In Kyrgyzstan, President Askar Akayev is reported to be preparing to give the Prime Minister broader powers to deal with the economic problems facing the country.

According to the Russian, Interfax news agency, the prime minister will be given the authority to appoint and dismiss ministers and heads of government departments.

Up to now, such power has been soley in the hands of the president.

Last week, parliament approved the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Dzhumabek Ibraimov.

Earlier the entire cabinet resigned after President Akayev accused it of incompetence in dealing with the country's worsening economic situation.