Rebel Kyrgyz parliament "rewrites" constitution

BISHKEK, Nov 7: Kyrgyzstan's parliament today set itself up for a direct confrontation with President Kurmanbek Bakiyev by trying to push through changes to the constitution that would slash his powers.

In the deepest crisis of Bakiyev's troubled 16-month rule, a group of opposition lawmakers sat overnight in emergency session to sign a new constitution that stripped the president of the power to appoint the government and handed it to parliament.

The move paved the way for constitutional standoff with Bakiyev, who is likely to dispute the lawmakers' legitimacy and opposes any such cuts to his presidential powers.

''We only need another four signatures to have a quorum,'' opposition member of parliament Bulot Sherniyasov told reporters. ''If the president refuses to sign this document then we will ask the people to give their verdict.'' Former opposition leader Bakiyev was himself swept to power 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 his Central Asian state.

A mountainous ex-Soviet country 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.

Opposition protests in the capital to demand Bakiyev's resignation were expected to move into their sixth day today. About 4,000 people 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 mob stormed the same compound.

RIVAL POWER CENTRES

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 diehard supporters kept vigil outside.

Thirty-four lawmakers gathered 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.

They said other members of parliament would have until noon (0600 GMT) to put their signatures on the document. They also promised renewed protests in Bishkek.

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

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

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

In an interview with Russian television -- Bakiyev's only pubic appearance for days -- the Kyrgyz president said he would not be dislodged like his predecessor.

''They (the opposition) have made a small mistake in assuming that the situation today is like it was on March 24, 2005. Such a situation does not exist today,'' he said.

Reuters