Kyrgyz Opposition Leader Announces Candidacy for President

A key opposition leader in Kyrgyzstan has announced his candidacy to run in July presidential elections to choose a successor to the country's ousted leader, Askar Akayev.

Felix 's candidacy will pit him against acting President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, who was appointed to the position after a popular uprising drove Mr. Akayev from power last month.

Mr. Kulov has strong support in the north of the mountainous central Asian nation. He says he will offer Mr. Bakiyev the post of prime minister should he win the presidency.

Mr. Kulov spent several years in prison under Mr. Akayev's rule on corruption charges he says were politically motivated. The Supreme Court earlier this month annulled the charges, paving the way for his presidency bid.

The Russian-speaking politician must also pass a Kyrgyz language exam to officially run as president.