TAJIKISTAN - Head of State Emomali Shapirovich Rahmonov.

Perhaps the most pro-Russian of the leaders of the former Soviet republics, Rahmonov has been the head of state since November 1992. This followed the removal of his predecessor Rahmon Nabiyev after violent demonstrations in the capital, Dushanbe. He inherited a country where, over the previous

year, anti-government demonstrations had escalated into civil war between pro-government forces and Islamist and pro-democracy groups, eventually claiming 20,000 lives, displacing 600,000 and devastating the economy.

Since Rahmonov took over, Tajikistan has been returned to relative stability, but the country still faces serious problems - to the extent that some parts are still not under the central government's full control. Having become a frontline state in the US war against terrorism, however, Tajikistan is set to benefit economically and in security terms, given the fact that the US and Russia are co-operating closely in this war. Rahmonov's regime, therefore, is likely to be strengthened and he will consolidate his own power base.

Born on Oct. 5, 1952 in Dangara settlement of Kulob region, Rahmonov finished secondary school in his native village. He began his career as an electrician at a creamery in Kurgan-Tube. From 1971 to 1974 he served in the Pacific Ocean Navy of the Soviet armed forces. He has been quoted as saying of his experience there: "The main lesson, carried out from the army service and which helped me in life is, first of all, a feeling of fellowship, and a readiness in difficult times to put a shoulder under a common burden".

After service, he returned to the creamery plant. Combining work with studies, in 1977 he entered the economic faculty of the Tajik State University and graduated in 1982. He then branched out as a worker for the Communist Party for some years. From 1987 to 1992, he worked as a director of the Lenin sovkhoz (state farm) in Dangara region. In 1990 he was elected people's deputy of the Supreme Council of the Tajik SSR. In 1992 he became a chairman of the executive committee of Kulyab Regional Council of People's Deputies. At the historical 16th session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan in Khojand on Nov. 16, 1992, Rahmonov was elected Chairman of the Supreme Council of the state, thus becoming head of state. On Nov. 6, 1994, as a result of national elections Rahmonov became president of the republic. There was strong domestic opposition to his ascension to the presidency, but he has managed to overcome them. There have been repeated attempts to assassinate him - in April 1997 in Khojand - and attempted coups d'etat in August 1997 and in November 1998 failed as well.