Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the annulment of the outcome of the 4 October Parliamentary elections by the Central Election Committee of Kyrgyzstan, what assessment they have made of the political situation in Kyrgyzstan; and what discussions they have held, if any, with the government of Kyrgyzstan to support the safeguarding of the democratic process.

Parliamentary elections on 4 October were marred by allegations of widespread electoral malpractice. There was significant political and social unrest and violence in the immediate days following the Parliamentary elections and the situation remains fragile.

It is for the people of Kyrgyzstan to choose their leaders in free and fair elections consistent with the constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. The UK continues to call for an inclusive, legal and democratic resolution. We have delivered messages through Ministers and at the OSCE urging for peace and calling for the constitutional and democratic processes to be followed, and in support of the UN's work in this area. These messages have been reinforced by Her Majesty's Ambassador in Bishkek.