Yet again the axes have been falling around the ministerial halls in Ashgabat. The most eye-catching was that of Kakamyrat Annagylydjov, governor of Dashoguz region, who has been accused of gross bribe-taking, abuse of authority and polygamy. Other victims of this latest purge are high-placed officials in the State Fisheries Committee, also for abuse of authority.
The dismissals were announced in the course of a televised Cabinet meeting. As Niyazov informed his Cabinet:

“[Annagylydzhov] was only concerned with turning a profit and finding lucrative posts for his relatives. … Moreover, he openly maintained four wives, providing each of them with a house and a car.”

As Itar-Tass reported, Prosecutor General Guranbibi Atadjanova informed the Cabinet that Annagylydzhov had misappropriated 7.7 billion manat and $1.3 million in state resources. Several dozen cars and $270,000 in cash were seized during a raid on his house. Further investigations are being undertaken. Former presidential property manager Aganiyaz Akyev has been appointed as Annagylydjov’s replacement.
Meanwhile, head of the State Fisheries Committee Meretgeldi Mammedov has been sacked for large-scale embezzlement and conducting a fraudulent deal worth $468,000 through a foreign bank.
On January 25 Niyazov stressed the necessity for the agrarian sector to come to terms with its problems in comments broadcast on Turkmen state television. During a meeting at the Ashgabat Agrarian University he addressed an assembled audience of top government officials, university teachers and students.

“We should overcome all difficulties to resolve the problems of the agrarian sector and produce at least 2m tonnes of raw cotton this year.
“We are making big investments in the agrarian sector, which amount to billions of [presumably, dollars], but there is no sign of efficiency”.

Niyazov also took the opportunity of the meeting to dismiss the agriculture minister, Begenc Atamyradov, for “grave shortcomings” in the conduct of his work. The rector of the Ashgabat Agrarian University, Esenmyrat Orazgeldiyew, was subsequently appointed as the new agriculture minister.
Finally, Yklymberdi Owezmyradovic Paromov is to be appointed head of presidential administration for a six-month probation period, and will be relieved from the post without the prospect of another job in the event of his failure to adequately execute his duties.