Issue 15 (2012)
April 21 – 28, 2012
*For Breaking News See Our Blog Sifting the Karakum*
http://www.eurasianet.org/voices/karakum
News Analysis
This week, Turkmenistan held political consultations with an Afghan delegation to discuss cooperation on the construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan - India (TAPI) pipeline as well as a railroad connecting the two countries. Ashgabat also hosted a planning meeting to help prepare for an international conference on security and stability in Afghanistan, scheduled for June in Kabul. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar was in Ashgabat meeting with President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, participating in the third meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Turkmen-Pakistani Commission, and discussing possibilities for exporting Turkmen electricity to Pakistan via Afghanistan and the construction of the Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India pipeline (TAPI).
While Turkmenistan appears to have cordial relations with its Central Asian neighbors, declaring its “fraternal love,” there seems to increasingly be closed doors to more people from the countries of the region crossing its borders. Recently Russian travel agencies reported that Turkmen immigration authorities reject 98% of the visa applications it receives, and Kazakh truck drivers making deliveries complain of long lines to enter Turkmenistan. Uzbek citizens also face difficulties trying to cross the Turkmen border; only this past January, of the 4500 Uzbeks who tried to enter Turkmenistan, 1200 were turned down by Turkmen border guards without explanation.
Despite distrust of Turkmen leaders toward foreign press and foreigners in general, they let American film producer and screenwriter Michael Fitzgerald come and speak to students and staff of the Turkmen State Institute of Culture on a US Embassy sponsored visit in which he spoke about “the film industry in the United States” and “to provide expertise on possible ways that joint projects can be conducted with Turkmen filmmakers,” according to a US Embassy press reléase. The last time foreign filmmakers – French TV production company “Galaxie Presse” – entered the country to make a documentary, it led to imprisonment of three journalists who assisted them. Subsequently, one of them, radio Liberty/ radio Free Europe correspondent Ogulsapar Muradova, died in prison, while two others are reportedly still in jail, their fates unknown. In spite of the horrific state of freedom of speech in the country the OSCE Center in Ashgabat conducts seminars on mass media and has expressed its readiness to help draft a law on mass media.
President Berdymukhamedov is planning a visit to Belarus to meet with his Belarusian counterpart and fellow-thinker, Alexander Lukashenka. Both leaders have a similar style, suppressing civic activity and freedom of speech, and jailing political opponents and journalists and harassing their relatives. Both are promoting their sons in politics. In fact, according to some reports, Berdymukhamedov’s son, Serdar, is becoming more and more active in politics, despite his role as one of the most prominent businessmen in the country as well as unconfirmed rumors of a drug addiction. Like most authoritarian rulers seeking to enrich themselves and their families and having virtually no checks on their power, the Turkmen President places his relatives in charge of various sectors of the economy; for instance, his nephew controls regional markets, and his sister oversees a significant portion of the cigarette trade.
While the President’s entourage enjoys all the riches the country can offer, the rate of unemployment in some of Turkmenistan’s regions is approaching 70 percent. People are impoverished, ready to seek jobs in other countries and even commit crimes. The Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights analyzed statistics and concluded that the growth of crime in Turkmenistan combined with the harsh conditions in the country is leading to the “export” of Turkmen criminals beyond the country’s borders.
But it is not only the poor who are committing crimes. Last week, children of highly placed government officials caused a major road accident, leading to the President’s dismissal of their parents, including the Minister for energy and industry. The state-controlled media reported on the incident and the consequences, though did not specify details. So, it is not certain whether the actions of the children were simply an excuse for yet another shuffling of government officials, which happens frequently enough, The incident, however, did lead the President to order his subordinates to eliminate traffic jams, enforce road rules, and prevent accidents as well as build more road junctions and expand roadways. The President also ordered that universities occupy all of their students’ free time, although, apparently students already lack free time to study, as their days are filled up with rehearsals for one festival or another. Students are forced to participate in government sponsored public festivals or face expulsion, just as the state forces civil servants to participate, at the risk of losing their jobs. For students, participation in can even determine their grades, as opposed to their academic performance.
Following Turkmenistan’s recently celebrated Week of Happiness, the government has created a new opportunity for forced levity -- the upcoming Day of the Turkmen Horse, in which male citizens will be coerced to spend their days off at the racetracks. Festivities include a performance by the Mollanepes theater of the play “You are on a white horse, you are on a gray horse, Arkadag!” and a contest “The Most Beautiful Akhal-Teke Horse of the Year” for the ten best representatives of the Akhal-Teke thoroughbreds as their culmination.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan Hold Political Consultations
On April 19, the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted political consultations with an Afghan delegation led by the Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Javid Ludin. According to Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry press-service, the parties discussed future cooperation, noted Turkmenistan’s role in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan, and stressed the importance of laying the TAPI pipeline and constructing the Atamyrat-Ymamnazar-Akin-Andkhoy railway.
International Peace Forum on Afghanistan Opens in Ashgabat
An international meeting designed to “consolidate the efforts of the international and regional community on Afghanistan's revival” opened in Ashgabat, reported the meeting organizers. The agenda includes preparation for an international conference on Afghanistan scheduled to be held in Kabul on June 14 at the foreign minister level. The conference in Kabul will gather delegations from 15 countries and 14 observer countries, including Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, France, Japan, as well as representatives of 10 international and regional organizations, including the UN, EU, NATO, OSCE, and UNAMA.
http://en.trend.az/regions/casia/turkmenistan/2015862.html
Berdymukhamedov Receives Pakistan’s Foreign Minister
President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov received Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, who arrived in Ashgabat as the head of her country’s delegation to the third meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Turkmen-Pakistani Commission. During the meeting the parties discussed possibilities for exporting Turkmen electricity to Pakistan via Afghanistan and the construction of the Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India pipeline (TAPI). Participants of the intergovernmental meeting discussed cooperation in the fuel and energy sector and stressed the importance of TAPI. The fourth meeting of the joint committee will be held in 2013 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/16168.html
http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/16171.html
Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan Visits Switzerland and Monaco
From April 23 – 27 Turkmenistan’s Minister of Communications, Bayramgeldi Ovezov, will visit Geneva, Switzerland, and the Principality of Monaco, to discuss the creation of a satellite communications system in Turkmenistan.
http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/16179.html
Turkmen President to Visit Belarus
Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing the visit of a Turkmen government delegation led by President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov to Belarus, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported at a government meeting. Berdymukhamedov stated: “Our two countries have a positive experience of joint work and considerable potential that needs to be fully used for our mutual benefit.”
http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/16174.html
Turkmenistan and United States to Develop Relations in Cinematography
American film producer and screenwriter Michael Fitzgerald visited Turkmenistan, and, according to official press, stated that American cinematographers’ growing interest in Turkmenistan is caused by “the presence of many historical and cultural values in the country, which are not only of national but also of global significance.” Fitzgerald held talks with government officials and a number of official cultural establishments, such as Turkmenistan’s State Committee on Television, Radio and Cinematography, and the Turkmen Film Association, and discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in cinematography. The American film producer also delivered a lecture.
http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/16159.html
Japanese Know-How, Turkmen Resources Complement Each Other
Japanese high-tech know-how and Turkmenistan's rich natural resources complement each other, said Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in his message to President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "I believe that there are great opportunities for enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic sphere," the message says. Japanese companies are already represented in the country’s oil and gas sector, transport and communications sectors, construction, and healthcare, as well as the water industry.
http://en.trend.az/capital/business/2018059.html
OSCE to help Turkmenistan to draft new law on mass media
The OSCE Center in Ashgabat, in cooperation with Turkmenistan’s Parliament and Foreign Ministry, conducted a meeting on legal mechanisms for promoting media freedom through modern technologies. The meeting was organized for the members of the working group on drafting Turkmenistan’s new law on mass media. "In line with the Government's declared commitment to further develop the information society, the working group has an important task to draft a new law that would provide a legislative framework for the development of free media while taking advantage of new technologies," said Ambassador Sergei Belyaev, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
http://en.trend.az/regions/casia/turkmenistan/2015741.html
Uzbek Citizens Find it Difficult to Enter Turkmenistan
Despite the much touted “fraternal love” between Uzbeks and Turkmen, declared after each meeting of the leadership of the two countries, citizens of Uzbekistan find it difficult to enter Turkmenistan. This past January, of the 4500 Uzbeks who tried to enter Turkmenistan, 1200 were turned down by Turkmen border guards without explanation. There are unofficial rules which limit the time when citizens of Uzbekistan can cross the Turkmen border to only one hour per day.
http://www.gundogar.org/?02300512379000000000000011000000
DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENTS
Another Conscientious Objector Sentenced to Imprisonment
Dashoguz city court sentenced another Jehovah’s Witness, Z. Abdullaev, to two years of imprisonment for refusing to serve in the army, reported Forum-18. Earlier, Abdullaev received a suspended two-year sentence based on the same charges. According to Forum-18, there are four other Jehovah’s Witnesses serving prison sentences for refusal to report to military service, and one other who received a suspended sentence.
http://www.chrono-tm.org/2012/04/osuzhdennyie-svideteli/
Turkmenistan adopts public health development program
President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov approved the 2012-2016 state program for public healthcare development, an official Turkmen source said. Over the past 10 years, the total cost of constructing health facilities in Turkmenistan exceeded $1.5 billion. In the next three years the Turkmen Government plans to allocate about $500 million for new medical projects, with 30-40 per cent backed by foreign investment. The program foresees the construction of nine new and the renovation of two existing pharmaceutical factories. By 2030 the Government plans to invest $2.114 billion in large scale construction and renovation of existing health facilities, and the purchase of modern medical equipment. In the coming years a number of new medical facilities will be built in the country.
http://en.trend.az/regions/casia/turkmenistan/2017635.html
Turkmen President Demands to Solve Traffic Congestion Problem
President Berdymukhamedov ordered his subordinates to take measures to prevent road accidents and strictly enforce traffic rules. He demanded that they solve the problem of traffic jams and build new road junctions and underground passages. "If necessary, consider the possibility of expanding the roadway to ease traffic flows,” said the President.
http://en.trend.az/regions/casia/turkmenistan/2017244.html
Crime Rate Grows Among Turkmen Migrant Workers
The Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights (TIHR) writes about the growth of crime among Turkmen migrant workers. Due to the high level of unemployment in Turkmenistan, which, according to some sources, has reached as high as 70 percent in certain regions, drug addiction and crime are widespread in the country, leading to a significant increase of labor migration, TIHR reports. Turkmenistan maintains a visa regime with all CIS countries, and it is very difficult for Turkmen citizens to go to other countries to work. Thus many agree to the most menial jobs, or even to violating the laws of the host countries or resort to criminal activity. TIHR analyzes statistics concluding that the growth of the crime rate in Turkmenistan combined with the harsh conditions in the country is leading to the “export” of Turkmen criminals far beyond the country’s borders.
http://www.chrono-tm.org/2012/04/nashi/
Turkmen Students Deprived of Time to Study
After a road accident caused by the students of the Polytechnic University, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education instructed his subordinates to occupy all of the students’ free time. However, according to many students, they already have no free time, and often do not have time to study. Prolonged rehearsals for and participation in festive events and celebrations, dedicated to the President’s visits, the unveiling of new buildings, festivals, and conferences, consume much of their time. Such events are held, at least once a month, and during festivities, classes are canceled. Participation in these events determines students’ grades. Universities expel students who refuse to participate in festivities, but allow those with poor academic performance to continue their studies. In 2011, the Mahtumkuli State University expelled 38 students for refusing to attend celebratory events. According to fifth year students, the arbitrary actions of the administration are affecting those completing their studies. Even during exam periods, when there are no classes, they have to stay in their classrooms for 2-3 hours a day, and married students with small children are no exception to this rule. They have to obey or risk being expelled.
http://www.chrono-tm.org/2012/04/student-problema/
Compulsory Events for Horse Day
Currently all large cities in Turkmenistan are preparing for the Day of the Turkmen Horse (celebrated on the last Sunday of April). From the beginning of this month, all state institutions are obliged to send some of their employees to the horse racetracks every Sunday to fill up the viewing stands and watch the races. Often, people have to spend at the entire day at the racetracks or risk losing their jobs. Besides the races, there are other events dedicated to Horse Day. For example, on April 28, in Ashgabat, people will have to gather to watch a theater performance called “You are on a white horse, you are on a gray horse, Arkadag!” at the Mollanepes theater. The spectators, as usual, will be drawn from Ashgabat’s university students.
http://www.chrono-tm.org/2012/04/skachushhiy-aprel/
Berdymukhamedov’s Son Becomes Politically Active
President Berdymukhamedov’s son, Serdar, has recently been showing more interest in the country’s political life. Currently he is the head of one of the agricultural associations, but some predict that very soon his father will promote him to Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Serdar has become a frequent participant at governmental meetings, although previously he was happy with his role as one of Turkmenistan’s most prominent businessmen and the manager of half of the country’s economy. However, according to many reports, Serdar suffers from drug addiction, and his cousin, a son of one of Berdymukhamedov’s sisters, supplies him with drugs. Berdymukhamedov’s relatives control many spheres of the Turkmen economy, making statements about “fighting corruption” pointless.
http://www.gundogar.org/?02470512382000000000000011000000
Turkmenistan Holds Contest for Most Beautiful Akhal-Teke Horse
Ashgabat’s equestrian center hosted the first qualifying round of the contest “The Most Beautiful Akhal-Teke Horse of the Year”. Finals will be held on the Day of the Turkmen Horse - April 29. The ten best representatives of the Akhal-Teke breed – 3-10 year-old thoroughbred stallions will compete for the title of the most beautiful and graceful horse in the finals.
http://www.turkmenistan.ru/en/articles/16158.html
Unless otherwise indicated, all translations have been prepared by OSI’s Turkmenistan Project.
About the Turkmenistan Project
The Turkmenistan Project is a division of the Open Society Institute’s Central Eurasia Project. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of OSI. For more information about the Open Society Institute, visit our website at http://www.soros.org. For more information about the Central Eurasia Project, visit EurasiaNet at http://www.eurasianet.org. For more on the work of the Turkmenistan Project, visit us at http://www.eurasianet.org/resource/turkmenistan/index.shtml
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