President of Kyrgyzstan refuses to step down as political upheaval continues

In the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan, opposition forces have taken over government buildings, dissolved the parliament and declared an interim government. But President Kurmanbek Bakiyev announced today that he will not relinquish power. According to the AP, renewed clashes and gunshots rang out as darkness set on the capital Bishkek.

Violent protests began Tuesday over soaring utility rates and government corruption. So far at least 70 people are dead, another 400 injured, according to the government’s health ministry. President Bakiyev fled the capital as protesters stormed his residence and government buildings.

Kyrgyzstan is the site of a key military base, central to the US transport of both personnel and supplies headed for Afghanistan. It's also one of poorest countries in the region.

To discuss the latest developments, we're joined by Rafis Abazov. He's the author of an "Historical Dictionary of Kyrgyzstan" and he's worked for the UN in Central Asia on development and migration programs. He's currently an Assistant Professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University in New York.