Turkmenistan prepares to bury its leader

ASHGABAT, Dec 23 (Reuters) Security was tighter then usual in Turkmenistan's capital today as the reclusive Central Asian nation prepared to bury its autocratic leader Saparmurat Niyazov.

Political uncertainty and intrigue gripped the strategic former Soviet state as a back-door power struggle sparked speculation about who would succeed Niyazov.

Niyazov, who developed an elaborate personality cult and called himself Turkmenbashi (Head of the Turkmen) the Great, died on Thursday at the age of 66 after ruling the country since 1985. He left no heir apparent.

Turkmenistan-watchers are predicting a turbulent transition period as Russia and the West compete for control in an ex-Soviet state with some of the world's biggest gas reserves.

Niyazov's body will be put on display in a grand palace in the capital Ashgabat for the final farewell ceremony due to be attended by foreign delegations and state officials.

The body will be moved to Niyazov's birth town of Kipchak near Ashgabat and buried in a family mausoleum alongside his parents and two brothers.

A state funeral commission, led by acting President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, met late at night yesterday to discuss last-minute preparations for the funeral.

''Commission members noted that during these difficult days the Turkmen people must stay calm and united,'' the state news agency reported.

Under a leaden sky, groups of plain clothes police dotted the streets of the lavishly rebuilt capital.

Armed soldiers in camouflage were seen guarding key sites like the telecommunications centre. Green national flags were lowered and few cars and pedestrians were seen on the streets.

Niyazov crushed all dissent, jailed his opponents and kept his mainly Muslim people isolated from the outside world. People said they were concerned about what would lie ahead.

''I cried when he died. For things to improve there must be a firm leader,'' said 55-year-old Aizhimal who makes a living by selling newspapers in a kiosk.

She added: ''I want to go to the funeral and say my last goodbye but I am sure it will be closed to ordinary people.'' As first signs of a power struggle emerged, the acting president publicly sacked the parliament speaker in a televised performance reminiscent of the dead leader's autocratic ways.

The country's newly set up Security Council, led by Defence Minister Agageldy Mamedgeldyev, holds the main clues to future succession. Set up shortly after Niyazov's death, it consists of top security officials who were close to Niyazov.

The acting leader, Berdymukhamedov, will hold the position until presidential elections are held in about two months. He cannot stand, according to the constitution.

The desert nation, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan, is Central Asia's top natural gas exporter. Russia's Gazprom controls its export routes, an arrangement that has irritated the West.

REUTERS PB KN1408