Ousted leader takes refuge in Russia

KYRGYZSTAN’S overthrown President Askar Akayev revealed yesterday he is staying near Moscow and will not resign.

“I’m in Russia, outside Moscow,” Mr Akayev said.

“I’ve not resigned. I am the only elected and legitimate president of Kyrgyzstan. I don’t see any reason or justification to resign.”

Mr Akayev accused the opposition of a plot to oust him and insisted his term officially ends in October.

“From the beginning, the opposition planned to seize power, not just stage peaceful rallies,” Mr Akayev said.

His comments came five days after protesters stormed government buildings in the capital Bishkek, sending Mr Akayev fleeing and sparking looting and violence.

Mr Akayev also admitted making mistakes.

“I made mistakes as president. But we were on the right path. Kyrgyzstan was an island of democracy in Central Asia,” he said.

In Bishkek, acting President Kurmanbek Bakiyev announced plans to investigate the storming of government headquarters.

MPs also ended a battle for legitimacy between rival parliaments, boosting prospects for stability.