New Daghestani President Says Reform Is Top Priority

Russian President Putin (right) at the farewell ceremony for President Magomedali Magomedov last week (AFP) 20 February 2006 -- New Daghestani President Mukhu Aliyev says government reform will be one of his top priorities.

Aliyev made the remark after Daghestan's parliament approved him for the post. He said one of the first things he will do is bring new and younger people into government.

Aliyev succeeded Magomedali Magomedov, who resigned on 16 February, citing age as the reason for stepping down.

Aliyev is Daghestan's first president after the position was set up in line with recent constitutional changes to replace the republic's collective presidency.

Russian President Vladimir Putin nominated Aliyev for the job. His main task will be to bring stability to Daghestan, which has seen a wave of bombings and assassinations.

(Interfax, ITAR-TASS, Reuters)