Igor Chudinov will remain acting PM until a successor is chosen

Kyrgyzstan's government has announced its resignation, as a result of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev's call for sweeping reforms.

"Today the full cabinet submitted its resignation," spokesman Marat Kadyraliyev told reporters.

Mr Bakiyev has recently discussed making major changes to the Kyrgyz government to increase his own power.

Mr Bakiyev was re-elected in July, after a vote which was criticised by Western election monitors.

In a statement, President Bakiyev's office said his ruling Ak Zhol party would nominate a new candidate for the premiership later on Tuesday. The candidate will then be voted on by the parliament.

The resignations came as President Bakiyev announced changes to reduce the number of ministries and to bring some agencies, such as the National Security Committee, under his direct control.