Kyrgyz Opposition Demands President Bakiev's Resignation

BISHKEK -- The Kyrgyz umbrella opposition bloc the United Popular Movement has issued an open letter demanding President Kurmanbek Bakiev's resignation.

The letter -- which accuses Bakiev of not being able to protect the constitutional rights of the Kyrgyz people -- comes two days after Bakiev's televised address to the nation.

Former Prosecutor-General Azimbek Beknazarov, the leader of the opposition group Revolutionary Committee, told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service that the movement will use all legal means to oust Bakiev for his inability to carry out democratic reforms and his establishment of a "crony" system in the country that enriches his friends and relatives.

During his televised address on January 27, Bakiev urged political parties to cooperate with the government in order to deal with the current economic crisis.