Kyrgyz President Resubmits Kulov Candidacy To Lawmakers

Acting Prime Minister Kulov (left) and President Bakiev (file photo) (ITAR-TASS) BISHKEK, January 19, 2007 --Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev has again asked parliament to reappoint Feliks Kulov as prime minister, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

The request comes less than 24 hours after a majority of lawmakers on January 18 rejected Kulov's candidacy.

Iskhak Masaliev, the chairman of the parliament's constitution committee, told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service the legislature would not hold a second vote until next week.

"Our committee will examine [Kulov's candidacy] on [January 22] and it will be debated at a [plenary] parliamentary session on [January 23 or 24]," Masaliev said.

Masaliev's committee this week had recommended that lawmakers back Kulov's candidacy.

Under the constitution, Bakiev can propose the same candidate for prime minister three consecutive times. If lawmakers ultimately reject his choice, he has the right to dissolve the legislature.

Kulov and his cabinet resigned on December 19, triggering a new political crisis that resulted in the revamping of the constitution to give the president enhanced prerogatives.

Understanding Kyrgyzstan

Workers preparing for celebrations of the constitutional compromise in Bishkek on November 9 (RFE/RL)

A STABLE FOUNDATION? On November 9, RFE/RL's Washington office hosted a briefing featuring RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service Director Tyntchtykbek Tchoroev and RFE/RL analyst Daniel Kimmage.