Kyrgyzstan's opposition parties have formed an interim government in the wake of violent clashes that prompted the country's president to go into hiding.

The interim government is urging President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to step down, and pledging to hold a presidential election in six months. However, Bakiyev has refused to resign.

The interim government is led by former Foreign Minister Roza Otunbayeva.

She says the new government controls four of the seven provinces and is calling on President Bakiyev to resign.

Otunbayeva says the new government plans to amend the constitution and the laws on elections and political parties to strengthen democracy.

Roza Otunbayeva, Kyrgyz Interm Leader, said, "We want to return items taken illegally and underpriced by the former government. Our temporary government wants to restore tariffs to previous levels. We will lower electricity prices."

The interim leader is also promising to adopt relevant measures for compensation and appropriate mourning ceremonies for the victims of Wednesday's riots.

Thousands of protesters clashed with security forces throughout the country over the past two days, driving out local government officials and seizing the government headquarters in the capital of Bishkek.

Most government buildings in the capital, as well as Bakiyev's houses, were looted or set on fire

Bakiyev fled the capital to seek support.

In his latest statement to a radio station, Bakiyev says he does not admit defeat in any way, but recognizes he has lost power.

He holds the opposition responsible for the deteriorating situation in the country.