Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev onTuesday pledged effective measures to end the unrest in the south triggered by electoral disputes, but ruled out the use of force.

"All of this is designed to provoke the authorities into the use of force. In this regard, I would state that I, as president, will never take such measures." he told the first session of the new parliament.

The government would go all out to avoid casualties in efforts to solve the crisis, he said. He has ruled out imposing a state ofemergency earlier, according to reports reaching here from Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek.

He said the situation in the south is severe and violence posesa direct threat to the people and the state.

Protesters seized government buildings and airports by force and the opposition spread rumors to attract more protesters who had little knowledge of what was actually going on, he said.

Protesters are demanding Akayev step down and the election results be nullified. They claim that the March 13 run-off poll was rigged in the government's favor.

Akayev rejected the protesters' calls, insisting that the elections were fair. As for his resignation, he said it should notbe decided by rallies.