Statement by Sean McCormack, Spokesman

Kyrgyz Republic:  Interference with Independent Media

In the pre-dawn hours of April 20, Kyrgyz government agents entered the Media Support Center Foundation printing press established by Freedom House, stopped the print runs of several opposition newspapers, and seized all copies of those papers that had already been printed.  The Kyrgyz Government has interfered with the fundamental right of citizens to obtain information through an independent press.  This act of censorship by a government that has benefited from a free press and has made public declarations of its support for independent journalism and democracy is disappointing.

The United States calls on the government to respect the right of the media to report and publish information and opinions on recent events without interference. 

The political disagreements in the Kyrgyz Republic must be resolved by the Kyrgyz people in a lawful, peaceful, and constitutional manner.