The Kyrgyz parliament has approved amendments to a law that bans smoking in state institutions, at entrances to multistory buildings, and in all public places.

The number of swine flu patients in Kyrgyzstan has reached 27, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Kyrgyzstan plans to pay its debt for Uzbek natural gas by December 1, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports. Deputy Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov told RFE/RL that the gas debt will be discussed by the Kyrgyz parliament on October 30.

Kyrgyz authorities plan to create an additional checkpoint along the country's southern border with Tajikistan, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Russian PM Putin arrives in Beijing for two days of meetings with Chinese leaders. Agreements on energy and trade are expected, but talks will also touch international politics, Iran, North Korea and the global financial crisis.

Fourteen Kyrgyz politicians and activists were arrested in Balykchi and charged with publicly calling for the overthrow of the government, organizing a mass disorder, and violent resistance to police