Turkmenistan

[hakz2007]

UNDP expert for parliamentary development offers expertise to Turkmenistan

The United Nations Development Programme's international consultant, Anita Dudina, one of the "architects" of the administrative system of the Latvian Parliament, who undertook a number of international assignments in support to the National Assembly of Armenia, the Moldavian and Georgian parliaments, is visiting Turkmenistan to support parliamentary development efforts at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan.

According to a press release issued by UNDP, in the course of her visit, Anita Dudina held discussions with the deputy chairperson of the Mejlis, Mr. Kasym Babayev, and several heads of committees to identify capacity development needs of the national parliament in line with the best international practices. The introduction of modern information technologies into daily activities of the national parliament was also discussed.

The European expert also met with Rector of the Civil Service Academy (CSA) of Turkmenistan, Mr. Alym Annamuradov, and other senior lecturers of the CSA. The sides discussed prospects of UNDP engagement in increasing knowledge of the Academy students about the international and national parliamentary processes.

Anita Dudina delivered a lecture at the CSA on the history of parliamentarism and shared the experience of the national parliament of the Republic of Latvia in improving the legislative processes.

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U.S. Embassy helps renovate ancient mosque Mashad Ata (Shir-Kebir)

On September 11, the official ceremony marking the opening of the newly renovated Mashad Ata Mosque, a unique monument of the IX-X centuries architecture, was held at the National Historical-Archaeological Park "Ancient Dekhistan" located in Etrek district of Balkan province of Turkmenistan.

The renovation of the mosque was sponsored by a grant from U.S. State Department's Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation. The renovation was carried out by the National Administration on Preservation and Restoration of Cultural and Historical Sites of Turkmenistan.

The first visitors of the renovated Mashad Ata Mosque were representatives of the public of Balkan province, diplomats, scientists and students. In her opening remarks, the U.S. Charg d'Affaires, a.i., Lynne M. Tracy highly rated the work of renovators, architects and archaeologists who participated in the project.

The coordinator of U.S. State Department's Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation, Mr. Martin Pershler, arrived from Washington to participate in the ceremony. Within next few days he will continue acquaintance with other monuments of Turkmenistan located in Akhal, Dashoguz and Mary provinces that were restored earlier with the Fund's support.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Population of Turkmenistan to receive 1.4 billion kWh of electricity for free in 2010

The electricity production reached 10.5 billion kWh in Turkmenistan over 8 months of this year, which is 5 percent above the plan. This was reported by TDH news agency in connection with the Day of Workers of Energy Industry celebrated the other day in Turkmenistan.

It is noted that during this period 1.2 billion kWh of electricity were exported to Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey, and 1.4 billion kWh of electricity were allocated for the needs of the population of the country for free.

It should be recalled that other than electricity Turkmen citizens receive gas, water and salt free of charge. In addition, the country maintains symbolic fees for utilities and public transport. Turkmenistan's car owners receive free gasoline in accordance with the approved monthly quota.

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[hakz2007]

Turkmenistan to benefit from record rise in price of cotton at world market

The Government of Turkmenistan was instructed to effectively use a record rise in prices of cotton at the world market and to take all necessary measures to sell the excessive stock of cotton harvested in the country.

As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed the relevant officials at a regular government meeting to urgently and carefully examine and analyze issues related to the sale of cotton and report back to him.

"The price of cotton at the world market has now reached its highest level over the past fifty years, the president said. Therefore, one should calculate how many tons of cotton will be harvested in Turkmenistan this year, what portion of it will be used within the country, how many tons of cotton will be needed for the domestic textile industry, and how many tons can be sold."

Defoliation has now been completed in the cotton fields of Turkmenistan. Cotton is currently being picked up with cotton harvesters and manually.

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Gas compressor station Bagtyyarlyk launched in the west of Turkmenistan

The compressor station Bagtyyarlyk was inaugurated today in Hodzhambaz district of Lebap province in the east of Turkmenistan. The compressor station will significantly increase the volume of exports of natural gas to China via the transnational gas pipeline Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China. The new facility is worth over Euro 132 million. It was built by Belgian company Eneks.

As Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at the opening ceremony, the compressor station Bagtyyarlyk is capable of pumping 60 million cubic meters of gas per day, which will significantly increase the supply of gas in the Turkmenistan - China transport network.

It should be recalled that the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline running for over 7 thousand kilometers was inaugurated in December 2009 with the participation of the presidents of all member countries. The main supplier of gas is Turkmenistan who concluded a 30-year agreement with China for the supply of 30-40 billion cubic meters gas a year. The design capacity of the pipeline - 40 billion cubic meters of gas - will be achieved by 2015.

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Turkmenistan to supply 3 billion cubic meters of gas more to Iran annually

A complex of facilities intended for collection, preparation and transportation of natural gas via the interstate natural gas pipeline Turkmenistan - Iran (Korpedzhe-Kurt Kui) was put into operation in the southwest of Turkmenistan. This major investment project will increase gas export potential of Turkmenistan up to 3 billion cubic meters of gas a year.

The facilities worth about US $ 40 million were erected at Keimir, Akpatlawuk and Chekishler oil and gas fields in Esenguly district. There were installed equipment from the companies "Pall GmbH" (Germany), "Enex Process Engineering SA" (Belgium), "Schneider Electric" (France-Germany) and others. Under the terms of the contract, the partners will maintain warranty service and conduct training of national staff for one year.

The throughput capacity of the pipeline Turkmenistan - Iran, which now stands at 6 billion cubic meters of clean-fuel per year, may be increased to 14 billion cubic meters in the long term.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[hakz2007]

Turkmenistan's first racket proves her status again

Anastasia Prenko, a 17-year-old tennis star, who has been holding the title of champion of Turkmenistan among women since she was 13 years of age, has excelled for the fourth consecutive year at the international tennis tournament ITF of the fifth category, which is traditionally held in Ashgabat on the eve of Independence Day.

According to the official report, the tournament was organized by the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Tourism and Sport and the National Tennis Center. Tennis players under 18 from Australia, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan participated in the tournament.

The first racket of Turkmenistan, Anastasia Prenko is the first in the history of Turkmen sport to be included in the world women's ranking WTA. She is currently in the list of the world's top 200 juniors and top three in Central Asia. The young champion will participate at the XVI Summer Asian Games in Guangzhou (China) in November this year, according to a press release.

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Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's book to help students of Gubkin RSU

Deputy Director of the Ashgabat branch of the Russian State Oil and Gas University named after Gubkin, Associate Professor Nikolai Ivanchenko believes a new book by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on economics is a notable event in the national scientific and educational thought of Turkmenistan. The scholar expressed his opinion in the article "Development of Turkmenistan in the scope of modern scientific understanding" published in "Neutral Turkmenistan" newspaper today.

According to Nikolai Ivanchenko, the President's textbook "Public regulation of social and economic development of Turkmenistan" will be an excellent tool for students of higher educational establishments. "As a panoramic economic research, the book nevertheless embodies the desire of the head of state to use one of the most complicated subjects of economic research as a tool for teaching methodology of experts of the qualitatively new post-industrial society, which is currently being created in Turkmenistan," the scholar said.

It should be recalled that the first volume of the scientific work of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov published in September 2010 describes the formation of Turkmenistan's economy in the modern era, while the second volume includes regulations and special provisions governing the various aspects of economic activity of the state and entities of economic relations.

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Central Asian countries propose to revise Treaty on Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Turkmenistan's permanent representative to the UN Aksoltan Ataeva invited the UN member-states to strengthen the legal barriers to nuclear proliferation. According to the Russian service of the UN Radio, speaking in the First Committee of the General Assembly on behalf of five Central Asian states, she recalled that the Treaty establishing a nuclear-free zone in the region came into force in March last year.

With the view to further strengthening the nonproliferation regime Aksoltan Ataeva on behalf of the Central Asian countries called for the review of the Treaty on Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons. "We must recognize that this agreement became asymmetrical. It provides for sanctions only against non-nuclear states. However, if the nuclear powers call for a ban on developing nuclear weapons, they themselves should become an example of reduction and renunciation of the nuclear arsenal," she said.

Turkmenistan's ambassador also recalled that the countries of the region need help to deal with the ecological implications of uranium mining and nuclear testing.

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[hakz2007]

Crocodiles, rhinoceroses and kangaroos settled near Ashgabat

A modern zoo occupying more than 40 hectares has been built in a place of Geokdere near Ashgabat. The National Museum of Wildlife Turkmenistan has been equipped according to international standards and requirements of organizations for the protection of animals.

As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports, in the zoo one can see over 250 species of wild predators, domestic animals, birds and reptiles, and representatives of the underwater world, many of which are listed as endangered. The new Museum of wildlife presents all species of fauna of Turkmenistan. The inhabitants of the old Ashgabat zoo, as well as personal kennel of the president of Turkmenistan moved to the new zoo.

Thematically, the zoo is divided into four zones: the "African Savanna" and the area of predators are located in the eastern part of the park, while the territory of ungulate and "bird market"- in its western part. Each animal species has winter premises with access to large enclosed areas in the open. There is also the museum building called "Animal World" in the zoo with aquariums with the inhabitants of the Caspian Sea and the oceans. The territory of the zoological park is decorated with greenery, fountains and artificial lakes.

Guests of the new zoo will be able to see kangaroos, ostriches, buffalo, white rhinoceros, zebras, crowned giraffes, Bactrian camels, Nile crocodiles, pythons and other snakes, leopards, lions, tigers, cranes, swans, gray parrots, white cockatoos, peacocks, pheasants, different horses, antelopes, llamas, horned goats, mountain sheep, deer, sheep of Saraja breed, gazelles, sea stars and lilies, anemones, sponges, sea urchins, crabs, tropical fish and many other animals.

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Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited Islamic Museum and Oriental Bazaar in Doha

The main points of the cultural program of the official visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the State of Qatar were visits to the Museum of Islamic Art and the modernized oldest Arab bazaar "Souk Vakif". The Turkmen leader was accompanied by Minister of State for International Cooperation Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah.

In the museum Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov toured the exhibition that includes books, manuscripts, a collection of weapons and other antique items brought to the capital of Qatar from throughout the Middle East, as well as India and Spain.

As part of his walk through the Arab bazaar the head of Turkmenistan visited two tea-houses, where he was treated to local food and a cup of hot tea in an unhurried talk with the hosts. As TDH agency said in its report, the president noted ancient Turkmen carpets decorating the walls of these tea-houses. "The higher the status of the teahouse, the more it has Turkmen carpets," the hosts said.

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Intergovernmental Commission to deal with development of relations between Turkmenistan and Qatar

At the talks with the Emir of Qatar in Doha on October 11, the President of Turkmenistan proposed to establish a joint intergovernmental commission on trade, economic and cultural relations. The objectives of the new structure will include preparing for the Turkmen-Qatar Business Forum and Exhibition on mutual trade and investment in 2011.

The sides also agreed to establish a permanent mechanism for bilateral consultations between foreign ministries of both countries. Heads of Chambers of Commerce of Turkmenistan and the State of Qatar signed an agreement to establish a Joint Business Council.

As a result of the summit talks, there were also signed intergovernmental agreements on trade and economic cooperation and on cooperation in the legal sphere.

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[hakz2007]

Five-star hotel "Oguzkent" receives first VIP-guests

"A good neighbor or dear guest should be the first to enter a new home," Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, while receiving representatives of the high-level delegation from Afghanistan and senior managers of Bouygues company in the reception hall of the new hotel "Oguzkent."

During the talks between the President of Turkmenistan and the Afghan delegation headed by Minister of Finance Hazrat Omar Zahilval, the sides discussed prospects of partnership in trade, transport, communications and power engineering spheres, the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat.

During the meeting with Director General of Bouygues Martin Bouygues, the President of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude for the successful construction of hotel "Oguzkent", which "has already become one of the best architectural sights of Ashgabat."

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Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited to attend II Investment Forum of Turkmenistan

At the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on October 14, Vice Premier Tuvakamamed Japarov invited President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the 2nd International investment forum of Turkmenistan, which will be held in Ashgabat on 18-19 October. As the State news agency TDH reports, the Vice Premier also noted that the forum "will bring together leaders and representatives of major international organizations, financial institutions and world-renowned companies."

Speakers such as Secretary General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Supachai Panitchpakdi; Chief adviser in the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Alexei Tikhomirov; State Secretary of Germany, retired president of the German-Turkmen council Klaus Juergen Khedr; Managing director of Deutschebank for Eastern and Central Europe Peter Tilles; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development of Astrakhan region of Russia Askar Kabikeev; Senior vice president of Mitsubishi Corporation International Katsumi Kuroda; Chairman of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia Yuri Shafranik; General Director of Knauf CIS for Russia and CIS Dr. Gerd Lenga; Managing director of Goetzpartners Hans Gerd Prodl; General secretary of the Committee of Foreign Economic Relations of Turkey Ufuk Yilmaz; Director of the Eurasian Economic Community Alexander Kazakov; General manager of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited Michael Hobbs; Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Tatarstan of Russia Artem Zdunov; Director of Strategic Development Department of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan Myrzabek Rysbekov and many others have already confirmed their participation in the forum.

In total, 1000 international delegates are expected to attend the investment forum this year. The agenda for the conference includes plenary sessions, divided into sectors, thematic round tables with representatives from business and the government of Turkmenistan, as well as bilateral meetings.

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Epic "Oguznama" about ancestors of Turkmens needs in-depth study

The literary-historical monument "Oguznama" - epic tales about Oguz, their lifestyle and military campaigns, which keeps records of the ancient period of history of Turkmens - is of universal significance that today needs a thorough study.

This view was expressed by scientists from different countries who gathered in Ashgabat to participate in the international scientific conference "Oguznama as a historical and cultural source."

Scientists were unanimous in their opinion that "Oguznama" should be studied by linguists, literary critics, folklorists, cultural scientists, ethnographers and historians, as well as specialists from many other areas of modern science.

The international conference was attended by representatives of academia from nearly 30 countries, including USA, Korea, Romania, India, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan. According to the official report, the main goal of the forum is to conduct an in-depth study, widely popularize and identify sites of historical and literary monument "Oguznama" in the treasury of universal culture.

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[hakz2007]

Traian Basescu invites Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to visit Romania

In his congratulatory message to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence Romanian President Traian Basescu invited the Turkmen leader "to visit Bucharest at a convenient time in 2011 to continue the high level bilateral dialogue and identify new cooperation projects for the benefit of the two peoples."

"Strengthening the bilateral political dialogue, the resumption of the Romanian-Turkmen cooperation in many spheres, including economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as agreements reached following our talks in Ashgabat on July 22, 2009, created the conditions for sustainable development of the relations between Romania and Turkmenistan," said President Traian Basescu in his message.

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Dmitry Medvedev wishes prosperity for people of Turkmenistan

The Turkmen print media published today a congratulatory message of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of Turkmenistan's Independence Day. As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat, the message notes that in recent years Turkmenistan has achieved a significant success in the socio-economic area and has significantly strengthened the country's international prestige and position.

The multifaceted Russian-Turkmen relations are becoming more substantive, said Dmitry Medvedev. According to him, these relations are based on a strong tradition of friendship and mutual respect.

"We are determined to continue to actively develop a political dialogue, economic and trade cooperation and humanitarian relations, expand cooperation in regional and international affairs. I am convinced that such a harmonious working together in the interests of the peoples of Russia and Turkmenistan will serve the cause of peace and development in Central Asia," said the Russian leader in his message.

Medvedev expressed confidence that the implementation of agreements reached at the recent Turkmen-Russian summit will give additional impetus to multifaceted cooperation and contribute to the successful work on major joint projects. "I will be happy to continue our fruitful contacts," said the Russian President, wishing health and welfare to his Turkmen counterpart, and prosperity to the Turkmen people.

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Turkey proud of achievements of fellow Turkmens

Turkey attaches special importance to cooperation with Turkmenistan and is proud that the sister country has rapidly implemented the great transformations, and achieved high results in each sector. As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat, this was stated in the message of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of Turkmenistan's Independence Day.

In a similar message, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan wished the successful development in each sector of Turkmenistan who "made great achievements in the life of state and society in a short period of history since gaining independence, which is a source of pride for Turkey."

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Turkmen Foreign Ministry refutes statements by Russian officials

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan issued a statement to the press in connection with the appearance of reports in recent days in the Russian media, "giving unreasonable interpretation of some aspects of the energy policy of Turkmenistan, including those related to the implementation of the projects for delivery of Turkmen energy resources to the international markets."

In particular, referring to some Russian officials, there is the mention of "freezing" the Caspian pipeline project, as well as the lack of prospects for Turkmen cooperation in the gas sphere in the European direction. At the same time, a statement was made about the readiness of Russian companies to "connect" to the gas pipeline project Turkmenistan - Afghanistan - Pakistan - India (TAPI).

In this regard, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said that such information is baseless. Moreover, the statements contained in such publications are regarded by Turkmenistan as an attempt to interfere with the normal course of international cooperation of Turkmenistan in the energy sphere and cast doubt on its obligations to its partners.

The press release notes that in 2007 Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation signed the documents for construction of the Caspian pipeline, under which Turkmenistan has begun construction of its own segment of the pipeline. Therefore, the reported suspension of the project, based on the statements of Russian officials, is perplexing. "Apparently, the notifying party either does not comply or is unwilling to meet its obligations," the Foreign Ministry said.

There are equally unsubstantiated assertions about the absence of the opportunities for Turkmenistan in the European gas market. "Turkmenistan is developing links with Europe, and quite effectively. The Turkmen side has entered into several agreements with major European companies, who have shown themselves as reliable, fair and predictable partners, including in the energy sector. This interaction is reasonable and follows appropriate economic and commercial logic. For Turkmenistan, it is even more relevant at a time when the Russian side has reduced the volumes of purchase of Turkmen natural gas. And, therefore, in accordance with the international law and on reciprocal basis, Turkmenistan will continue to strengthen the European vector of its energy policy and address questions about the selection of partners," the statement says.

As for the allegations about the readiness of the Russian companies to participate in TAPI, then, according to the Turkmen side, no such agreements exist at this point. The participation of companies from other states not party to the project may be addressed by the countries directly involved in the project - Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India under a joint agreement.

"The energy policy of Turkmenistan is based on developing mutually beneficial partnership across a broad geographical range, and scrupulously respecting its obligations. In this context, to question the principles of mutual relations of Turkmenistan with its partners through unverified statements in the media seems counterproductive.

Turkmenistan hopes that the future statements of the Russian officials will be guided by a sense of responsibility and realism," the Turkmen Foreign Ministry emphasized.

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[hakz2007]

U.S. official visits Turkmenistan

Nov 16, 2010 (Trend News Agency - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --

Deputy Assistant Secretary of South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. State Department Susan Elliott met in Ashgabat this week with the Turkmen Presidential State Agency for Hydrocarbon Resource Management and Use, the Turkmen government said today.

This department is engaged in the registration of oil and gas contracts with foreign companies. As reported earlier, a production-sharing agreement is expected to be signed with Chevron to develop a bloc in the Turkmen part of the Caspian Sea. Direct negotiations are also underway with ExxonMobil, ConocoPhilips, and TX Oil, among others.

At the meeting, the sides noted the positive progress of Turkmen-U.S. cooperation and also expressed an interest in increasing cooperation in trade and economic ties.

Elliott was also received at the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. The talks addressed various aspects of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The ministry said Ashgabat and Washington highlighted the need to continue to work together on important issues such as political relations, trade and economic ties, and cultural cooperation.

In particular, the sides noted the importance of new forms of bilateral cooperation, such as annual political consultations between Turkmenistan and the United States, as well as advancing the activities of the Turkmen-American Business Council.

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/s...n-1312336.html

[hakz2007]

US embassy cables: President of Turkmenistan wanted 'Abramovich-style' yacht

Thursday, 23 October 2008, 13:28
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 ASHGABAT 001399
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN, EEB
EO 12958 DECL: 10/22/2018
TAGS PREL, PINR, EPET, EINV, ETRD, EWWT, SCUL, RS">RS, TX
SUBJECT: EXPAT SOURCES SAY THAT ITERA GAVE TURKMENISTAN A
YACHT WORTH 60 MILLION EURO
REF: 07 ASHGABAT 968
Classified By: Charge d'Affaires a.i. Sylvia Reed Curran for reasons 1. 4 (B) and (D).

1. (C) SUMMARY: According to expatriate sources in Ashgabat, a yacht that recently set sail on the Caspian Sea -- reportedly worth 60 million euros -- is actually a gift from Russian company Itera. Itera is working on signing a deal jointly with Russian state-owned companies Rosneft and Zarubezhneft and Turkmenistan's Turkmenneft to develop blocks 29, 30, and 31 in the offshore Caspian area at some point in 2008. According to news reports, Itera is also an enthusiastic partner in the development of the Avaza free tourist zone located on the Caspian Sea, is funding the Ashgabat branch of the Gubkin Oil and Gas University, and is involved in importing farm equipment from Tatarstan, in competition with John Deere and Case New Holland equipment. In addition, the government forced a Swedish-owned shipping company to give up seven of its most valuable employees to become permanent crew on the yacht. Itera's business activities are wide-ranging and difficult to isolate, and the reported gift of the yacht serves as a sign that the company's willingness to go to great lengths to win business should not be underestimated. END SUMMARY.

AT FACE VALUE, TURKMENISTAN HAS A NEW YACHT

2. (U) The top story in the October 1 edition of official Russian-language newspaper "Neytralniy Turkmenistan" announced the acquisition of an Italian-built yacht called "Galkynysh" ("Revival") that will sail on the Caspian Sea. President Berdimuhamedov held a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on September 30 on board the ship. The article implied that the ship would be the first in a fleet of boats to float in the Caspian in support of the Avaza Free Tourism Zone (reftel). President Berdimuhamedov appeared in one photograph sporting a navy blue sailing cap, a French-style white and blue striped shirt, and binoculars hanging around his neck.

HOWEVER, ONE EXPAT LOST EMPLOYEES TO THIS YACHT...

3. (C) According to XXXXXXXXXXXX, Turkmenistan permanently took several of his employees to serve as crew on the presidential yacht. XXXXXXXXXXXX said in a meeting on October 23 that while he was out of the country on holiday, his staff contacted him with the news that the government wanted to borrow or take three important GAC employees: a master, a chief mate, and a chief engineer. The men, however, did not want to go. Less than three days later, his office called him again with the news that security officials were boarding boats as they came into the harbor and taking boat documents, essentially immobilizing them. XXXXXXXXXXXX flew back from Thailand and tried calling Turkmenbashy International Seaport Head Meylis Mutdikov, whose father is a "shadow figure" behind a minister or chairman in the Cabinet of Ministers. Mutdikov wouldn't take XXXXXXXXXXXX's phone calls for several days, but XXXXXXXXXXXX finally made an appointment to meet with Mutdikov in Turkmenbashy. In the middle of the meeting, Mutdikov acted oddly: quite abruptly, he stopped talking and swung his chair around away fromXXXXXXXXXXXX to face the wall. After several moments of awkwardness, XXXXXXXXXXXX asked the interpreter what was the matter, and the interpreter told XXXXXXXXXXXX that Mutdikov was upset that XXXXXXXXXXXX had failed to react quickly to the directive to give up the GAC employees, so now Mutdikov was ignoring XXXXXXXXXXXX. XXXXXXXXXXXX practically had to prostrate himself to get the conversation back on track, repeating that the relationship with the harbor authorities is very important, GAC respects Mutdikov, Mutdikov should have called XXXXXXXXXXXX directly, etc. XXXXXXXXXXXX then had to tell Mutdikov that GAC fired the chief engineer because he refused to take the job on the yacht,

ASHGABAT 00001399 002 OF 003

which Mutdikov accepted. After XXXXXXXXXXXX successfully made amends with Mutdikov, the government flew the three former GAC employees to either Mariopol or Rostov to bring the yacht through the canals to the Caspian Sea, at which time the government told GAC to supply four more crew to serve on the yacht. Mutdikov at first said that GAC would only have to loan the personnel temporarily, but a few days later informed XXXXXXXXXXXX that they would not return to GAC. Mutdikov also told XXXXXXXXXXXX that the government is matching the captain's GAC salary of about $2,000 per month in salary.

4. (C) XXXXXXXXXXXX said that personnel on board the presidential yacht must be ethnic Turkmen, and the professionals must have internationally recognized certificates. XXXXXXXXXXXX added that there are few such professional sailors in Turkmenistan, and there were only four or five in GAC, all of whom were either trained by GAC or whose certificates were financially sponsored by GAC.

5. (C) XXXXXXXXXXXX said the Turkish company TACO built the ship bay for the presidential yacht, located by the presidential palace in Turkmenbashy. Security forces closed off the entire port for two days for the construction of this ship bay complex, which includes two helipads.

...AND, ACCORDING TO ANOTHER: YACHT WAS A GIFT FROM THE COMPANY ITERA

6. (C) XXXXXXXXXXXX said in a meeting XXXXXXXXXXXX that this yacht worth 60 million euros was a gift of Russian firm Itera. He added that the president had originally wanted a larger yacht similar to one owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, but that yacht would not fit through the canals leading to the Caspian Sea and thus Berdimuhamedov had to settle for this one. XXXXXXXXXXXX added that Berdimuhamedov's pool of automobiles consists of a Bentley, a Mercedes Maybach (gift of a German company), a Range Rover, and a Cadillac Escalade. According to this source, Itera will build a urea/ammonia plant in Belek, Bekdash, or Turkmenbashy.

ITERA'S ACTIVITIES IN TURKMENISTAN IN 2008

7. (U) According to various open source reports, Itera officials have frequently met with President Berdimuhamedov since the end of 2007:

-- On December 27, Itera Holdings Chairman of the Board Igor Makarov and Berdimuhamedov discussed projects such as development of oil and gas fields on the Caspian shelf and in the Karakum, construction of facilities for gas transportation, a carbamide plant, and creation of iodine-bromine production. The same report also said that Itera would fund the Ashgabat branch of the Russian Gubkin State Oil and Gas University in Ashgabat, implement projects in Avaza, construct an office building in Ashgabat, and participate in construction of highways and rail lines.

-- At a meeting on February 18, the president said that Itera has proven itself as one of Turkmenistan's "old and reliable partners." Makarov submitted a project for a five-star, 110-room hotel in Avaza. (NOTE: Turkmenistan celebrated "Flag Day" on the February 19 and held meetings with various companies the preceding day. END NOTE.)

-- A delegation of Itera's top management held talks with Turkmen officials on March 9 to discuss a production sharing agreement for three blocks of the Caspian Sea shelf and to receive a license to survey and develop a new block. The article added, "If Itera gets the license, it is likely to engage Zarubezhneft and Rosneft as partners."

ASHGABAT 00001399 003 OF 003

-- In April, Itera CEO Vladimir Makeyev announced that the company, within the framework of the Zarit joint venture, expected to sign a production sharing agreement to develop blocks 29, 30, and 31 in the offshore Caspian area at some point in 2008. Zarit was set up in 2002 and is comprised of Itera, the Russian state-owned companies Rosneft and Zarubezhneft, and Turkmenistan's Turkmenneft. Makeyev acknowledged in the April report that issues with Iran -- one of the blocks is located in a disputed area of the Caspian Sea -- remain unresolved. Makeyev said that Itera was discussing working on gas extraction in inland areas as well.

-- On June 11 in Ashgabat, Makarov gave the president a report on construction of a hotel in Avaza, a stadium in Turkmenabat, and progress on the carbamide plant construction project. In addition, Makarov updated Berdimuhamedov on preparation for joint activities in the Karakum Desert including development of deposits and construction of relevant infrastructure, in particular laying gas pipelines.

-- The official Turkmen television news program Watan showed Makarov visiting President Berdimuhamedov at the guesthouse in Kazan where Berdimuhamedov stayed during his official visit to Tatarstan on June 28, 2008.

-- On August 16, MRK Energy DMSS, an Emirati-based subsidiary of Itera, announced the sale of 400 Russian-made UAZ39629-016 ambulances worth $8 million to Turkmenistan.

-- On the day of the ship's introduction -- September 29 --Berdimuhamedov discussed the construction of a carbamide plant and a spa, as well as opportunities for Itera's participation in exploration in offshore deposits with Makarov at the Serdar Hotel in Turkmenbashy.

"NOTHING IS FREE IN THIS COUNTRY"

8. (C) COMMENT: Itera has a deal to build a urea/ammonia plant, and also an $8 million deal for ambulances, but there are most likely other deals of which post is not aware. The company undoubtedly really wants a gas exploration contract, especially onshore, and the gift of the yacht is a nice enticement to move the process along. As local businessman XXXXXXXXXXXX said, "The gift of a yacht might be for an onshore gas deal, a chicken farm, or works already in progress. Nothing is free in this country." IPC Group, official distributors of John Deere and Case New Holland equipment in Turkmenistan, have had concerns about Itera and the company's ability to take over the farm equipment market in Turkmenistan at least since Berdimuhamedov's visit to Tatarstan. Itera's business activities are wide-ranging and difficult to isolate, and the reported gift of the yacht serves as a sign that the company's willingness to go to great lengths to win business should not be underestimated. END COMMENT. CURRAN

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-e...cuments/174923

[hakz2007]

Presidents of Turkmenistan, Turkey and Azerbaijani will meet

On 2011 Presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Turkey are expected to have a meeting in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani media report quoting Turkish “Sabah”.

According to the Turkish newspaper on 2011 Azerbaijani, Turkmenistani and Turkish Presidents Ilham Aliev, Gurbangul Berdimukhamedov and Abdullah Gul will meet in Azerbaijan.

Note, the trilateral meetings have already taken place both in Ankara (Turkey) and Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan). Issues concerning energetic sphere and trade relations were discussed during the meeting.

http://times.am/2010/12/25/president...ani-will-meet/

[hakz2007]

Turkmen Diplomat Calls for More Iranian Expos in Turkmenistan

TEHRAN (FNA)- Turkmenistan's Consul-General in Iran's Northeastern city of Mashhad underlined the key role of exclusive trade exhibitions in the further expansion of ties between Tehran and Ashgabat.

"Trade expos are a very important factor in the development of Iran-Turkmenistan ties," Tuga Lagov told FNA on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of a Turkmen exhibition in Mashhad.

"Given the history of Iran and Turkmenistan's political, cultural, economic and social ties, the exhibition would be a key factor in the promotion of the quantity and quality of the bilateral ties," Lagov noted.

He noted that continued arrangement and holding of such exhibitions at higher qualities and quantities is a necessary factor for expanding Iran-Turkmenistan relations.

On Tuesday, Turkmen Ambassador to Tehran Ahmad Qorbanov said that Iran enjoys the highest volume of trade exchanges with Turkmenistan due to the two countries' good relations and commonalities in different fields.

Noting that both countries have planned to implement important economic projects and ventures, Qorbanov told FNA at the time that the recent increase in trade cooperation between Tehran and Ashgabat has boosted economic exchanges between the two neighbors to more than $4bln.

Iranian and Turkmen officials have in their recent meetings agreed to boost gas cooperation between the two countries after launching a new joint gas pipeline project which is due to increase Iran's gas imports from the Central Asian state.

Late in November, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Turkmen counterpart inaugurated the last section of the 1.2-billion-dollar pipeline.

The 1024-km-pipeline has a daily capacity of 50 mcm. The 48-inch diameter pipeline allows Iran to swap Turkmen gas to other countries.

The first phase of the pipeline came on stream in January 2010 to deliver gas from Turkmenistan's Dauletabad field to Iran's Khangiran refinery.

The second pipeline which passes through Dauletabad, Sarakhs and Khangiran regions was constructed after Iran felt extensive problems in supplying gas to its Northern parts.

Iran, which owns the world's second largest gas reserves after Russia and is itself a major gas exporter, has recently faced numerous problems in supplying gas to its Northern regions which are far from the national grid.

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8911021030

Turkmen President Reiterates Multiparty-System Idea

ASHGABAT -- Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has urged parliament deputies to accelerate their work on a bill that would allow the establishment of other political parties, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reports.

In an often critical address to parliament on January 20, Berdymukhammedov said that "the right to form political parties is one of the major political rights of our citizens."

He added that it was important to "to unify the principles of the formation of civil society's election institutions."

Turkmenistan's only political party, the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, has ruled the country for more than 20 years.

Berdymukhammedov first mentioned the necessity of establishing a multiparty system in Turkmenistan in February 2010.

At that time, he ordered parliament to outline a bill on the founding of political parties and to start registering them.

The parliament has not made its work on the bill public since that time.

Meanwhile, some Turkmen have told RFE/RL they are skeptical of the work of the parliament.

A businesswoman from the southeastern Mary region, Jahan Ataeva, says the parliament deputies and their representatives in the regions are unable to protect citizens' rights or promote their interests.

She says Berdymukhammedov's idea to create new political parties may never come to fruition.

http://www.rferl.org/content/turkmen...m/2283707.html

[hakz2007]

Saudi-Turkmenistan committee seeks greater trade exchange

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan have agreed to increase exports and imports between the two countries, with the Saudi side placing particular emphasis on petrochemical products.

The agreement was reached at the conclusion of the first session of the Saudi-Turkmenistan Joint Committee Thursday, which resulted in the joint signing of a document containing recommendations in a variety of fields, notably for an increase in the volume of trade exchange and number of business visits between the two countries.
It further recommended that measures be taken to hold trade fairs exhibiting the products and goods of both countries.

The gathering was unanimous in its call for increased imports and exports and for drawing up proposals to market in both countries the goods and products of the other, with particular emphasis on Turkmenistan textiles and food products in the Saudi market and Saudi petrochemical products in Turkmenistan.

The committee also reiterated the importance of cooperation between the various authorities in the two countries through the exchange of information and experience, and the need to intensify visits and hold symposiums in a number of fields.

Representatives of both Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan expressed the need for an agreement to promote and protect investment in the textile industries, petrochemicals, building and construction, transport, communications, tourism, hotel industry and agriculture.

The capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, is currently witnessing the Saudi Cultural Week which opened Wednesday with Turki Hashar, the Saudi ambassador to Turkmenistan, saying that Saudi-Turkmenistan relations were going through a period of “flourishing and development”.

“The purpose of the Cultural Week is to convey heritage to various peoples, strengthen the relations of the Kingdom with other countries, to reach high goals that boost brotherly bilateral relations,” he said.

“Bringing cultures together and the unity of religions and similarity of customs and traditions in the two countries allows greater harmony and integration,” he said.
“The Ministry of Culture and Information and its officials have been keen to make the Cultural Week a success and make it an embodiment of the dazzling culture and civilization of the Kingdom.”

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...=2011012191772

[hakz2007]

Turkmenistan set to allow foreign-educated graduates to work in state bodies

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan — Turkmenistan's president told the government to start recognizing foreign educational qualifications, state television reported Saturday, indicating a reversal of an isolationist policy that barred graduates of international universities getting state jobs.

President Gurbanguli Berdymukhamedov said foreign-educated graduates are needed to carry out ambitious reform programs in the energy-rich Central Asian nation.

Turkmenistan has for several years actively sought to prevent it citizens from pursuing studies abroad. Critics say the unofficial policy has left state bodies desperately lacking adequately qualified personnel, a shortcoming tacitly recognized by Berdymukhamedov.

"Graduates should be provided with jobs, their skills are required for the implementation of ongoing large-scale reforms in the country," he said at a government meeting Friday.

Some of the country's most widely attacked education policies date back to the rule of eccentric former President Saparmurat Niyazov, who died suddenly in late 2006.

Under Niyazov, official recognition was only granted to degrees obtained at select foreign state universities. Under a government quota, 200 students per year have been allowed to study in universities that had sealed bilateral agreements with Turkmenistan.

Berdymukhamedov has introduced limited educational reforms since coming to power, but Turkmens have still actively been stopped from studying abroad.

In 2009, Turkmenistan barred hundreds of students from leaving the country to take up courses at the American University of Central Asia, in Kyrgyzstan, and the American University in Bulgaria.

The American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan has traditionally been particularly popular with Turkmen students as it offers Western-style education and is located relatively close to their home country.

Rights activists say the government's strict rules on education are part of a broader attempt to maintain a tight ideological hold over the population.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/can...?docId=6299943

[jizzy.toreno]

В Туркменистане очень красивые здания из мрамора

[hakz2007]

Turkmenistan Sets Presidential Election Date

ASHGABAT — Turkmenistan's parliament has set a presidential election for Feb. 12, state media reported Friday, after last month's promise by the gas-rich nation's strongman leader to let the opposition take part in the polls.

Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov was elected president in February 2007 in what the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said "could hardly be called elections," adding that they "were not absolutely free and fair."

More: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/a...te/441721.html

Turkmenistan to export Caspian Sea gas

ASHGABAT – Turkmenistan will begin exporting natural gas from its Caspian Sea wells, Turkmenistan.ru reported August 7. Yagshigeldy Kakayev, director of the State Agency for Management and Use of Hydrocarbon Resources, announced the pending export at a cabinet meeting.

Officials are projecting initial annual gas exports of 5 billion cu. m. from the Caspian Sea wells, which they want to expand to 10 billion cu. m annually.

The Malaysian firm Petronas is drilling the gas wells. In July, Petronas began operating a gas refinery and gas terminal on the Turkmenistan's seashore.

http://centralasiaonline.com/cocoon/...8/newsbrief-02

[hakz2007]

Turkmenistan, Austria to hold talks on investments in Ashgabat

A program of the Turkmen-Austrian business forum, scheduled for next week in Ashgabat, includes a number of intergovernmental bilateral meetings and negotiations, the Turkmen government said on Saturday.

The agenda will include issues of development of efficient interaction, in particular in trade and economic cooperation and investment volume.

More: http://en.trend.az/capital/business/1942109.html

[japanese001]

koneurgench

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IMGP0016-4 by placchic, on Flickr

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IMGP0055-3 by placchic, on Flickr

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IMGP0006 by placchic, on Flickr

[manon]

I add some nice photos from Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan, is one of the Turkic states in Central Asia. Until 1991, it was a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic (Turkmen SSR). Turkmenistan is one of the six independent Turkic states. It is bordered by Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest, Uzbekistan to the east and northeast, Kazakhstan to the north and northwest and the Caspian Sea to the west.




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Kiptchak Mosque by bestoy, on Flickr

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Kiptchak Mesjit by bestoy, on Flickr

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Kiptchak Mesjid Night by bestoy, on Flickr

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Minaret, Konya Urgench, Turkmenistan by dwrawlinson, on Flickr

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The Door to Hell (in the nighttime) / Turkmenistan, Darvaza by flydime, on Flickr
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The Door to Hell (in the nighttime) / Turkmenistan, Darvaza by flydime, on Flickr

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The Door to Hell (in the nighttime) / Turkmenistan, Darvaza by flydime, on Flickr

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The Central Bank of Turkmenistan Republic by bestoy, on Flickr

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The National Press Building of Turkmenistan - 2 by bestoy, on Flickr



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like a Cobra by bestoy, on Flickr

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The Mausoleum of "Sultan Sancar" 2 by bestoy, on Flickr


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Turquoise Lake Crater / Turkmenistan, Darvaza by flydime, on Flickr

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sights and colours of the silk road 13 by bilwander, on Flickr

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Turkmenistan by bhatto, on Flickr

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Turkmenistan EXPO Main Entrance by bestoy, on Flickr

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Ashgabat Trade Center by bestoy, on Flickr

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Kalmuratgozel - 2 by bestoy, on Flickr

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Garagir by Michele vK, on Flickr

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Lady falconer from Turkmenistan, Central Asia by Anguskirk, on Flickr

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turkmenistan.merv.sultansanjar.100207.ND200.DSC_1978_72.jpg by ommphoto, on Flickr

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Detail from Exhebition Palace Ashgabat by bestoy, on Flickr

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The Building of The Petroleum And Gas Ministry of Turkmenistan by bestoy, on Flickr

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CRW_3210 by a.phasia, on Flickr

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Falconers from Turkmenistan at the International Festival of Falconry by Anguskirk, on Flickr

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Ahal tekke horse dancing by Carpe Feline, on Flickr

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Installation of the Jamours by bestoy, on Flickr

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IMG_1490.JPG by Carpetblogger, on Flickr

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Academie of Plast. Art by bestoy, on Flickr

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Mausoleum, Konya Urgench, Turkmenistan by dwrawlinson, on Flickr

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Mesjid from inside by bestoy, on Flickr

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Wedding Building by Arturo L. Palacio, on Flickr

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TV Tower by Arturo L. Palacio, on Flickr

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The Building of the Ministry of Textile of Turkmenistan by bestoy, on Flickr

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Turkmenistan Bank EXPO by bestoy, on Flickr

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Aşgabat by sjameron, on Flickr

[japanese001]

image hosted on flickr

IMG_5244.JPG by sitting and watching, on Flickr

[hakz2007]

Turkmenistan takes a tiny step toward democracy

A new political party has formed for the first time since Turkmenistan won its independence in 1991. The nominal opposition unlikely poses any challenge to the authoritarian rule of President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov.

The Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday. State media reported that Orazmammed Mammedov, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs - which itself was signed into being by Berdymukhamedov last year - was elected chairman of the new party.

Read more

[Rena930]