Kyrgyz PM resigns after cabinet accused of corruptionApril 11, 2016 - 18:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Kyrgyz Prime Minister Temir Sariyev and his cabinet resigned on Monday, April 11 after a parliamentary commission accused it of corruption, a move highlighting tensions between different factions of President Almazbek Atambayev's supporters, according to Rfeuters. "Squabbles, rumors and gossip have upset the balance within the government," Sariyev told a cabinet meeting open to the media. "The government's work has stalled at such a difficult time." A commission set up by the ex-Soviet republic's parliament said last week the government had broken the law, accusing it of having rigged a $100 million road construction tender to ensure it was given to a Chinese firm that lacked the required license. Sariyev, who has denied any wrongdoing, had asked Atambayev to sack Transport Minister Argynbek Malabayev, but the president has refused to do so, saying the prime minister had not provided clear legal grounds for a dismissal. On Monday, Atambayev accepted Sariyev's resignation, which automatically triggered the resignation of the whole cabinet. Sariyev, 52, has run the Central Asian nation's government since last May, at the time when its economy has come under pressure from the recession in Russia and slowdowns in other neighboring countries such as China and Kazakhstan. Sariyev had also pledged to resolve a long-standing dispute over profit-sharing with Canada's Centerra Gold, which operates Kumtor, Kyrgyzstan's biggest gold mine and its economic backbone. But the sides have not reached any agreement yet. Social Democrats closely linked to Atambayev head up a coalition that dominates the parliament and also includes the Kyrgyzstan, Onuguu-Progress and Ata Meken parties. Sariyev's party, Akshumkar, does not have seats in the parliament. The coalition, which controls 80 out of 120 seats in the legislature, now needs to pick a new premier within 15 days. Unlike its autocratic Central Asian neighbors, Kyrgyzstan has a relatively powerful parliament while limiting presidential powers. Two Kyrgyz presidents have been toppled by violent protests. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |