Michael, what is the reaction of Europe and European media to the events in Kyrgyzstan?
Unfortunately, the response is very weak. However cynical it sounds, it is summer and time for the World Cup. There are many other stories, more ‘important’ than what is happening in Osh. This is very sad and tragic: unfortunately, it is the truth. The main reason is there are no “pictures”, good photos or videos – since Osh, as you know, is blocked. Without good visuals, there is very little interest. Not many Western correspondents are based in Kyrgyzstan – therefore, western media do not have their own reliable information. They copy messages from Ferghana.Ru and other agencies. When Russia sent tanks to South Ossetia and Abkhazia there were no western correspondents there either but they arrived shortly… It is sad to admit but – compared with Georgia where there were ‘strong’ videos for television, and there was “our enemy” Putin and “our friend” Saakashvili… whereas Europeans simply do not understand what is going on in Osh right now. Who are these “Kyrgyz” and “Uzbeks”? 99 percen
