Bakiyev didn’t expect people to revolt and didn’t suspect he irritated Russia

The ousted president of Kyrgyzstan held a press conference in Minsk. A special list of state-run media journalists has been made. Only journalists on the list were able to ask questions.

Kurmanbek Bakiyev, who had lost his power in Kyrgyzstan, said he didn’t consider his resignation legitimate, but wasn’t going to return to the country as president, Interfax reports.

“I don't plan to return to Kyrgyzstan as president, but I do not recognize my resignation,” Bakiyev said.

He admitted he hadn’t foreseen the development of events that led to the overthrowing.

“There were no signs of revolution and excitement that could lead to people’s disturbance,” Bakiyev said.

Bakiyev said: “I resigned following Putin’s recommendation, I don’t plan to return to Kyrgyzstan as president.” He also said “peacekeeping forces” should enter Kyrgyzstan. Bakiyev stressed he had received “assault threats”.

The former dictator says he doesn’t have plans to ask for political asylum in any country.

“I don’t indent to ask for political asylum. This is not in question,” Bakiyev stated.

He also said he didn’t have information proving the involvement of the Russian secret services in the coup.

“I cannot say it was organized by the Russian secret services,” Bakiyev said.

He also said Moscow didn’t like his policy, especially his decision to close a US air base at Manas airport in Bishkek.

“We wanted to conduct an independent policy. But I didn’t suppose it could irritate Russia so much,” Bakiyev said.

He also said absence of reaction to the events in Kyrgyzstan from the CSTO surprised him.

He noted that Belarus was the only CSTO member to support him. “Lukashenka showed not only his great human decency, but also acted as a brave statesman. He showed respect not only to me but to the whole people of Kyrgyzstan,” Bakiyev stated.

As charter97.org had learnt, it was mainly rpresentatives of official Belarusian mass media who were able to ask Bakiyev questions at the press conference. There was a special list of journalist allowed to put questions.