DUSHANBE, May 16, 2009, Asia-Plus -- President Emomali Rahmon on May 15 sent a special telephone message to heads of ministries and organizations as well as chairmen of local authorities, ordering them to remove photos, carpets and posters depicting them standing or sitting next to the president from their offices and public places, according to presidential press service.

The telephone message notes the decision is made for the purpose of preventing servility among the officials as well as eliminating the misunderstanding among the ordinary citizens.

The president also ordered to remove all inscriptions of gratitude to mayors of cities and districts and others made on historical relics and monuments.

In the future, Tajik president’s portraits might be placed in public places only with the approval of the president''s office.