Monday, February 13, 2012

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz President, Officials Discuss New Constitution

President Bakiev (right) and Prime Minister Kulov at a press conference in Bishkek on November 7 (RFE/RL)

BISHKEK, November 8, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- President Kurmanbek Bakiev is discussing with other top Kyrgyz officials a new version of the constitution and ways to adopt it as soon as possible, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported.

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November 08, 2006

The officials include parliament speaker Marat Sultanov, Prime Minister Felix Kulov, Supreme Court Chairman Kurmanbek Osmonov, and Constitutional Court Chairwoman Cholpon Bayekova.

MORE: Coverage in Kyrgyz from RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.

Meanwhile, several thousands of Bakiyev's opponents and supporters again took to the streets in central Bishkek.

Earlier today, lawmakers voted through a procedural amendment allowing changes to be made to the constitution. Bakiev has to sign the new legislation before it comes into force.

Opposition and pro-government lawmakers have reached agreement on a compromise version of the constitution. The opposition has said it will end its public protests if a new constitution cutting presidential powers is approved.

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