Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Jan. 7 / Trend H.Hasanov /
Turkmen President Gurbangulu Berdimuhammedov criticized Deputy Defense Minister Guychmurad Ashirov for shortcomings in his work and dismissed him, the national television channel Altin Asir reported on Friday.
A meeting of the State Security Council was held in Ashgabat on Jan. 6, in which Berdimuhammedov noted "the need for systematic work to further strengthen order and discipline in military units, in accordance with the charter, improving the order of service in the army."
Referring to the forthcoming celebration of the historic 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence on Oct. 27, 2011, he instructed thorough preparations for the parade to be held at a high organizational level.
Turkmenistan's military doctrine is defensive in nature and corresponds to the status of permanent neutrality.