TURKMENISTAN:A power struggle for control of Turkmenistan began to unfold yesterday following the death on Thursday of the gas-rich country's dictator, Sapurmurat Niyazov. The role of acting president should have been awarded to the head of parliament, Ovezgeldy Atayev, but the national security council ruled him out, saying he had been charged with criminal offences, which were not specified.
In his place a Niyazov loyalist, the deputy prime minister, Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, was appointed, to the condemnation of exiled opposition leaders who last night were planning to return.
Meanwhile, officials were preparing for the funeral. Mr Niyazov (66), who was president-for-life and liked to be called Turkmenbashi - Leader of all Turkmen - led the country for 21 years. He left no obvious successor.
Mr Berdymukhamedov, a former dentist who bears a striking resemblance to Mr Niyazov, has said the people's council, the country's highest legislative body, would set a date for a presidential election on December 26th.
Foreign states are greatly interested in events in Turkmenistan because of its vast natural gas reserves, the world's fifth largest. The US yesterday signalled its anxiety over potential unrest in the country by advising its citizens not to travel there.
The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, appeared to oppose a radical change of leadership, saying "continuity in strengthening our partnership meets the true interests of the peoples of Russia and Turkmenistan".
The capital, Ashgabat, was calm yesterday, with muted signs of mourning, such as lowered flags and workers removing New Year decorations, but the Turkmen community in exile was buzzing with reports of back-door deals over the succession.
One figure who it is thought could emerge as a leader is the powerful head of Mr Niyazov's bodyguard, Akmurad Redzhepov.