The United States on Thursday sent condolences to the people of Turkmenistan after the death of longtime leader Saparmurat Niyazov and called for justice in the Central Asian nation. “We convey our condolences to the family of President Niyazov and to the people of Turkmenistan,” said White House national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe. “We look forward to continuing to expand our relations with Turkmenistan, to a bright future for that country, and to a government that provides justice and opportunity for its people.” Niyazov, the country's president-for-life, died of natural causes early Thursday. Deputy Prime Minister Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov was named interim president. The highest political body, the People's Council, is scheduled to meet Tuesday to discus the succession following Niyazov's funeral on Sunday.
