NIAZOV UNDERGOES HEART SURGERY.

Turkmen president Saparmurad Niazov, 57, is reported in stable condition after undergoing a "complicated" heart operation near Munich. The surgery unexpectedly capped Niazov’s visit to Germany. Although the president is said to be "recuperating normally," his schedule for September, including already scheduled meetings with foreign leaders, has been changed. (German and Russian agencies, September 2-3)

Massive Defeat for Communists in Former "Red Belt" Region.