Kyrgyz opposition leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev raises a fist during a rally at the central square of Bishkek. (AFP/file)

Kyrgyzstan's opposition leader was elected Thursday by the outgoing parliament as new speaker, and will serve as interim president and prime minister in their absence, according to the Kyrgyz constitution.

At a closed emergency session of parliament, Ishenbai Kadyrbekov was named the parliament speaker, Interfax reported. He was speaker of the previous parliament.

The lawmakers also elected another opposition leader Felix Kulov, released from prison Thursday, as new head of the country's security agencies. Kulov, 56, was jailed on corruption charges.

Opposition leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev, who is deputy head of the People's Movement of Kyrgyzstan, will head a coordinating council of national unity which will act as an interim government.

The opponents started gathering after the Feb. 27 parliamentary election, saying the poll was flawed. Rallies escalated after the March 13 run-offs, with opposition taking control of government buildings and airports in some southern regions and banks looted in demonstration-turned riots.

On Thursday, protesters broke the security line and stormed into the White House, the seat of the government.

As for the whereabouts of Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev, Kyrgyz ambassador to the United States Baktybek Abdrissaev said he has not resigned and is in a safe place, the CNN reported.

"The president has not resigned, he didn't sign his resignation and he is now in a safe place," Abdrissaev told a news conference at the National Press Club which was televised by the CNN.

The Interfax news agency, without citing sources, said Akayev had flown to Russia, but it later said he changed course for Kazakhstan and landed there. Earlier, the news agency said Akayev's family had been heading for Kazakhstan.

Akayev has resigned, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported, citing an opposition leader hours after protesters stormed the presidential compound in the former Soviet republic.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday called on all parties in Kyrgyzstan to refrain from violence and seek political dialogue.

"We're following the events very closely. But our desire is fora process that will lead to a stable outcome in which elections can be held and where this can move forward," said Rice after a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis.

"Obviously, everyone should put aside violence. There is no place for violence in a process of this kind. There is only a place for political dialogue and discussion leading to a process that will allow Kyrgyzstan to emerge as a stable democracy," she added.

Rice said that she discussed with President George W. Bush about the situation in Kyrgyzstan on Thursday and that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is leading international efforts to seek a peaceful outcome.

US State Department Spokesman Adam Ereli said the United Stateshas held consultations with Russia and Asian countries to try to help stabilize the Central Asian country.

"We've been in contact with our Russian friends and Kyrgyzstan's Central Asia neighbors to make sure we're all in sync on the need for a peaceful solution," he said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday he hoped the OSCE will behave responsibly in Kyrgyzstan.

Russia has reminded the OSCE once and again to make comments cautiously, as many things will be affected by what observers of international organizations do and say, said the minister.

Lavrov also said Moscow is seriously concerned about the situation in Kyrgyzstan and is closely watching events there. He urged all sides involved to settle the conflict on the basis of constitution.

OSCE envoy to Kyrgyzstan Alojz Peterle, who arrived in the capital Bishkek on Thursday, said, "It would be good to create a provisional government of national unity so that there is time to move away from the streets and reach a provisional solution."