U.S. State Department report on religious freedom failed to designate Turkmenistan as country of particular concern (CPC) despite latter’s strict control over all aspects of religion in Turkmen society.

State religious board dismissed country’s chief mufti, citing his “serious shortcomings in carrying out religious work”. President Saparmurat Niazov increasingly dominating religious sphere: ordered collection of his own spiritual writings displayed alongside Koran in mosques.

Government silenced last foreign news source in country, shutting down transmitter for Russia’s Mayak radio station for “technical reasons”. Move leaves vast majority of citizens without information from abroad. EU protested strongly over failure of government to approve extension of accreditation of OSCE ambassador, Paraschiva Badescu, despite recent improvement in EU-Turkmen relations. Between 10 and 20 people reported arrested in Ashgabad, possibly connected to reports of anti-government leaflets being distributed in capital.

Government decree ending recognition of foreign diplomas in effect 1 June - likely to force resignations of best educated and further repress Russian- speaking population. Officials downplayed widespread criticism of law, saying only called for verification - not rejection - of foreign diplomas.

President Saparmurat Niazov rescinded decree criminalising unregistered religious activity, but move unlikely to diminish widespread and systematic persecution of religious minorities.

President Saparmurat Niazov fired ministers of finance and economy, along with top national bank executives, in political crackdown ostensibly aimed at combating corruption. UN Commission on Human Rights approved strongly-worded resolution condemning Turkmenistan's human rights record. Country remains among world's most totalitarian states.

Former chief mufti jailed for unknown reasons as government continues assault on religious freedom. Two Radio Free Europe journalists detained and, following international pressure, released; pair warned to stop reporting for RFE/RL.

Lavish government-orchestrated celeb- rations marked 64th birthday of President Niazov, self-styled “Turkmenbashi” (“Leader of the Turkmens”), who continues to run one of world’s most repressive regimes. Recent decree prohibits young men wearing long hair or beards.

Under U.S. pressure, authorities lifted exit visa requirement for Turkmen citizens, but move unlikely to herald significant change in region’s most repressive state.

Authorities cracking down on NGOs. Har- assment of staff reportedly increasing, and new law gives state effective control over all NGO activities. President Niazov runs region’s most repressive regime, limiting population’s access to information, restricting travel abroad, and stifling dissent.