Kyrgyzstan Cabinet resigns office

Mr Kulov (left) has tendered his resignation to President Bakiyev

Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has accepted the resignation of his Cabinet, amid a continuing stand-off between him and parliament.

Prime Minister Felix Kulov, who tendered the resignation, said it should allow parliamentary elections due in 2010 to be held sooner.

The move follows continued wrangling between the government and legislature, despite a deal on a new constitution.

Mr Kulov's deputy says the two bodies are no longer able to work together.

Kyrgyzstan witnessed major protests in November which prompted Mr Bakiyev to agree to a new constitution that saw him giving up some powers.

Difficulties

Mr Kulov said he had tendered his resignation to speed up the transition to a new parliament and government.

"By our move we are trying to speed up new parliamentary elections. This is a way out of a crisis and a way to intensify the democratic process," he told reporters.

TULIP REVOLUTION WILTS March 2005 - Former President Akayev ousted in popular protest July - Kurmanbek Bakiyev elected President April 2006 - Thousands protest for end to corruption and crime November 2006 - President Bakiyev signs in new constitution after opposition protests People power forces changes Voices from Bishkek rally

The new constitution was signed on 9 November by President Bakiyev, following a week of protests in the capital Bishkek.

Thousands of opposition supporters set up tents in the main square and refused to leave until President Bakiyev resigned or brought in constitutional reform.

They accused the president of reneging on his promise to introduce reforms when he overthrew Askar Akayev in the so-called Tulip Revolution in 2005.

The new constitution allows parliament, not the president, to form a government.

However, under November's deal, it was agreed that the current government should remain in place until 2010.

But if the government resigns and parliament cannot approve its successor, new elections have to be called.

Mr Kulov and his ally Mr Bakiyev may be hoping they can win the elections and work with a less hostile legislature.