Newly-elected Kyrgyz parliament speaker Omurbek Tekebayev said Wednesday he
is willing to negotiate with ousted president Askar Akayev if parliament agrees.
Tekebayev said he needs parliament's authorization before moving ahead to
hold talks with Akayev.
On the same day, Felix Kulov, coordinator of law enforcement agencies, said
the issue of Akayev's return must be addressed through negotiation.
Specific conditions on Akayev's power renouncement must be confirmed in the
negotiations, Kulov said, adding that all other relevant issues must also be
addressed through peaceful means.
Kyrgyz constitution stipulates that the president must submit his resignation
to the parliament to make the way for a new president and the election of a
succeeding president will hinge on the country's economic stability, Kulov said.
Akayev, who fled the country last Thursday under pressure from the opposition
and is currently in Russia, told Moscow's radio Ekho Tuesday he is the sole
legitimate head of state of Kyrgyzstan and has no intention of resigning.
But he said he is ready to hold talks with the new parliament which he
considers the only legitimate authority in Kyrgyzstan right now.
"My term in office will expire on Oct. 30, 2005. I haven't resigned yet or
laid down my authority as president," Akayev told Ekho.