Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who was one of several Deputy Prime Ministers and Minister of Health, succeeded Niyazov instead. According to Kommersant, Atayev was arrested on 21 December 2006.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who was one of several Deputy Prime Ministers and Minister of Health, replaced Niyazov instead. According to Kommersant, Atayev was detained on 21 December 2006.