Kyrgyz president warns could dissolve parliament

BISHKEK, Nov 7 (Reuters) Kyrgyzstan's President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said today he could dissolve parliament if no political solution was found to a standoff with the opposition, and his government accused opponents of trying to seize power.

The government said it remained in control of the turbulent Central Asian country after days of street protests.

Opposition legislators in parliament in the former Soviet republic set themselves up for a direct confrontation with Bakiyev by trying to push through changes to the constitution that would slash his powers.

In the deepest crisis of Bakiyev's 16-month rule, opposition legislators sat overnight in emergency session to try to secure a new constitution stripping the president of the power to appoint the government and handing it to parliament.

''I have not set myself the goal of dissolving parliament,'' Bakiyev told a news conference. ''But I have such a constitutional right and of course if contradictions between the legislature and the executive continues what will I have left to do? I cannot watch such an orgy.'' Earlier, a government statement said: ''This is nothing other than an open attempt at seizing power through anti-constitutional means.'' Opposition member of parliament Bulot Sherniyasov told reporters: ''We only need another four signatures to have a quorum. If the president refuses to sign this document then we will ask the people to give their verdict.'' Bakiyev, a former opposition leader, was swept to power himself after a popular uprising in March 2005 but his grip on power is fragile and many former supporters say he has gone back on promises to reform the country.

AIR BASES A mountainous state that borders China, Kyrgyzstan is home to both US and Russian air bases. It is part of a Central Asian region where Washington, Moscow and Beijing jostle for influence and energy resources.

About 4,000 protesters shouting ''Bakiyev leave!'' surged to the gates of the government headquarters yesterday.

In March last year, former President Askar Akayev fled the country and his rule crumbled after a crowd stormed the same compound.

Bakiyev yesterday replaced his interior minister in an apparent attempt to appease the protesters.

But the opposition were not satisfied and opened up a new front against Bakiyev inside the parliament building, as about 600 die-hard supporters kept vigil outside.

Thirty-four legislators met in the 75-seat chamber and unilaterally declared themselves a constituent assembly. They then put their signatures on their own draft of the new constitution.

There was a big question mark over whether a new constitution voted through on the opposition's initiative would be legal.

Kyrgyz law states any changes to the constitution must be approved by at least 51 members of parliament and then be subject to a three-month review by the Constitutional Court. It does not allow for the creation of a constituent assembly.

The opposition said it was justified in bending the rules because the crisis confronting Kyrgyzstan demanded quick and decisive action.

REUTERS BDP BD1248