Turkmenistan

Turkmen President Fires Energy Officials

Turkmen President Niyazov (file photo) (AFP) March 4, 2006 -- Turkmen state television reports that President Saparmurat Niyazov has fired the head of the country's largest oil refinery and the deputy head of the state natural gas company. In both cases, the reason was alleged corruption.

Amangeldi Pudakov, head of the state-owned Turkmenbashi refinery, is charged with entering into unauthorized contracts with foreign oil companies at inflated prices.


Sapar Eldashev, deputy head of Turkmengaz, also is charged with misappropriation of state funds.


(AP)

Turkmenistan In The Middle

Turkmenistan In The Middle

Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov (right) meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko in Ashgabat in March 2005

PLAYING BOTH SIDES: The Russian-Ukrainian gas dispute is testing Turkmenistan's self-declared policy of neutrality. Along with Russia, Turkmenistan is one of Ukraine's two biggest gas suppliers. Throughout the crisis, Ukraine suggested it could turn to Turkmenistan to make up any losses of Russian gas supplies. That puts Turkmenistan in a difficult position as it seeks to balance its relations with two capitals: Moscow and Kyiv...(more)


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