Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Court on Monday acquitted opposition leader Felix Kulov of embezzlement charges as the former Soviet republic's parliament met to considerthe terms of resignation for ousted President Askar Akayev.

Monday's acquittal cleared the way for Kulov to run for president in an election due later this year. Last week, the court overturned a guilty verdict on a charge of abuse of power dating back to the late 1990s when Kulov was serving as head of the security services.

Kulov, who had repeatedly said his imprisonment was politically motivated, was set free during street protests on March 24.

Also on Monday, Kyrgyz lawmakers met again to consider the terms of Akayev's resignation, weeks after he fled to Russia.

Legislators initially rejected Akayev's April 4 offer to step down, arguing it was too dignified an exit for him.

The delay in formally ending Akayev's 15-year presidency has threatened to undermine the legitimacy of Kyrgyzstan's interim leadership.

Last week, the lawmakers stripped Akayev of the perks he would have enjoyed as the country's first president, such as a lifetime membership in the security council, a right to address the parliament and government, free access to the media and immunity for his family.

Under Kyrgyz constitution, if Akayev's resignation is accepted, he would still enjoy immunity from prosecution.

Source: Xinhua