Kyrgyz leader holds crisis talks with opposition

BISHKEK, Oct 31: Kyrgyz leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev sought to ease political tensions in his Central Asian state today as he sat down for talks with some of his fiercest critics who accuse him of backtracking on reform.

Adding further tension to the standoff, Russia accused Kyrgyzstan yesterday of allowing exiled billionaire Boris Berezovsky to visit the country in July. Kyrgyzstan shrugged off the accusation, saying it was not aware of any visit.

Constitutional reform is at the centre of Bakiyev's standoff with the opposition which wants to curb presidential powers and give more authority to parliament.

Bakiyev sat down at the negotiating table early today with six leaders of the opposition to find a compromise. The talks were being held at the presidential White House behind closed doors.

The opposition has threatened to hold mass street rallies and demand Bakiyev's resignation later this week if he did not cede more power to parliament and prove his commitment to fighting crime and corruption.

The Berezovsky issue has added fresh fuel to the conflict.

Berezovsky, a critic of President Vladimir Putin, is wanted in Russia for fraud and embezzlement. Russia's allegation could strain Kyrgyzstan's relations with Russia at a time when Bakiyev needs Putin's support.

Kyrgyz General Prosecutor Kambalary Kongantiyev said he had no information about Berezovsky's visit.

''If they (Russia) wanted a criminal investigation they should have asked us to detain Berezovsky. There was no such request,'' he said.

Russia has made clear it expects ex-Soviet states to help detain him. Berezovsky has won asylum in Britain.

Kyrgyzstan is an impoverished Central Asian republic that has been volatile since a coup ousted long-serving leader Askar Akayev last year.

Reuters