EU links support for new Kyrgyz government to democracy

Restoring public order and putting an end to deadly clashes was a priority, she said, as well as seeking justice after more than 80 people were shot and killed earlier this month, when former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was ousted.

The provisional government led by foreign minister Roza Otunbayeva has not yet been recognised by the EU, while Mr Bakiyev has fled to Belarus in order to avoid prosecution.

Ms Ashton said she was encouraged by early signs of democratic commitment from Ms Otunbayeva's team, including pledges to hold early elections and change the current constitution.

"The provisional government needs to commit to a clear plan for how to return to constitutional and democratic order and the rule of law," the British peer said.

EU foreign ministers due to meet next Monday in Luxembourg will discuss the potential assistance that could be offered to Kyrgyzstan, she added.

"A strong and credible plan for an early return to legitimate government in Kyrgyzstan will allow the EU to re-engage and offer sorely needed support."

Meanwhile, ethnic clashes on the outskirts of Kyrgyz capital Bishkek claimed another five lives earlier this week, with Kyrgyz crowds burning and looting Turkish homes, Reuters reports.

The attacks, sparked by a local land ownership row, have raised the spectre of more ethnic violence in the predominantly Muslim nation. Ethnic Kyrgyz make up 70 percent of the country's 5.3 million population, with eight percent Russians. Turks, Uzbeks and other minorities comprise the rest.

Locals have accused the interim government, which came in after Bakiyev's overthrow, of losing control over the security situation, saying that armed gangs are looting with impunity.

Human rights groups have also called on the new government to get a grip on the country's law and order and investigate those responsible for crimes.

"The interim government has said that it would like to see an international investigation of the events, but it has yet to make a formal request to any particular institution. The longer the government waits before it makes an official request for international assistance, the more difficult it will be to reconstruct accurately the events that caused the violence, and secure necessary forensic evidence," Human Rights Watch said.