Parliament delays decision on accepting Akayev's resignation

Kyrgyzstan's parliament on Thursday ended its session without taking a decision on ousted President Askar Akayev's resignation.

Lawmakers decided they needed to look further into the privileges and guarantees promised under Kyrgyz law to the first president before making a decision.

Akayev fled this ex-Soviet republic two weeks ago after protesters stormed his office and the opposition seized power. Akayev offered his resignation from Russia, where he sought refuge.

Many lawmakers had argued against accepting Akayev's resignation because it would allow Kyrgyzstan's longtime leader to retain special privileges afforded to ex-presidents, and immunity from prosecution.

Under Kyrgyz law, Akayev as the country's first post-independence president would be entitled to initiate laws, be a lifetime member of the security council and address parliament.

Parliament Speaker Omurbek Tekebayev said that parliament would reconvene on Friday and amend the law to get rid of the special provisions for the first president, then lawmakers would take up the issue of Akayev's resignation.

"People think that he hasn't done anything extraordinary" to deserve such a distinction, said lawmaker Marat Sultanov.

If parliament accepts Akayev's resignation, he would still be entitled to immunity.

Associated Press