Bakiyev Blames Russia for Overthrow

Ousted Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said that Russian anger at his decision to extend the lease on a US air base was a direct factor that resulted in his overthrow.

Speaking from the Belarusian capital of Minsk, where he is has sought asylum, Bakiyev said he had annoyed Russia by allowing the US Manas air base, which is crucial for supplying the war in Afghanistan.

Bakiyev fled the Kygyz capital, Bishkek, after violent anti-government protests on April 7 left more than 80 people dead.

He spent several days in his southern power base of Jala'abad before leaving the country for neighboring Kazakhstan and then seeking refuge in Belarus.

Bakiyev said on Friday he did not believe he would ever return to his country as the head of state.

"I do not expect to return to Kyrgyzstan as president ... [and] I am not going to form a government-in-exile," Bakiyev said.

He admitted that he had signed a hand-written resignation letter but said he had been "under pressure" and the Kyrgyz parliament had yet to decide whether or not to accept it.