(RFE/RL)
PRAGUE, March 9, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov has once again shuffled his cabinet, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reports.
Economics and Finance Minister Atamyrat Berdiyev was relieved of his post and made chairman of the state committee for tourism and sports, while First Deputy Interior Minister Mukhammetgurban Bairamov was fired for "deficiencies in his work."
Niyazov regularly shuffles officials. Many are subsequently charged with crimes and then jailed.
Earlier this month, Amangeldi Pudakov, the head of the state-owned Turkmenbashi refinery, was fired and charged with entering into unauthorized contracts with foreign oil companies at inflated prices.
Sapar Eldashev, the deputy head of the state gas company Turkmengaz, was removed at the same time and charged with misappropriating state funds.
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
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