Kyrgyz leader, facing protests, alleges coup plot

BISHKEK, Nov 3 (Reuters) Kyrgyzstan's president, under pressure from mass opposition protests for his resignation, today said that authorities had uncovered evidence the opposition was plotting to seize control of key state buildings.

As hundreds resumed their protests after an overnight vigil outside parliament, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said audio transcript showed protest organisers and some non-governmental agencies had discussed seizing state TV, the main presidency and government building, and SNB state security headquarters.

''Let's not get overtaken by emotion. There is no threat here.

There are no forces to carry out a coup. But there are intentions.

There is proof,'' Bakiyev told parliament as protests continued outside.

Thousands of protesters yesterday took to the streets of the Central Asian capital on Thursday demanding the resignation of Bakiyev who they say has backtracked on promises of democratic reforms.

After camping out on the main square in red plastic tents -- the colour of the opposition -- several hundreds resumed chants of: ''Bakiyev out! (Prime Minister Felix) Kulov out!'' Though organisers said they expected protests to swell into their thousands again today, many of Bishkek's shops took their shutters off and resumed normal business -- a sign that shopkeepers did not sense mass disturbances were afoot.

Bakiyev's opponents have staged frequent protests since he was swept to power in a coup in 2005. They say his administration is corrupt and he has backtracked on promises to share more power with parliament and push through reforms.

Kyrgyzstan, a mainly Muslim nation of 5.2 million people, is home to both U S and Russian airbases. Outsiders are watching for signs of civil unrest they worry could spread to neighbouring countries in Central Asia.

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