In its relations with Kyrgyzstan, Moscow...

"I know - and this was officially announced - that Kurmanbek Bakiyev faxed a letter of resignation to Bishkek. His verbal statements can hardly overrule this document," Lavrov said.

On Wednesday Bakiyev, who had fled Kyrgyzstan following the April 6-8 riots, said he had not in fact resigned and urged world leaders not to recognize the republic"s interim government.

Last week, Interim Kyrgyz Prime Minister Roza Otunbayeva showed journalists a copy of a fax that she claimed was ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev"s resignation letter.

"Recognizing my responsibility before the Kyrgyz people, and with the aim of preserving the state"s unity, in accordance with the Constitution, I offer my resignation," the letter, allegedly sent from Kazakhstan, said.

Bakiyev"s brother said the faxed document was a fake.

Bakiyev has taken refuge in Belarus and will hold a press conference in Minsk on Friday.

MOSCOW, April 22 (RIA Novosti)