ALIEV RESUMING ACTIVITY AFTER SUCCESSFUL SURGERY.

Released from close medical supervision, Azerbaijani President Haidar Aliev flew from the United States to London yesterday. Aliev is due to arrive in Turkey today for a stay of several days, during which he will confer with the country’s leaders and receive the Kemal Ataturk Award–Turkey’s highest distinction for statesmanship. The president will then return to Baku and active duty. Physicians accompanying him anticipate that Aliev will need another two months before resuming a full schedule of activities.

Aliev underwent coronary bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on April 29 and was discharged from hospital on May 10, his 76th birthday. He has since received telephone calls from the presidents of the United States, Turkey, Ukraine and Georgia and has micromanaged by telephone some decisions of the government in Baku. Major economic and political decisions have, however, been put on hold by the Azerbaijani government pending Aliev’s return. The country has been fully stable during his absence (Turan, AzerPress, AP, May 18-19; see the Monitor, May 3, 11).

RAHMONOV SEEKS ELECTORAL QUICKIE.