Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev was seen on March 22. The ITAR-Tass news agency reported that Akayev had resigned, citing an opposition leader hours after protesters stormed the presidential compound in the former Soviet republic.

Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev has not resigned and is in a safe place, Kyrgyz ambassador to the United States Baktybek Abdrissaev said here Thursday.

"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.

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, citingan opposition leader hours after protesters stormed the presidential compound in the former Soviet republic.

Abdrissaev told reporters that there was now "looting and murdering" on the streets of the capital Bishkek.

"There is now looting on a massive scale," he said.

The ambassador opposed the abolition of the present Kyrgyz government, saying "unfortunately these events demonstrate serious violations of our constitution."