Kyrgyz PM to decide on participation in presidential race in Aug

BISHKEK, July 15 (Itar-Tass) - Kyrgyz Prime Minister Almazbek
Atambayev plans to decide on whether he will run for the presidential seat
or not in August.
In his traditional monthly TV address he expressed confidence that the
presidential elections due in the Central Asian republic in October "are
particularly important."
"They (elections) should unite the nation and not split it by regional
or ethnic characteristics," he said.
He underlined that the election results will define the country's
further development.
"Among candidates for presidency there are also politicians who got
used to make their names on regionalism and nationalism," Atambayev said.
"They will play this card."
He supposed that most probably "they will be unable to push people to
rallies and riots."
At present, Roza Otunbayeva rules the country in its transition
period. She was elected as president during last year's referendum.
Ex-president Kurmanbek Bakiyev was forced to step down as a result of mass
riots and left the country.
In compliance with the local laws, Otunbayeva has no right to nominate
herself for high political office again.