Opposition leader Kyrgyzstan's new PM

Moscow, Mar 29 (UNI) Close on the heels of the resignation of Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Azim Isabekov, a moderate Opposition leader, Almazbek Atambayev, was appointed the acting Prime Minister of the politically troubled former Soviet Central Asian Republic today, Itar-Tass news agency reported.

Mr Isabekov, yesterday, fired the first Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov; the Chief of the governmental staff Tunuchbek Tabyldiyev, the Emergency Situations Minister Dzhanysh Rustambekov, the Health Minister Shailobek Niyazov, the Minister for Economic Development and Trade Sarybek Moldokulov and two chiefs of state agencies, on the grounds that he wanted young ministers in the government.

Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev termed Mr Isabekov's decision a ''haste.'' Political observers said Mr Atambayev's appointment as Prime Minister by the President could be an attempt to ''appease'' his opponents, who have called for him to step down.

It is the first time that an opposition leader has been made a Prime Minister in Central Asia.

UNI