December 7, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Former Turkmen Prime Minister Khan Akhmedov has died of heart failure at the age of 70.
Relatives told RFE/RL's Turkmen Service that Akhmedov died of a heart attack on December 6 in the western city of Serdar (formerly known as Gyzylarbat), where he had been in internal exile since 2002. He was buried earlier today.
Relatives said authorities had prevented Akhmedov from receiving medical treatment in the capital, Ashgabat.
Akhmedov was appointed prime minister of Soviet Turkmenistan in December 1989. He retained his job until May 1992, thus becoming the first head of government of the newly independent Turkmenistan.
After some time at the head of the Railways Ministry, he was appointed Turkmenistan's ambassador to Turkey.
Observers believe his transfer to Ankara heralded his downfall and eventual exile.
Relatives said authorities had prevented Akhmedov from receiving medical treatment in the capital, Ashgabat.
Akhmedov was appointed prime minister of Soviet Turkmenistan in December 1989. He retained his job until May 1992, thus becoming the first head of government of the newly independent Turkmenistan.
After some time at the head of the Railways Ministry, he was appointed Turkmenistan's ambassador to Turkey.
Observers believe his transfer to Ankara heralded his downfall and eventual exile.
In Tune With Central Asia
In Tune With Central Asia
CENTRAL EUROPE MEETS CENTRAL ASIA: A Prague-based festival featuring nearly 100 films about music from around the world placed a spotlight on the musical culture of Central Asia -- still one of the world's best-kept secrets. Films gave a glimpse into the lives of musicians in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was on hand for a live musical performance.