The Kyrgyz Ar-Namys Party formally declared itself in opposition to the government at its thirdcongress on 28 June. The congress, which was attended by 98 elected delegates from all oblasts, re-elected former Vice President Feliks Kulov as head of the party. Kulov, presently serving a jail sentence for crimes alleged to have been committed during his period as the country\'s top security official, reportedly runs the party from his jail cell. The congress criticized the government for failing to carry out democratic reforms and criticized some international organizations for using the government as their main partner in implementing projects. Party leaders complained that the authorities prevented them from holding their congress in Bishkek, forcing them to find a private venue in nearby Alamedin Raion. (akipress.org)