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Kyrgyzstan parliament speaker says talks with Akayev possible
30/3/2005 21:09

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.



 Xinhua