Controversial Osh mayor publishes book on Kyrgyz-Uzbek clashes
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 July 2011 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Controversial Osh mayor publishes book on Kyrgyz-Uzbek clashes, 19 July 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e39056627.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 19, 2011
Osh city mayor Melis Myrzakmatov briefing reporters in June
OSH, Kyrgyzstan – The controversial mayor of Kyrgyzstan's southern city of Osh has published a book on the deadly interethnic clashes that occurred there last summer, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Melis Myrzakmatov shares his views on the causes of the conflict and discloses some new details about the unrest in his book, "I Seek The Truth."
Kyrgyz journalist Arslan Kapai Uulu – whose long interview with Myrzakmatov is included in the book – told RFE/RL on July 19 that the Kyrgyz-language book was published in Osh in a print-run of 3,000 copies.
More than 400 people were killed in fighting between local Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in the Osh and Jalal-Abad regions in June 2010. Most of the victims were ethnic Uzbeks.
The book includes many photographs, documents, and various interviews.
Many observers say Myrzakmatov did little to prevent last year's clashes and was unable or unwilling to stop them after they began.
He was also highly critical of President Roza Otunbaeva and her interim government but she refused to replace him despite widespread calls for him to be fired.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
