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