Ultimatum for ousted Kyrgyz leader
The self-declared interim government in Kyrgyzstan has warned Kurmanbek Bakiyev, the deposed president, that he could face arrest if he does not surrender by the end of the day. Azimbek Beknazarov, the interim security minister, said on Tuesday that his administration had issued a decree removing Bakiyev's immunity. Bakiyev has remained defiant since he was forced to leave the capital, Bishkek, on Wednesday following violent protests against his government, which left more than 80 people dead. About 5,000 people turned out in his southern power base of Jalal-Abad on Tuesday to show their support for his return to power. "My power is in the people, not in me," he told the crowd. The rally came after a smaller gathering of about 500 people in his home village on Monday, during which he challenged the interim government to attempt to arrest him.