The Turkmen President, Saparmurat Niyazov, has appointed a new oil and gas minister and ordered him to learn English within six months. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty are reporting that Niyazov has appointed Gurbanmyrat Atayev as oil and gas minister. He will succeed Atamurad Berdyev who has become the new minister for the economy. Apparently, according to comments made on national television Niyazov ordered the minister to learn English within six months. Not sure if that is going to help him in the negotiations with Russia over gas supply.

While, according to the state First TV channel, Niyazov has also been shuffling the official ministerial appointments cards again. This time the lucky winner is Annaly Caryyevic Berdinobadov who has been appointed deputy communications minister for a six-month probation period. Apparently, if he fails to meet his duties, he is to be relieved of his post without the offer of another job. Tough luck.