Kyrgyzstan president could step down
Kyrgyzstan’s ousted President Askar Akayev said tonight he was prepared to resign if given “relevant” legal protections.
In an interview broadcast on Russia’s state-run Channel One television, Akayev was asked whether he was prepared to step down early.
“Of course, of course. If I am given the relevant guarantees and if it is in full accordance with the current legislation of Kyrgyzstan,” he replied.
Akayev, dressed in a suit and tie, spoke calmly and was interviewed sitting in what appeared to be a hotel room.
The statement contrasted sharply with comments he made earlier today.
In an interview on Moscow’s Ekho Moskvy radio, Akayev confirmed he was in Russia, outside Moscow. He also said he was not planning to resign.
“I’ve not resigned as president. I am the only elected and legitimate president of Kyrgyzstan. At the moment, I don’t see any reason or justification to resign,” he said.
There was no immediate explanation for the differing statements.
The two interviews came five days after protesters stormed government buildings in the capital of the impoverished Central Asian country, sending Akayev and his family fleeing and sparking looting and scattered violence.
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