Turkmen Leader Would Lift Internet Restrictions

Turkmenistan's acting president says he will lift restrictions on Internet use in the closed country if he wins next month's election.

Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who's the favorite to win the poll, also said he would reverse his predecesoor's school reform, which cut 10 years of studies to nine.

Berdymukhammedov also said he would fight unemployment, and promised the state would continue to make bread, gasoline, and other necessary goods available at low prices.

Berdymukhammedov has ruled Turkmenistan as acting head of state since the announcement of the death of longtime President Saparmurat Niyazov on December 21.

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