Advanced Search
Business | Metro | Nation | World | Sports | Features | Specials | Delta Stories
 
 
Akayev prepared to resign on condition of security
30/3/2005 4:29

image

Kyrgyzstan's ousted President Askar Akayev speaks in an interview broadcast on Russia's state-run Channel One television.(Photo: CRIENGLISH.com)

Ousted Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev has expressed his readiness to resign on conditions of his security guarantees and compliance with the law, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday night.

Answering the question in an interview with Russian Channel One television if he is theoretically prepared to step down as president ahead of his term, Akayev replied "Naturally, if I am given appropriate guarantees and if this fully complies with Kyrgyz law."

Akayev meanwhile emphasized that at the present time he remains a legitimate president of Kyrgyzstan. "I have not yet relinquished my duties, and I am still a legitimate president," he said.

The president noted that he is prepared to negotiate only with representatives of legitimate government bodies, of which he said there is only the newly elected parliament led by speaker Omurbek Tekebayev at the present time.

Akayev also said he has always had businesslike and fair relations with acting Kyrgyz president Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

"Kurmanbek Bakiyev is one of my disciples," Akayev said. "He is a person with whom I have always had fair and businesslike relations," he added.

Kyrgyzstan's disputed parliamentary elections on Feb. 27 and March 13 triggered widespread protests across the country. Opposition supporters stormed the main government building in Bishkek Thursday, forcing Akayev to flee the country.

Moscow on Saturday granted asylum to Akayev at his request, the Interfax news agency quoted the Kremlin press service as saying.

Acting Kyrgyz president Bakiyev said a new presidential election has been set for June 26 and announced his candidacy.

He also said that Akayev was free to return to Kyrgyzstan and that he would be granted immunity. Enditem



 Xinhua