Kyrgyz president reshuffles upper echelons of power

BISHKEK. May 15 (Interfax) - Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed a decree appointing former Security Council secretary Marat Imankulov as State Secretary, the president's press service said on Thursday.

Another presidential decree dismissed State Secretary Suyunbek Kasmambetov "due to his transfer to another job."

Baktybek Bekbolotov, a former defense minister, has been appointed Secretary of the Security Council.

Ruslan Mukambetov has been appointed as Acting Defense Minister. His candidacy will be submitted to the national parliament for approval of his appointment to the job.

Mukambetov earlier was Chief of the General Staff of the Kyrgyz Armed Forces. In April he was suspended "until the circumstances leading up to this have been eliminated."

Earlier on Thursday, Kasmambetov tendered resignation, announcing his decision on social media. "I turned 65. I have worked in public service for 43 years. I am resigning my position abiding by the law and setting an example. Let new people come," his social media post said. He submitted his letter of resignation in the name of the president and was now awaiting his approval, Kasmambetov said.