37 killed in Kyrgyz-Uzbek clashes

At least 37 people were killed and over 500 injured in Kyrgyz-Uzbek ethnic clashes in south Kyrgyzstan, a stronghold of deposed president Kurmanbek Bakiyev, prompting the interim government to declare a state of emergency in the Central Asian nation.

At least 37 people were killed and over 500 injured in Kyrgyz-Uzbek ethnic clashes in south Kyrgyzstan, a stronghold of deposed president Kurmanbek Bakiyev, prompting the interim government to declare a state of emergency in the Central Asian nation.

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Kyrgyzstan hosts US and Russian military bases. The interim government, which came to power on April 7, has declared a state of emergency in ethnic clashes involving Uzbek minority in southern Osh region.Police and Army have been ordered to open fire.

Acting President Rosa Otunbayeva said the rioting erupted after clashes between the youth groups of the two communities. Quelling the violence will prove a decisive test of the government's ability to control the country, hold a June 27 vote on a new constitution and go ahead with new parliamentary elections in October.