KYRGYZSTAN LEADERS TO AMEND CONSTITUTION TO BROADEN PREMIER'S POWERS

BISHKEK, May 14 (RIA Novosti's Yulia Orlova) - Kyrgyzstan's Constitution is going to be amended to give prime minister more powers in the economic and political spheres, including in forming cabinets and appointing local administrations.

Acting President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and Feliks Kulov, the leader of the Namys (Dignity) party, the main contenders for the presidency, announced the intention in their memorandum in the run up to the presidential elections in this Central Asian republic, which will take place on July 10.

The memorandum reads Kulov is withdrawing from the race to focus on activities to promote Bakiyev's candidature, according to Kulov's campaign staff. In the event Bakiyev wins the elections, Kulov will be appointed prime minister.

The ex-rivals agreed that in case of the premier's resignation, the president would have to resign too.

Under the memorandum, the president will oversee above all security ministries and agencies, law enforcement bodies, and international affairs.

The two politicians stroke the deal in the wake of recent clashes between protesters and troops in Uzbekistan, which took a high death toll, and a pending breakup of society.

Kyrgyzstan's AKI-press agency has circulated Kulov's statement where he explains his withdrawal from the race.

"Economic tilts, social inequality, corruption, and nepotism have irritated and angered people in a difficult period of our country's development," said Kulov. "We must counter attempts to fuel these feelings with the aim of gaining advantages in the political struggle, which will inevitably trigger violence across the country," said Kulov.

"Clashes in Andizhan, which have caused tragic consequences, show that violence and venom quickly prevail over order and common sense," reads the statement.

"Guided by the interests of the state and people, Kurmanbek Bakiyev and I undertook to ensure stability and peace in the country. We have signed an agreement, pledging to coordinate our activities during the election campaign and afterwards. We intend to join efforts to work for the good of the nation," said Kulov.

"Our goal is to deter a split when one part of the population would consider themselves the winning party after the elections, while the others would regard themselves as the defeated party. The entire nation must benefit after the elections," said Kulov.