The foreign ministry says it is concerned about the ongoing violence in Kyrgyzstan and has called for the return of order in the Central Asian country.

In a statement, it urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further bloodshed. Switzerland is calling for respect of human rights and the rule of law.

Opposition leaders on Thursday proclaimed a new interim government after protests and clashes left dozens dead nationwide.

The foreign ministry has advised Swiss citizens against tourist and other non-urgent travel to Kyrgyzstan.

Switzerland began development programmes in Kyrgyzstan in 1994. The country, along with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, is part of a priority region for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The SDC’s office in the capital, Bishkek, is provisionally closed and local staff have been sent home. The foreign ministry said it had temporarily suspended its projects and that its commitments would depend on further political developments.

swissinfo.ch and agencies

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