BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 12 (UPI) -- The president of Kyrgyzstan, forced from office and into hiding by rioting protesters last week, said any attempts to arrest him would end in bloodshed.
Kurmanbek Bakiyev, issued the warning after speaking to about 500 supporters in southern Kyrgyzstan, The New York Times reported Monday.
"Let them try to come and take me," Bakiyev said to reporters after the rally. "Let them try to destroy me. There will be blood."
Leaders of the interim government in Bishkek confirmed Monday their intention to arrest Bakiyev, the Times reported.
Bakiyev fled the capital Wednesday after violent protests over his alleged corrupt and repressive rule left more than 80 killed and hundreds wounded.
Kyrgyzstan is strategically important to the United States as the site of a large American air base supporting the NATO war effort in Afghanistan. American officials denied there are plans to involve the United States in resolving Bakiyev's status.
"The U.S. Embassy has no plans to shelter Mr. Bakiyev or help him leave Kyrgyzstan," the embassy said in a statement. "Reports to the contrary are completely inaccurate."
