Kyrgyz Parliament Postpones Vote On Akaev's Resignation

Parliamentarians say they want interim president Bakiev (in file photo) to endorse the plan to cut the ousted president's benefits 8 April 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyszstan's parliament today postponed until 11 April a vote on whether to accept the resignation of ousted President Askar Akaev.

Lawmakers said they want interim president Kurmanbek Bakiyev to first endorse an earlier vote to strip Akaev of some privileges and guarantees previously guaranteed by law.

Akaev, who fled to Russia after a popular uprising on 24 March, offered to step down on 4 April. But his resignation cannot enter into force until parliament approves it.

According to the changes voted today, Akaev's family will no longer be immune from criminal prosecution.

The deposed Kyrgyz president, however, will retain his previous immunity.

The new draft also forbids Akaev from running as a candidate in legislative polls.

(RFE/RL/AKIPRESS KZ/TASS RU/RTR)