Kyrgyz President Wants Draft Constitution By August

Bakiev has tasked a working group led by lawmaker Azimbek Beknazarov to draft the document. Bakiev told Beknazarov that the document should be prepared by August 1 and should be submitted to parliament in September.
 
Beknazarov said his working group will prepare drafts envisioning three different kinds of government. He said consultations will be made with political parties, nongovernmental organizations, and the media so that the Kyrgyz people can contribute to the process.
 
Kyrgyzstan's government has been facing criticism for not moving fast enough on promised reforms. On April 29, thousands of protesters rallied in Bishkek to show their frustration with the government, and to demand constitutional and democratic reforms.
 
(compiled from agency reports)