Akayev has reportedly left the country

The president of Kyrgyzstan could leave his country, admitted a representative of OSCE in an interview given to CNN. Meanwhile the Russian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan is denying that Mr. Akayev has asked for a political asylum in a Russian military base.

A few hours earlier, about 1,000 protesters - demanding the resignation of President Askar Akayev - drove riot police from their positions protecting the government compound, and some of them were able to get inside the building. CNN has showed heavy plumes of black smoke rising from the compound. Reuters reported that the opposition had also taken over the national television station.

The whereabouts of Mr Akayev, who had ordered troops not to use force against the protesters, are remaining obscure. Interfax, referring to some "reliable sources" in Bishkek, reports that the helicopter of Kyrgys leader has already landed on the territory of the neighboring Kazakhstan.