The reason for his resignation is not clear. Akhmetov has been the prime minister of the Central Asian republic since June 2003.
His resignation will force the whole cabinet to step down. The Kazakh Parliament, which according to the constitution approves the president's nominee for prime minister, is due hold a plenary session on January 10.
(with material from Reuters)
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
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