Kurmanbek Bakiyev

Bakiyev, who had previously disputed the election of the new Parliament, was named prime minister, giving Kyrgyzstan a leadership with some claim to legitimacy after days of confusion following the ouster of veteran President Askar Akayev.

The Parliament's decision automatically confirmed Bakiyev's position as acting president, a role he took March 25 even though Akayev -- in power for 14 years in the impoverished, mountainous former Soviet republic -- has refused to quit.

Askar Akayev

Akayev issued a statement from exile in Russia, accusing Kyrgyzstan's new leaders of disgracing the mainly Muslim country of 5 million and ruining the economy. He did not indicate whether he would try to return home as he has hinted before.

A new presidential election has been set for June 26, although the date has to be confirmed. Bakiyev is almost certain to stand.

The new leaders had warned of the risk of civil war after the collapse of Akayev's government March 24 in an orgy of violence and looting that followed protests over alleged election-rigging.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 2, 2005
(C) All rights reserved