Kyrgyz President Won't Sack Government, Urges Consensus

President Kurmanbek Bakiev (file photo) (AFP) October 25, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev, whom opponents have been accusing of failing to meet pre-election promises, today ruled out sacking his government.

Addressing residents in southern Jalal-Abad Oblast, Bakiev praised Prime Minister Feliks Kulov's team for improving Kyrgyzstan's economic indicators.


A statement posted on the president's official website quotes Bakiev as saying he and parliament should reach a consensus on proposed constitutional reforms by November 20.


Otherwise, he said the issue would have to be settled through a referendum in December.


The proposed constitutional changes, which lawmakers hope will help curtail the president's prerogatives, have been a major source of contention between Bakiev and the legislature.


The head of state today confirmed that he will address parliament on October 30 to lay out his vision of Kyrgyzstan's future form of government.


Bakiev has already said that he favors a constitution that maintains a strong executive.


(with material from 24.kg and AKIpress)

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