Kyrgyzstan’s interim government: Sweep under way for ex-president’s brothers

Official: Sweep on for ex-president’s brothers

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — A member of Kyrgyzstan’s interim government says it has ordered the arrest of the brothers of the ex-president, who has stepped down.

Almambek Shykmamotov said Thursday that a special operation is under way in southern Kyrgyzstan to apprehend Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s brothers.

He says that Bakiyev left the country for neighboring Kazakhstan Thursday after signing a resignation statement.

Bakiyev’s departure has raised hope that the unrest gripping the impoverished ex-Soviet Central Asian nation will end soon.

Bakiyev was driven from the capital, Bishkek, on April 7 after a protest boiled over into gunfire; protesters then stormed government buildings. At least 83 people died in the violence.

The opposition has accused one of Bakiyev’s brothers of ordering to fire on protesters in Bishkek.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AP) — A member of Kyrgyzstan’s interim government says that the nation’s deposed president has stepped down.

Topchubek Turgunaliyev said Thursday that Kurmanbek Bakiyev has signed a formal resignation statement.

Bakiyev left the country for nighboring Kazakhstan Thursday, raising hope that the unrest gripping the impoverished ex-Soviet Central Asian nation will end soon.

Turgunaliyev says that Bakiyev was accompanied by only his wife and two children, while his other relatives apparently have stayed behind. He says Bakiyev’s former defense minister was arrested while trying to escape.

Bakiyev was driven from the capital, Bishkek, on April 7 after a protest boiled over into gunfire; protesters then stormed government buildings. At least 83 people died in the violence.