Bishkek, 23 December 1998 (RFE/RL) - Kyrgyzstan's President Askar Akayev demanded and received the resignation of his entire cabinet today after he denounced its members for failing to deal with the country's economic problems. The presidential press service quotes Akayev as saying Kyrgyzstan should enter the new year with "a new, more capable government."
Our correspondent in Bishkek reports that the resignation of the cabinet was announced in the Kyrgyz Parliament this morning.
A spokesperson in the presidential press service said that the step came after a meeting of the Kyrgyz Security Council, chaired by Akayev. Prime Minister Kubanychbek Jumaliev, Finance Minister Taalaibek Koichumanov and National Bank chairman Marat Sultanov reported to the meeting on the country's social and economic situation.
Akayev asked the three cabinet members several questions and then accused them of being unable to answer his questions. He said the government had no real program to get Kyrgyzstan out of its current financial troubles and proposed that the cabinet resign.
Prime Minister JumAliyev and all the government ministers then complied. The president is now expected to issue a decree formally dismissing the government.
Akayev has been president of Kyrgyzstan since it gained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Our correspondent in Bishkek reports that the resignation of the cabinet was announced in the Kyrgyz Parliament this morning.
A spokesperson in the presidential press service said that the step came after a meeting of the Kyrgyz Security Council, chaired by Akayev. Prime Minister Kubanychbek Jumaliev, Finance Minister Taalaibek Koichumanov and National Bank chairman Marat Sultanov reported to the meeting on the country's social and economic situation.
Akayev asked the three cabinet members several questions and then accused them of being unable to answer his questions. He said the government had no real program to get Kyrgyzstan out of its current financial troubles and proposed that the cabinet resign.
Prime Minister JumAliyev and all the government ministers then complied. The president is now expected to issue a decree formally dismissing the government.
Akayev has been president of Kyrgyzstan since it gained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.