One of President Askar Akayev's most prominent foes offered the ousted leader renewed security guarantees yesterday if he returns home from his refuge in Russia, while the US ambassador extended a helping hand to the new Kyrgyz leadership.

　　Akayev, who fled this ex-Soviet republic last Thursday after protesters stormed the presidential administration building in Bishkek, hinted in a Russian television interview late on Tuesday that he might be willing to resign if he received such guarantees. But he said he would only trust them from new parliament speaker Omurbek Tekebayev.

　　"We guarantee Akayev his personal security, the security of his property and free movement," said former opposition leader Felix Kulov, who resigned as coordinator of law enforcement agencies yesterday.

　　Kulov's move raised concerns of more unrest and divisions among the impoverished central Asian state's new rulers, who are eager to secure Akayev's resignation, seeing it as an essential step to restore a sense of order and legitimacy to the nation's politics.

　　In an interview with Russia's state-run Channel One TV broadcast late on Tuesday, Akayev suggested that he might be willing to step down to help ensure legitimacy for Kyrgyzstan's next elected leader. But he insisted he was still Kyrgyzstan's legitimate leader.

　　Asked whether he was prepared to resign, Akayev replied: "Of course, of course - if I am given the relevant guarantees and if it is in full accordance with the current legislation." But Akayev said he lacked confidence in the guarantees already given by Kulov and interim leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev, and saw the parliament as "the only legitimate authority."

　　Us ambassador Stephen Young met with Tekebayev and pledged US help to the Kyrgyz as they try to bring prosperity and democracy to this nation of 5 million. "We are ready to work actively with the parliament and others in the leadership in the cause of a stable, thriving and democratic Kyrgyzstan," Young said.

　　Presidential elections have been set for June 26, but Kulov said yesterday that "only after we get guarantees of Akayev's resignation can we start talking about elections."

　　(Ap/Reuters)