Kyrgyzstan's parliament has voted to approve the president's nomination for a new prime minister, in an effort to restore stability after the resignation of the entire government last week.

The country's parliament overwhelmingly endorsed President Askar Akayev's choice - loyalist Nikolai Tanayev, 57, who previously held the post of first deputy prime minister.

I will justify your trust and work tirelessly for the sake of the Kyrgyz people

New Kyrgyz Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev

Mr Tanayev headed the commission which blamed officials for the deaths of five demonstrators shot by police in March - leading to the cabinet's resignation.

The new prime minister said on Wednesday that he would work "tirelessly" to restore calm in the volatile former Soviet republic.

"I will justify your trust and work tirelessly for the sake of the Kyrgyz people. I will work honestly and take into account your wishes. I am convinced we will find a common language," he said.

Opposition unsatisfied

But the country's small but vocal opposition has vowed to continue protesting until all those guilty of the March shootings have been punished.

The March protests were in support of an opposition politician, Azimbek Beknazarov, who has been accused of abuse of power, for which he was given a suspended jail sentence last Friday.

His supporters have also vowed to continue their demonstrations until Mr Beknazarov is fully cleared of his criminal conviction. They claim the charges against him are politically motivated.

The president has already invited the country's opposition into government in an attempt to resolve the political crisis.

Report findings

Last week's official report found several presidential and local officials, and secret police, guilty of unlawful detentions and the illegal use of firearms during the March protest, which took place in the southern region on Dzhalalabad.

Supporters of Beknazarov (right) want him cleared of corruption charges

There have been subsequent demonstrations in the capital, Bishkek and a blockade of the country's main north-south road, in support of Mr Beknazarov.

The protesters have also been demanding the cancellation of a deal to transfer disputed territory to neighbouring China - a treaty Mr Beknazarov had opposed - and for President Akayev to resign.

President Akayev was hailed by Western governments in the early 1990s as a reformer, but he has increasingly cracked down on dissent in recent years.

This year's protests have been the first major public display of discontent with his rule.