berdiev to the post .
Additionally , Berdymukhammedov replaced several regional judges and prosecutors , state media reports said , without saying why .
Berdymukhammedov , 63 , has run the former Soviet republic since 2006 , tolerating no dissent and becoming the center of an elaborate personality cult .
Turkmen citizens often refer to him as Arkadag ( The Protector ) .
Government critics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dissent and made few changes in the secretive country since he came to power after the death of autocrat Saparmurat Niyazov .
Like his late predecessor , Berdymukhammedov has relied on subsidized prices for basic goods and utilities to help maintain his grip on power .
According to Human Rights Watch , Berdymukhammedov , `` his relatives and their associates control all aspects of public life , and the authorities encroach on private life . ''

ASHGABAT -- Turkmenistan's authoritarian President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has replaced several officials, regional judges, and prosecutors.
According to state media reports, Berdymukhammedov sacked Mergen Gurdov from the post of the chairman of the State Migration Service; Bekmyrat Ovezov became the service's new chief. No explanation for the moves was given.
Berdymukhammedov also reprimanded the commander of the border guard service, Shadurdy Durdyev, and Charymyrat Amanov, the deputy prime minister and secretary of the Security Council, for "improperly carrying out their duties." It was not clear what duties the two officials failed to carry out properly.
Berdymukhammedov also fired the deputy chief of the state bank Dayhanbank, Yslam Artykov, for "poor performance" and appointed Guichmyrat Berdiev to the post.
Additionally, Berdymukhammedov replaced several regional judges and prosecutors, state media reports said, without saying why.
Berdymukhammedov, 63, has run the former Soviet republic since 2006, tolerating no dissent and becoming the center of an elaborate personality cult. Turkmen citizens often refer to him as Arkadag (The Protector).
Government critics and human rights groups say Berdymukhammedov has suppressed dissent and made few changes in the secretive country since he came to power after the death of autocrat Saparmurat Niyazov.
Like his late predecessor, Berdymukhammedov has relied on subsidized prices for basic goods and utilities to help maintain his grip on power.
According to Human Rights Watch, Berdymukhammedov, "his relatives and their associates control all aspects of public life, and the authorities encroach on private life."


rferl--2020-10-09--Kyrgyz President Ready To Resign After Approval Of New Cabinet

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov says he is ready to resign once a new cabinet is appointed to end the power vacuum and chaos in the Central Asian country .
`` After legitimate executive authorities are approved and we are back on the path of lawfulness , I am ready to leave the post of president of the Kyrgyz Republic , '' he said in a statement on his website .
The statement came hours after Jeenbekov 's office said the president 's resignation was not `` under question '' as talks with political leaders were under way after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disputed parliamentary elections on October 4 .
While his offer could facilitate the transfer of power , it was not clear whether it would be possible to fulfill his conditions .
Meanwhile , Jeenbekov 's predecessor , Almazbek Atambaev , who amid the protests was released from the jail where he was serving an 11-year prison term on corruption charges and was awaiting another trial over deadly resistance against police last year , called on Jeenbekov to resign `` peacefully . ''
Atambaev joined a rally on October 9 in Bishkek at which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep Jeenbekov in power . ''
`` Any forced power-taking ends badly .
Everything must be done peacefully .
I call on Jeenbekov to resign and I call on his people remaining in power not to interfere , '' Atambaev said .
Jeenbekov signed decrees on October 9 officially dismissing the outgoing government and Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov , who announced his resignation in the wake of the protests .
He also signed a decree dismissing the chief of the State Committee for National Security ( UKMK ) , Orozbek Opumbaev .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by allegations of vote buying and impropriety at elections that handed victory to pro-government parties , which opposition parties have refused to accept .
Thousands of demonstrators spilled into the streets , and opposition supporters seized government buildings on October 6 .
Several political forces were holding fresh demonstrations on October 9 .
Opposition groups thus far have forced the cabinet to resign and the election commission to annul the results of the elections , but they have failed to agree on who would lead a provisional government .
The Central Elections Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , according to the law , repeat elections must be scheduled within one month of the cancellation of the previous vote 's results .
`` Therefore , the Central Elections Commission will schedule repeat parliamentary elections sometime before the deadline to do so on November 6 , '' the CEC press service said .
The former Soviet republic 's outgoing parliament has also not convened or appointed an interim leader .
Cholpon Jakupova , the head of the Adilet ( Justice ) Legal Clinic nongovernmental organization , told RFE/RL that Jeenbekov is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chaos .
Jeenbekov , whose whereabouts are unknown , `` turned a blind eye to all this and remained silent , ” Jakupova said .
He had an opportunity to resolve the situation on constitutional and legal grounds when the protests began on October 5 , Jakupova said .
“ In times of crisis , a politician 's reaction must be as fast as lightning , ” Jakupova said .
Jeenbekov held talks with members of parliament on October 8 , the parliament 's press service said .
Jeenbekov discussed the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whom a group of lawmakers named as parliament 's new speaker in the wake of the protests .
The talks came as hundreds rallied in the southern city of Osh and nearby town of Kara-Suu to express support for Jeenbekov .
Kyrgyz lawmakers have failed to gather a quorum to discuss Jeenbekov 's impeachment and other issues related to the political crisis .
Lawmaker Ryskeldi Mombekov told RFE/RL on October 8 that only 40 members of parliament gathered in a Bishkek hotel overnight to set a date for an extraordinary session of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to set a new cabinet , and decide on Jeenbekov 's impeachment .
At least 61 members must be present in order for decisions to be legitimate .
It was the second attempt by the fractious outgoing parliament to gather to discuss ways to solve the crisis .
Another lawmaker , Elvira Surabaldieva , told RFE/RL that it was Abdyldaev who refused to include Jeenbekov 's impeachment on the gathering 's agenda .
Opposition groups have proposed candidates for interim prime minister who would need to oversee a repeat vote in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 9 that they had created a political bloc and proposed Omurbek Babanov , who has already served as the cabinet head , to the post of prime minister and Tilek Toktogaziev , a businessman , to the post of first deputy prime minister .
Earlier in the week , Sadyr Japarov , announced his ambition for the post .
Japarov was released from prison in the wake of the protests , where he was serving a lengthy term on kidnapping changes .
Reports said on October 6 that a top court in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on October 9 , Kyrgyzstan ’ s Supreme Court said a final decision on the motion filed by Japarov requesting his exoneration has not been made yet .
Hundreds rallied early on October 9 in front of the government building in Bishkek supporting Japarov 's nomination to the post of prime minister .
RFE/RL correspondents who were covering the rally had to leave the site after unknown individuals threatened to attack them .
In a statement , the UKMK described the current situation in the country as `` complex '' and `` becoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not taking sides with any political groups and is focusing on preserving law and order in the country .
The statement also called on all political groups , lawmakers , and leaders of political parties and youth organizations to start a dialogue as soon as possible `` to find common ground to restore legitimate power institutions . ''
The UKMK also said on October 9 that authorities in neighboring Uzbekistan had handed over to Kyrgyz officials a brother of wealthy and influential tycoon and former top customs official Raiymbek Matraimov , whom protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mekenim Kyrgyzstan party .
The UKMK said earlier that Tilek Matraimov and several of his relatives and associates were apprehended by Uzbek border guards while trying to illegally cross the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border at the start of the protest rallies .
Raiymbek Matraimov , along with his powerful clan , was the target of large protests in November and December last year , with demonstrators demanding a probe into allegations of corruption and massive outflows of cash from the country .
The powerful tycoon , whom many in Kyrgyzstan consider as Jeenbekov ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a high-profile corruption scandal exposed by a joint investigation by RFE/RL 's Kyrgyz Service , known locally as Radio Azattyk , the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project ( OCCRP , ) and the Kyrgyz news site Kloop .

BISHKEK -- Lawmakers in Kyrgyzstan have told RFE/RL that members of parliament will gather on October 10 at the Kyrgyz presidential residence outside of Bishkek to discuss embattled President Sooronbai Jeenbekov’s call for a state of emergency and to vote on a new prime minister.
The meeting was scheduled after Jeenbekov on October 9 ordered a state of emergency and fresh clashes broke out in the capital between rival factions trying to gain power following the ouster of the government amid mass demonstrations earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, reports said armored vehicles and military trucks with troops have been seen on the roads outside of Bishkek after the state of emergency came into effect on the evening of October 9.
Tilek Toktogaziev, one of the contenders for the post of deputy prime minister, was among five people injured when supporters of former President Almazbek Atambaev clashed with a group that backs rival politician Sadyr Japarov.
Demonstrators who seized government buildings on October 6 had released Atambaev from a detention center where he was serving an 11-year sentence after being convicted on corruption charges in June.
Japarov was designated by several parties as Kyrgyzstan’s acting prime minister on October 6 after he was released from a prison where he was serving a lengthy sentence on kidnapping charges
WATCH: Violence Breaks Out In Bishkek
Japarov previously had been a senior member of the Kyrgyz government and an adviser to former President Kurmanbek Bakiev.
RFE/RL correspondents at the scene of the clashes report that Japarov’s supporters hurled stones and other debris at Atambaev and his supporters -- including Toktogaziev and Omurbek Babanov.
Babanov has been proposed by several parties as Kyrgyzstan’s next prime minister.
RFE/RL correspondents also reported hearing several gunshots during the clashes. Atambaev’s associate Kunduz Joldubaeva said unknown individuals shot at Atambaev’s car, but the former president was not hurt.
But Toktogaziev and several other injured people were rushed to hospital.
Toktogaziev’s supporters told RFE/RL that he sustained a head injury when he apparently was struck by object that had been thrown.
Hours earlier, Atambaev had called upon President Jeenbekov to resign “peacefully.”
The turmoil marks a third time in 15 years that protesters have moved to topple a government in Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian nation of 6.5 million that is one of the poorest to emerge from the former Soviet Union.
A senior State Department official described what's happening in Kyrgyzstan as “a clear indication that media and civil society have progressed more, in terms of democratic norms, than many other countries in the region.”
“I think it's fair to say that the Kyrgyz Republic has in the past had historically more free and more fair elections than the other countries in the region and I think the reaction that you're seeing on the streets of the Kyrgyz Republic is a reflection of the expectations that the Kyrgyz people have for a democratic future,” the official told reporters on October 9.
A decree signed by Jeenbekov on October 9 introduced a state of emergency in Bishkek from 8 p.m. on October 9 until 8 a.m. on October 21.
The order calls for Deputy Interior Minister Almazbek Orozaliev to act as the commandant responsible for law and order in Bishkek during the state of emergency.
The decree also says vehicles and the movement of people in Bishkek will be restricted and a curfew will be introduced. It did not give further details.
But it says mass gatherings and demonstrations, as well as public events, are banned in Bishkek during the state of emergency.
Jeenbekov on October 9 also met with the newly appointed chief of staff of the country’s armed forces, Taalaibek Omuraliev.
Jeenbekov reportedly asked Omuraliev to help quell the unrest and maintain peace. It wasn't immediately clear whether police and the military would comply with the order.
The unrest that has gripped Kyrgyzstan was sparked by allegations of vote buying and impropriety during parliamentary elections on October 4 that handed victory to pro-government parties.
Opposition parties have refused to accept the officials results. Thousands of demonstrators have spilled into the streets, and opposition supporters seized government buildings on October 6.
SPECIAL REPORT: The Matraimov Kingdom
Opposition groups thus far have forced the cabinet to resign and for the election commission to annul the results of the October 4 vote. But they have so far failed to agree on who would lead a provisional government.
The Central Election Commission (BShK) says repeat elections must be scheduled within one month of the cancellation of the results from the previous vote.
"Therefore, the Central Election Commission will schedule repeat parliamentary elections sometime before the deadline to do so on November 6," the BShK press service said.
Early on October 9, Jeenbekov said he was ready to resign once a new cabinet is appointed to end the power vacuum and chaos.
Jeenbekov also signed decrees on October 9 officially dismissing the outgoing government and Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov, who announced his resignation in the wake of the protests.
He also signed a decree dismissing chief of the State Committee for National Security (UKMK) Orozbek Opumbaev.
The former Soviet republic's outgoing parliament has not convened or appointed an interim leader.
The presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan issued a joint statement on October 9 calling for Kyrgyz political groups to join a dialogue and peacefully resolve the crisis.
With reporting by AP, AFP, and Interfax


rferl--2020-10-09--Iranians Grieve Death Of Legendary Singer Who Turned Into Symbol For Opposition After 2009 Unrest

Iranian composer and singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian , whose prolific recordings of traditional Persian music made him a national icon and `` ambassador of Iran , '' has died at age 80 .
There was an immediate outpouring of grief outside Jam Hospital in Tehran , where the singer died on October 8 , according to state television .
As night fell , the crowd lit candles in a vigil honoring the classical musician .
Videos posted on social media later showed the gathering turn into a protest as police moved in to disperse the crowd , Reuters reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bout with cancer , was born in 1940 in the city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran .
His son , Homayoun , said on Twitter that his body would be transported to Mashhad on October 9 for a Shi ’ ite ceremony and burial .
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted his condolences , saying , “ Maestro Shajarian was a great & true Ambassador of Iran , her children and -- most of all -- her culture . ''
Iranian President Hassan Rohani praised Shajarian for the “ timelessness '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in singing through reciting the Koran .
After Iran ’ s 1979 revolution , it was his soaring voice that sang a prayer before sunset during Ramadan , and Shajarian ’ s songs played over the radio during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s .
But he surprised his fans and Iran ’ s political structure when he supported a challenge to the reelection of hard-line President Mahmud Ahmadinejad in 2009 .
After Ahmadinejad won a contested vote count that sparked massive protests , ending in a crackdown , he demanded that state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it did .
Shajarian called on the authorities to lay down their guns and talk with the protesters .
The clerical leadership responded by banning him from releasing albums and holding concerts in Iran .
With reporting by Mehr , AP , AFP , and Reuters