In light of the most recent unrest in the Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek and the north-west of the country, Federal Foreign Minister Dr Guido Westerwelle today issued the following statement:

“I am most concerned to hear the reports from Kyrgyzstan about clashes between the government and demonstrators.

I urge both sides to show moderation. Peaceful dialogue, rather than violent action, is the only way to calm the situation on the ground.”

Germany is the only EU member country to have an embassy based in Kyrgyzstan.