Melis Myrzakmatov

Melis Myrzakmatov is the mayor of Osh, Kyrgyzstan's second largest city.^[1] He has been a critic of the country's interim government, and there have been concerns that he will be removed from office, although he enjoys widespread support in the country's southern regions.^[2] An ethnic Kyrgyz and Kyrgyz nationalist, most of his supporters are ethnic Kyrgyz in the Kyrgyz south, especially in the wake of riots, which some have blamed Myrzakmatov of instigating.^[3]

Support

On August 20, 2010, thousands of people rallied near Osh to show their support for the mayor, who had not been heard from since attending talks with the interim government. Myrzakmatov appeared to reassure people that he had not been sacked. Azimbek Beknazarov, the country's deputy leader, also appeared before the crowd to ameliorate fears that Myrzakmatov had been fired, saying that he had been offered other posts in the interim government, but had refused. ^[4]

References

1. ^ Ahead of Kyrgyz president's visit, Osh mayor claims people's support. Radio Free Europe. July 29, 2010. Bruce Pannier.
2. ^ Kyrgyz rally backs Osh mayor. Al Jazeera. August 20, 2010.
3. ^ Showdown in Osh. July 29th, 2010. James Kirchick.
4. ^ Kyrgyzstan anti-government rally draws 3000. Voice of America News. August 20th, 2010. James Brooke.

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Name	Myrzakmatov, Melis
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