Economy in tatters, Kyrgyzstan awaits Russian aid

Its economy in ruins after a popular revolt last week, Kyrgyzstan's interim government on Sunday awaited news of financial aid from Moscow, following talks with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Almazbek Atambayev, first deputy head of the interim Kyrgyz government, flew to Moscow on Thursday seeking help with the Central Asian country's disastrous finances, said interim government chief of staff Emil Kaptagayev.
Kyrgyzstan's new leaders on Friday froze the national banking system, saying deposed President Kurmanbek Bakiyev had pillaged the state coffers before fleeing the capital amid riots that left dozens dead and thousands injured.
"Atambayev met with Putin in Moscow. Discussions were held about the request for not just moral support for our temporary government, but also economic and financial support," Kaptagayev told AFP.
"We are facing a deficit of oil products, a shortage of funds in the state treasury and many important government objects were damaged during the revolution," he added.
Atambayev is expected to arrive back in Bishkek on Sunday, Kaptagayev said.
Thousands of protestors clashed with police across the country during riots over corruption and rising utility prices which saw Bakiyev flee the capital and a temporary government formed under ex-foreign minister Roza Otunbayeva.
The number of dead during the unrest grew to 81 on Sunday, the Kyrgyz health ministry said in a statement, after two more people died of their wounds overnight.
But even as police said the security situation in the country was improving, the interim government was turning its attention to the financial woes which are now threatening the country's stability.