Niyazov Reiterates Moral Guidelines For Officials

Niyazov made his remarks in the official daily newspaper "Neutralnii Turkmenistan." He says that officials need to be, among other things, "honest, truthful, wise, generous, witty, humble, simple, cheerful, careful and charismatic."

The reminder comes after the recent firing of several top energy officials, including two oil and gas ministers and officials at the state gas exporting company.

Niyazov has made his "Rukhnama," a book of moral guidance, mandatory reading for all Turkmen civil servants and in Turkmen schools.

(AP)

Central Asia In Focus

THE COMPLETE STORY: Click on the icon to view a dedicated webpage bringing together all of RFE/RL's coverage of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.