DUSHANBE, February 4, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- On February 2, newly appointed Minister of Interiors Abdurahim Qahhorov singed orders introducing a number of staff changes.

According to press service of the Ministry of Interior (MoI), chief of the MOI criminal investigation directorate Ismatullo Rasoulov, chief of the MoI staff Mahmadali Shafoatov and chief of the MoI directorate for combating drug trafficking (drug police) Abdul Roziqov were dismissed.  A number of heads of other ministry departments were also sacked.            

 Deputy heads of these directorates and departments will temporarily execute their duties until new deaprtment chiefs are appointed, the press service said.