Local authorities and NGOs staged a rally in Osh on May 27 to promote tolerance in southern Kyrgyzstan, recently the scene of ethnic violence. The region is home to a large ethnic Uzbek minority. Several hundred took part in the peaceful procession.
“Ordinary people -- Kyrgyz and Uzbeks -- don’t need and don’t want any war or clashes,” one demonstrator said. “It is the politicians who manipulate us, the ordinary people,” said another.
The Dostuk Jurushu (Procession of Friendship) lasted for about two hours. Most participants were ethnic Kyrgyz.
Bearing placards reading, “Our aim is friendship and unity,” and “Love for the motherland comes from your heart,” young participants shouted “Birimdik,” “Yntymak” and “Tynchtyk” (Unity, Friendship and Peace). Activists in Batken held a similar rally.
Some participants sacrificed animals and prayed for peace.
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