Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Steps Down

Former parliament speaker Tekebaev (file photo) (RFE/RL) BISHKEK, 27 February 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyz parliament speaker Omurbek Tekebaev resigned today after a group of lawmakers urged him to do so in order that the parliament can resume its work, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported.

Deputy Parliament Speaker Bolot Sherniyazov also stepped down.

Lawmakers later voted to grant the former parliament speaker personal bodyguards, a car, and a dacha. But Tekebaev said after the vote he would only accept bodyguards.

Tekebaev originally submitted his resignation on 10 February, but on 20 February, lawmakers rejected it. He later resigned again, citing provisions in the labor code.

There were calls earlier this month for Tekebaev to resign after a television channel on 7 February showed him making rude remarks about Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev in which called the president a "dog."

Since then the parliament has focused heavily on the issue, to the exclusion of other important matters.

(with material from ITAR-TASS, AP)