New Kyrgyz Prime Minister Named

Incoming Kyrgyz Prime Minister Joomart Otobaev (at rostrum) appearing before parliament on April 2.

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan's parliament has selected Joomart Otorbaev to be the country's new prime minister.

Parliament met late on April 3 and voted overwhelmingly, 103 to seven, to approve Otorbaev in the post.

Otorbaev had served as deputy prime minister in the previous government that collapsed last month.

Parliament also confirmed Otorbaev's program that seeks to improve the investment climate, boost security, and more effectively battle corruption.

The previous government of Prime Jantoro Satybaldiev was beset by accusations of corruption.

The new government is the 25th government Kyrgyzstan has had since becoming independent in late 1991.
With reporting by 24.kg