New Kyrgyz Government Structure Submitted To Parliament

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Azim Isabekov (file photo) (RFE/RL) January 30, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyzstan's parliament today received the plan for a new structure for the government that adds a ministry and another deputy prime minister, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported.

Deputy speaker of parliament Erkin Alymbekov told RFE/RL the plan for a new government structure is not perfect, but added that work will be done to improve it.

"Now, we are going to approve [the government structure] even with its shortcomings," Alymbekov said. "Let's go forward, lets work! All the existing shortcomings should be corrected within the process of work, based on transparency and its proper assessment considering any criticisms. This is our forced compromise, with an ache in our hearts, just to establish conditions to improve our economy even a little bit."

New Prime Minister Azim Isabekov submitted the plan, which is due to be considered by parliamentary committees on January 31.

Isabekov was confirmed as Kyrgyzstan's new prime minister on January 29 after parliament twice rejected the candidacy of Feliks Kulov who resigned as prime minister, along with the Kyrgyz government, in late December.