Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on 30 June raising the minimum monthly wage for some 538,000 people employed in the public sector from 60,000 to 100,000 manats ($12-$20.25), effective 1 July. Aliyev also doubled the wages of police officers and civilian employees of the Interior Ministry. Aliyev issued a separate decree on 1 July approving a state program for improving the living conditions of refugees and displaced persons and enhancing their chances of finding employment or enrolling for higher education. (Turan)