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Kyrgyz Deputy Premier 'Temporarily' Steps Down Amid Graft Allegations
April 13, 2011
BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz First Deputy Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov announced today he will temporarily step down until a committee clears him of financial wrongdoing, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Babanov said in Bishkek today that he asked Prime Minister Almazbek Atambaev to temporarily free him from his post so that a parliamentary commission could investigate the allegations by different politicians about his alleged involvement in illegal financial activities.
The coalition partner Ata-Jurt (Homeland) parliamentary faction has called several times for Babanov's resignation. The opposition Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party joined Ata-Jurt today, saying that Babanov's resignation is necessary but can only be decided by Atambaev.
Kyrgyzstan's coalition government is made up of Respublika, Ata-Jurt, and the Social Democratic Party.
Former Prosecutor-General Kubatbek Baibolov, who was sacked by President Roza Otunbaeva on March 30, said the next day in parliament he had information proving Babanov's involvement in corrupt financial activity.
Babanov's statement was followed by a scuffle in parliament between Ata-Jurt leader Kamchybek Tashiev -- who said his party would quit the coalition government if the accusations against Babanov are proven -- and a deputy from Babanov's Respublika party, Altynbek Sulaimanov.
Baibolov told RFE/RL on April 1 that his sacking was a politically motivated decision by Otunbaeva in preparation for the presidential election slated for the fall.
He added that he believes Otunbaeva wants Atambaev to become president. Baibolov said that Atambaev, in turn, wants Babanov to be the next prime minister.
Copyright (c) 2011. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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