SODIROV REDIVIVUS IN TAJIKISTAN.

Maverick warlord Rizvon Sodirov yesterday released from captivity Amonullo Negmatzoda, Tajikistan’s officially approved top Muslim cleric, along with Negmatzoda’s brother and four government soldiers. The Mufti had been seized on August 27 while apparently negotiating the release of his two sons, seized by Sodirov a month earlier. Rizvon, now heading a 60-strong detachment, is offering to exchange the sons and some 15 other hostages for his brother Bahrom, who has been held in Dushanbe since February’s hostage-taking drama. (International agencies, September 2-3)

Niazov Undergoes Heart Surgery.