Akaeva unexpectedly appeared for the first time since her family fled the country during a 24 March revolt that toppled her father's government. The revolt was fueled by allegations of corruption and voting irregularities during parliamentary elections.
Speaking to reporters outside parliament, Akaeva said she isn't expecting any problems from the Kyrgyz people.
"Frankly speaking, I don't think any disturbances will occur [related to her return]," she said. "I don't think my return will disturb anybody. I am just an ordinary deputy and I don't think my appearance will cause any problems."
However, around 100 protesters showed up outside parliament to protest Akaeva's return.
As a lawmaker, Akaeva would have parliamentary immunity. But parliamentary speaker Omurbek Tekebaev today said that Akaeva hasn't yet assumed her duties as a lawmaker because she has not yet taken the oath of office.
Akaeva's brother, Aydar, also won a seat in parliament. Akaeva today said she thinks her brother will also return to Kyrgyzstan to assume the seat.
(Interfax/AP/Reuters/ITAR-TASS)
For more background on the crisis in Kyrgyzstan, see RFE/RL's dedicated website Revolution In Kyrgyzstan
Speaking to reporters outside parliament, Akaeva said she isn't expecting any problems from the Kyrgyz people.
"Frankly speaking, I don't think any disturbances will occur [related to her return]," she said. "I don't think my return will disturb anybody. I am just an ordinary deputy and I don't think my appearance will cause any problems."
However, around 100 protesters showed up outside parliament to protest Akaeva's return.
As a lawmaker, Akaeva would have parliamentary immunity. But parliamentary speaker Omurbek Tekebaev today said that Akaeva hasn't yet assumed her duties as a lawmaker because she has not yet taken the oath of office.
Akaeva's brother, Aydar, also won a seat in parliament. Akaeva today said she thinks her brother will also return to Kyrgyzstan to assume the seat.
(Interfax/AP/Reuters/ITAR-TASS)
For more background on the crisis in Kyrgyzstan, see RFE/RL's dedicated website Revolution In Kyrgyzstan
