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BISHKEK, Mar 28 (AP): A duel for power between two rival parliaments imperiled Kyrgyzstan's stability Monday following the overthrow of its Soviet-era leader, and European legal experts were heading to the Central Asian nation to offer help in resolving the crisis.
Police backed by volunteers were solidifying control over the capital after a few nights of looting and gunfire that erupted Thursday when President Askar Akayev was evicted in a popular uprising.
But the parliamentary dispute raised serious questions about whether the new leaders emerging from the former opposition could bring stability to the impoverished country of 5 million people.
One legislature - endorsed by the Supreme Court - was seated before disputed elections this year that sparked massive protests leading to the president's overthrow. The other legislature - backed by the Election Commission - comprises lawmakers chosen in those elections and sworn in just two days before Akayev fled to Russia.
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe announced it was sending three legal experts to member nation Kyrgyzstan over the coming days to help unravel the parliament conflict.
"We think the need for them is urgent," said envoy Alojz Peterle, who assessed the dispute as "very, very sensitive."
A key former opposition leader named to coordinate Kyrgyzstan's law enforcement warned that Akayev's supporters could try to reclaim power, and urged them not to.
"I think they have the brains and wisdom not to take this step," Felix Kulov said in an interview with The Associated Press late Sunday.
There has been little indication that Akayev's backers aim for a comeback. About 150 people blocked a highway Sunday in support of Akayev but dispersed peacefully.
Meanwhile, attendance is growing steadily at Bishkek's main mosque, packing the place with worshippers and forcing some into a courtyard outside during Friday prayers.
Interest in Islam is rising in Kyrgyzstan, even in the country's largely secular capital, and so are fears that radical Islamic groups could exploit its current political turmoil.
There were no overt signs of radical Islamic involvement in the protests that culminated last week in the storming of government headquarters and President Askar Akayev's escape to Russia. But observers say such groups could step up activity as the country's new leaders try to restore order and suggest that radicals could find inspiration in the swift and almost effortless overthrow.
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