A special forces unit 50 men strong was set up in Kyrgyzstan. Official sources refuse to confirm or denounce the information at this point. The rumors indicate meanwhile that the idea belongs to the President's son Marat Bakiyev who is currently with the National Security Service. Observers assume that Bakiyev, Jr. will be in direct charge of the unit.

The new unit comprises servicemen from special forces of various security structures - career officers and policemen from special assignment units with extensive experience of combating terrorists and suchlike. Some sources indicate that the unit ran its first drill earlier today. Its servicemen were issued smooth-bore light weapons with resin bullets and noise-generating grenades.

"The President and his inner circle do not fear rallies of the opposition as much as they do all sorts of agents provocateurs, including those from the underworld, who may foment disturbances," said a would-be participant of the rally scheduled for Saturday, April 29, who asked for anonymity. "Activeness of the Akayevs worries the authorities too. After all, the Akayevs may make use of the protests to promote their own objectives."