Putin for strengthening relations with Turkmenistan

Moscow, Dec 22 (UNI) President Vladimir Putin has expressed hope that the relations between Russia and Turkmenistan will be further strengthened under the new leader replacing President Saparmurat Niyazov who died of heart failure.

''We knew Saparmurat Niyazov as a friend of Russia, and I am convinced that the continued strengthening of our partnership is in line with the true interests of the people of Russia and Turkmenistan,'' Mr Putin said today in a condolence message to Acting Turkmen President Gurban Berdymukhammedov.

''The establishment of a sovereign Turkmenistan, the strengthening of the country's international position and the development of its economy are all connected with his name,'' the message said.

Mr Putin expressed his deep condolences to relatives and close friends of Niyazov who died yesterday, as well as to the Turkmen authorities and people.

Niyazov's funeral will take place on December 24 in the presidential palace. The body will then be taken to a mausoleum, which has already been built in his home village, Kipchak.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov will participate in the funeral.

Following a decision by the Turkmen Security Council, the mourning period in the country, which holds the world's fifth-largest natural gas reserves as well as substantial oil resources, will continue until December 28.

UNI XC SY MIR RAI2237