Kyrgyz Parliament Discusses New Government Structure

Azim Isabekov (file photo) (RFE/RL) February 5, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyz lawmakers have discussed a plan for a new structure for the government, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Prime Minister Azim Isabekov told parliament today that the criticisms of lawmakers have been addressed in this final draft.

For instance, the new plan does not include a presidium of the government, and there will be only two deputy prime ministers instead of three, as earlier proposed.

"You said there was no need for a third deputy prime minister," Isabekov told lawmakers. "We have agreed with that. There was also another request to exclude a presidium [of the Kyrgyz government from the new government structure]. OK, we have supported this proposal, and we have excluded the presidium."

Isabekov said the number of government officials in Kyrgyzstan will be reduced by 20 percent, allowing an increase in salary for other public employees.

The plan also includes a new Ministry of Energy and Fuel Resources, putting at 14 the number of ministries. There would also be five state committees, including a National Security Committee, and 15 state agencies.

Parliamentarians are scheduled to vote on the revised plan on February 6.

Isabekov was confirmed as Kyrgyzstan's new prime minister on January 29 after parliament twice rejected the candidacy of Feliks Kulov.

Kulov resigned as prime minister, along with the government, in late December.