Opposition groups announced earlier that they planned to start mass protests across the country on April 29 against slow reforms by the country's authorities, who came to power in violent public protests in March 2005. Opposition representatives also said they would camp in the central square of the capital, Bishkek, for many days.
Interior Minister Murat Sutalitov said he was calm about the situation because it would be a peaceful protest but added that some forces might seek to cause clashes between police and protesters.
"Police will not allow any excesses to happen against the people and will not be misled by any provocations," Bishkek police chief Molmodus Kontangiyev said, adding that looting would also be prevented.
Bishkek Mayor Arstanbek Nogoyev echoed top police officers in saying that adequate measures would be taken in the event of an emergency.
"My position as a mayor of the capital obliges me and the city authorities, including law-enforcement officers, to take measures if there is a threat of violence or legal violations, and to defend the constitutional rights and freedoms of other people, and ensure public security and order in Bishkek," he said.
However, opposition protests have already started in some provinces of the country. Legislator Temir Sariyev, one of the top organizers of the protests, has told reporters that a peaceful demonstration of 8,000 people had been held Saturday in the Talass Region in the northeast of the country.
Sariyev also said Talass residents would go to Bishkek for the Saturday protests.
On Tuesday, a protest expected to gather 5,000 people will be organized in Osh, the regional center of the south of the country. Opposition parties have already informed local administration of their plans.
President Kurmanbek Bakiyev arrived in Moscow Monday on a two-day visit. He will meet with Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking Russian officials.
