PRESIDENT SHAKES UP AZERBAIJANI GOVERNMENT.

Chairing an extraordinary session of Azerbaijan’s government on July 19, President Heydar Aliyev released Prime Minister Fuad Guliev "at his request;" dismissed eight ministers and subcabinet-level officials; and "seriously warned" others, including the chairman of Azerbaijani State Oil Company chairman Natig Aliyev. First Deputy Prime Minister Artur Rasizade was appointed acting prime minister. The measures follow Aliyev’s recent, sharp criticism of the cabinet and individual ministers for poor management and, in some cases, corruption. (Interfax, July 19 and 20)

New Government Being Discussed.