BISHKEK (Reuters) - Kyrgyzstan's opposition declared itself in power on Thursday after seizing key buildings as veteran president Askar Akayev vanished from view following days of violent protests.

In an emergency meeting, parliament installed opposition leaders as acting president and prime minister and gave them until Friday to present a new government for the Central Asian country.

Thursday's protests were a culmination of days of demonstrations against what the opposition say were rigged parliamentary elections and years of poverty and corruption.

Security forces at first repelled protesters trying to enter the heavily defended White House — the seat of government — but then withdrew, allowing thousands to stream into the building and take control.

One protester could be seen waving a flag from the second floor of the White House. Above, another protester tossed documents out to the cheering crowd of thousands below. The square nearby was splattered with blood.

"This is a popular revolution and the power is in the hands of the people, we don't fear anyone any more," said Askat Dukenbayev, a professor from the local American University.

More than 70 people were reported injured in clashes with pro-Akayev supporters in Bishkek, a city of 800,000.

The United States called for calm and for fresh elections to be held.

Rumors flew that Akayev had fled the mountainous country, which appears likely to become the third former Soviet state in two years to see its entrenched leadership fall to popular protest after disputed elections, following Ukraine and Georgia.

Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev tendered his resignation, an opposition spokesman said.

Most of Kyrgyzstan's opposition leaders are former political allies of Akayev who fell out with him for one reason or another.

Parliament appointed the head of the opposition coordinating committee, Kurmanbek Bakiev, as acting prime minister and gave him until 0500 GMT on Friday to come up with candidates for ministerial positions.

I'm interested to see if the United States or Russia will step in to help.

And WHO they help.

I hope they refrain, so far this has been a "bloodless" coup which is a bit of a novelty in our world (so lets not fuck it up if we can help it eh?).

Shit, now Tom Hanks will never get out of that terminal.