 Kyrgyzstan's parliament on Friday voted to strip the ousted president of his special privileges and guarantees. Lawmakers voted unanimously to remove provisions that would have given President Askar Akayev wide influence in this Central Asian nation after his resignation. Acting President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, who was in parliament for the debate, now must sign the measure into law, something he is expected to do. Akayev fled the ex-Soviet republic on March 24 after protesters stormed his office and the opposition seized power. He has offered his resignation from Russia, and parliament is currently debating the terms of acceptance, with many lawmakers arguing against a dignified exit for a still reviled leader. The move cancels the president's right to address parliament, government sessions and state agencies, lifetime membership in the security council and free access to the media. |