WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. government said the formation of a new coalition in Kyrgyzstan is a testament to the country's commitment to democratic institutions.
Jantoro Satybaldiyev was selected the new prime minister of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz news agency 24.kg reports Satybaldiyev was supported in a 113-2 vote by members of the Parliament.
The country's president dismantled the government last month. Political parties Ar-Namys and Ata-Meken left the ruling coalition August, leaving the coalition short of the majority needed to lead the 120-member Parliament. That was followed by Satybaldiyev's election.
U.S. State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell, a spokesman for the, said Washington welcomed the new leadership in Bishkek.
"The formation of the new coalition government is a testament to the strength of the Kyrgyz Republic's democratic institutions," he said in a statement. "We look forward to working with the new government and continuing to build upon the strong existing partnership between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic."
Kyrgyzstan is the site of a transit center for the U.S. military at the Manas Air Base that serves as a major stopping point for military supplies en route to Afghanistan.
Hundreds of people were killed during ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan that followed a 2010 political coup. Ata-Maken, Ar-Namys and the SDPK faction make up the ruling coalition of 21 ministers.
