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Akaev Backs Opponents For Kyrgyz Election

1 July 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Ousted Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev says his two main political opponents are best suited to lead the country after the presidential poll this month, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service and other media reported.

Akaev's remarks in support of acting president Kurmanbek Bakiev and former security chief Feliks Kulov appeared today in Kyrgyzstan's daily "Vechernii Bishkek" newspaper and in an address posted on the KyrgyzInfo website today.

Akaev says that putting his emotions aside, he thinks Bakiev and Kulov provide the best solution for the challenges facing Kyrgyzstan.

He says those challenges include strengthening political stability and developing democracy.

Kulov and Bakiev have agreed on a tandem -- if Bakiev wins the 10 July vote, Kulov will be his prime minister.

Kulov, imprisoned during part of Akaev's rule, dropped out of the race as part of the deal.

(RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service/agencies)

Copyright (c) 2005. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org



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