Kyrgyz leader signs new constitution to end crisis

BISHKEK, Nov 9 (Reuters) Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev today signed a new constitution that will reduce his powers, a move expected to defuse a political crisis that had brought thousands of opposition protesters onto the streets.

Bakiyev signed the constitution in front of reporters following a tense week of protests from the opposition that had threatened the Central Asian state's fragile stability.

The opposition had said Bakiyev, who came to power last July, should quit if he did not agree to the new constitution that will introduce strong parliamentary checks and balances on his powers.

The protests broke out after the opposition accused Bakiyev of reneging on promises to introduce democratic reforms when he was elected in the wake of violent protests that forced his long-serving predecessor to flee the country.

The United States and Russia both have military airbases in Kyrgyzstan. It borders Kazakhstan, an oil-producing state where Western companies have invested billions of dollars.

REUTERS PDM RK1312