The IMF predicts a robust year of economic growth for Central Asia, particularly Turkmenistan, which could see a 12% increase in real GDP.
Ashgabat hosted an international carpet fest the last weekend of May, apparently to the delight of the previously unknown pro-Turkmen faction at ukflooringdirect.com.
France's human rights ambassador, Francois Zimeray, visited Ashgabat in late May and noted the progress the country has made in human rights while insisting "there is more left to do." However, Mr. Zimeray was clear that human rights concerns would be considered separately from the two nations' economic relationship. Currently the French construction firm Bouygues has contracts worth 2 billion Euros with the Turkmen government.
A Russian businessman was sentenced to six years imprisonment by a Russian court for electronically stealing $20 million dollars from the Central Bank of Turkmenistan in 2002.
Turkmenistan deployed its first batch of Russian-made drones to border guard units, with the aim of curtailing illegal border crossing and drug smuggling.
In other border issues, the Turkmen-Iranian Commission met on May 29th to discuss consular, custom and border issues and increase trade cooperation.
Eurasianet offers some suggestions for reading the Turkmenistan.ru website.
President Berdimuhamedov visited India May 24 - 27 to visit culturally important monuments and shore up bilateral ties. Some Indian travelers faced delays as New Delhi airspace was shut down for 30 minutes while
Berdimuhamedov and Indian President Partibha Patil waited to begin their voyage to see the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Moscow celebrated Turkmen Cultural Days last week, culminating in the May 25th Turkmen folk music concert at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall.
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Turkmenistan News Round-up
UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon arrived in Turkmenistan on April 1 to start a tour of the ex-Soviet Central Asian nations. While in Ashgabat, he called on greater engagement by Turkmenistan on human rights issues.
Turkmenistan is a key transit point in the Europe-Caucasus-Asia transit route, as Turkmenbashi city handles 90% of the goods in transit.
In the wake of the Moscow subway attacks, Turkmen President Berdimuhamedov expressed condolences to the Russian government.
A survey conducted by Gallup from April to August 2009 determined that 36% of Turkmen viewed NATO as protection, 7% a threat, 25% niether, and 32% didn't know or refused to answer
Turkmenistan is a key transit point in the Europe-Caucasus-Asia transit route, as Turkmenbashi city handles 90% of the goods in transit.
In the wake of the Moscow subway attacks, Turkmen President Berdimuhamedov expressed condolences to the Russian government.
A survey conducted by Gallup from April to August 2009 determined that 36% of Turkmen viewed NATO as protection, 7% a threat, 25% niether, and 32% didn't know or refused to answer
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Turkmenistan News on The 'Net
From the United States, With Love
Secretary of State Clinton released a Nowruz greeting to Turkmen media on March 19th. Secretary Clinton expressed her desire to continue preserving Turkmenistan's historical heritage sites and offered continuing US support for the "process of reform and development" in the country.
From Turkmenistan, With Love
The Turkmen government has given clothes and books to members of the Turkmen diaspora in Tajikistan. There are 25,000 ethnic Turkmen in Tajikistan.
From Germany, With Love
Someone in Turkmenistan is cruising in style. Daimler recently agreed to a $185 million settlement with the US Department of Justice for paying foreign bribes, including the gift of an armored Mercedes to an unnamed
Turkmenistan government official.
From Russia, With Love (surely you saw that one coming?)
There may be no competing with the Germans for luxury cars, but Russia produces quality military equipment. This year, Turkmen government has beefed up its military with purchases of 10 tanks, 2 fast attack boats, and 6 rocket launchers. Turkmenistan's military purchases are actually fairly modest compared to the build up by other nations in the budding arms race developing in the Caucuses and Central Asia.
Secretary of State Clinton released a Nowruz greeting to Turkmen media on March 19th. Secretary Clinton expressed her desire to continue preserving Turkmenistan's historical heritage sites and offered continuing US support for the "process of reform and development" in the country.
From Turkmenistan, With Love
The Turkmen government has given clothes and books to members of the Turkmen diaspora in Tajikistan. There are 25,000 ethnic Turkmen in Tajikistan.
From Germany, With Love
Someone in Turkmenistan is cruising in style. Daimler recently agreed to a $185 million settlement with the US Department of Justice for paying foreign bribes, including the gift of an armored Mercedes to an unnamed
Turkmenistan government official.
From Russia, With Love (surely you saw that one coming?)
There may be no competing with the Germans for luxury cars, but Russia produces quality military equipment. This year, Turkmen government has beefed up its military with purchases of 10 tanks, 2 fast attack boats, and 6 rocket launchers. Turkmenistan's military purchases are actually fairly modest compared to the build up by other nations in the budding arms race developing in the Caucuses and Central Asia.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Turkmenistan News on the 'Net
Congratulations to recently Returned Volunteers Gary Goodson and Robin Wilson, who got the picture above, labeled, "An assemblage of Turkmen" into the Turkmenistan newstream. The picture accompanied an article promoting their upcoming talk about their Peace Corps experience. If you're near San Marcos, Texas, swing by the public library tomorrow (March 16th) at 7 pm to hear the talk. Remember - just because Peace Corps week is over for 2010 doesn't mean that the window for Third Goal activities has closed.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is in Turkmenistan for an official visit. According to Russia's ITAR-TASS news agency, the visit will discuss ways to strengthen economic relations, especially in the gas sector.
President Berdimuhammedov announced plans to demolish illegally built homes and other buildings in the suburbs of Ashgabat. The goal will be to increase cleanliness and allow construction of orderly roads.
A recent demographic study by the Turkmen government found that women outnumber men in the country.
Earlier this month, Turkmenistan invited Haitian children to enjoy a respite from the problems in their country by vacationing at Avaza, the newly rebuilt resort community on the Caspian Sea.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Turkmenistan News
Israel is planning to open an embassy in Turkmenistan. However, diplomatic relations have hit a snag because Turkmenistan has delayed ratifying the appointment of Israel's ambassador, because they are uncomfortable with an ex-Mossad (Israeli secret service) official serving in the post.
While Richard Holbrooke was not able to coordinate a meeting in Turkmenistan, another U.S. official, special envoy for Eurasian energy Richard Morningstar did meet with President Berdymukhamedov, according to Turkmenistan.ru. Reuters analyzed the meeting within the familiar framework of energy diplomacy.
According to the Neutral Turkmenistan, as reprinted on Turkmenistan.gov.tm, President Berdymukhamedov has announced a major criminal law liberalization program. The maximum prison sentence in Turkmenistan will be reduced from 25 to 15 years and fines will replace prison sentences for some crimes. This move comes after Turkmenistan faced criticism about its prison system by a number of international non-governmental institutions.
Sad news for Balkan Welayat soccer fans: Balkanabat's Nebitchi lost in the President's Cup finals to Ashgabat's Altyn Asyr.
While Richard Holbrooke was not able to coordinate a meeting in Turkmenistan, another U.S. official, special envoy for Eurasian energy Richard Morningstar did meet with President Berdymukhamedov, according to Turkmenistan.ru. Reuters analyzed the meeting within the familiar framework of energy diplomacy.
According to the Neutral Turkmenistan, as reprinted on Turkmenistan.gov.tm, President Berdymukhamedov has announced a major criminal law liberalization program. The maximum prison sentence in Turkmenistan will be reduced from 25 to 15 years and fines will replace prison sentences for some crimes. This move comes after Turkmenistan faced criticism about its prison system by a number of international non-governmental institutions.
Sad news for Balkan Welayat soccer fans: Balkanabat's Nebitchi lost in the President's Cup finals to Ashgabat's Altyn Asyr.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Turkmenistan News on the 'Net
Turkmenistan's AFC Challenge Cup run ended with a loss to North Korea, 1-0 in the finals.
Neil Bush, brother of President George W. Bush and son of President George H.W. Bush, visited Turkmenistan and passed on the best wishes of his father and to President Berdimuhamedov and conveyed the hopes of the U.S. business community for strengthened relations between the countries.
Perhaps reflecting warmer relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are on the horizon, Turkmenistan.ru announced that Dashoguz will host a festival of Turkmen/Uzbek friendship in September 2010.
Neil Bush, brother of President George W. Bush and son of President George H.W. Bush, visited Turkmenistan and passed on the best wishes of his father and to President Berdimuhamedov and conveyed the hopes of the U.S. business community for strengthened relations between the countries.
Perhaps reflecting warmer relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are on the horizon, Turkmenistan.ru announced that Dashoguz will host a festival of Turkmen/Uzbek friendship in September 2010.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Turkmenistan Updates
Turkmenistan beat Tajikistan 2-0 to advance to the finals of the AFC Challenge Cup for the first time. The AFC website pointed out that Turkmenistan has done well in the cup despite challenges, including the hot weather and spicy Sri Lankan food which does not sit well in Turkmen bellies.
Turkmen composer Nury Halmamedov, who died in 1983, would have turned 70 this week. RFE/RL posted a story in honor of the event, including some clips of the music he wrote during the Soviet era.
The Washington Times published an op-ed piece earlier this week urging more US strategic interest in the Eurasia, particularly Central Asian energy market. Outside the hydrocarbon market, Turkmenistan has convened a conference on alternative energy in Ashgabat.
U.S. Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke visited the former Soviet Central Asian republics, including Turkmenistan, to warn of the danger of Al-Qaeda sponsoring activities to destabilize the countries.
Turkmen composer Nury Halmamedov, who died in 1983, would have turned 70 this week. RFE/RL posted a story in honor of the event, including some clips of the music he wrote during the Soviet era.
The Washington Times published an op-ed piece earlier this week urging more US strategic interest in the Eurasia, particularly Central Asian energy market. Outside the hydrocarbon market, Turkmenistan has convened a conference on alternative energy in Ashgabat.
U.S. Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke visited the former Soviet Central Asian republics, including Turkmenistan, to warn of the danger of Al-Qaeda sponsoring activities to destabilize the countries.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Turkmenistan News
President Berdymukhamedov announced that Turkmen citizens will be allowed to register new political parties this year. Currently, the only registered political party is the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan has advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Challenge Cup, the international soccer tournament for asia. If they beat Tajikistan, the Turkmen players will face either North Korea or Myanmar (Burma) in the finals.
Turkmenistan has advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Challenge Cup, the international soccer tournament for asia. If they beat Tajikistan, the Turkmen players will face either North Korea or Myanmar (Burma) in the finals.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Turkmenistan News
Turkey would like Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to join the parliament of Turkish speaking countries. In another forum, the Economic Cooperation Organization, Turkey held itself out as a role model of development for their Central Asian cousins to follow. Perhaps part of that development project is the new power plant built by Turkey in Ashgabat.
Sports fans - check out the profile of the Turkmenistan international soccer squad, written by an Indian sports site excited about the upcoming Asian championship.
Dashoguz has a new cotton mill.
Cool Things in Random Places posted a story about the perpetual gas fire in Darvaz, called "The Door to Hell." Catchy title.
Sports fans - check out the profile of the Turkmenistan international soccer squad, written by an Indian sports site excited about the upcoming Asian championship.
Dashoguz has a new cotton mill.
Cool Things in Random Places posted a story about the perpetual gas fire in Darvaz, called "The Door to Hell." Catchy title.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Education News & A "Great Game" Update
According to Trend News of Azerbaijan, President Berdimuhammedov, who reinstated the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan last year, has named Gurbanmurat Mezilov to be the full-time president of the Academy.
A Swedish newspaper reports on Afghan students studying in Sweden, including a young lady who originally left Afghanistan for Turkmenistan, before migrating north to continue the medical studies she began at Turkmen State University.
Turkmenistan.ru reports that Turkmenistan's universities are expanding. The government will increase the number of available postgraduate study slots while adding 7 new faculties (roughly equivalent to American university departments) and 48 new positions for university professors.
If you see a foreign university student studying in Belarus, there's a good chance she or he is Turkmen.
Central Asian watchers are often fond of describing regional relations as "The Great Game," borrowing the term from the 19th century contest between the British and Russian empires in the region. Those commentators usually mention China as a "new player" for the 21st century, since it enjoys new wealth and old geographic and cultural ties to the region. The Diplomat.com analyzes China's recent overtures to Central Asia, concluding that one more major power interested in the region could be a boon to the Central Asian republics by providing more foreign policy options. Meanwhile, the Obama administration's newly proposed aid budget for Central Asia is austere, with levels remaining largely constant and aid to Turkmenistan falling from $12.5 to $10 million dollars. Of course, these figures may change by the time Congress approves them.
A Swedish newspaper reports on Afghan students studying in Sweden, including a young lady who originally left Afghanistan for Turkmenistan, before migrating north to continue the medical studies she began at Turkmen State University.
Turkmenistan.ru reports that Turkmenistan's universities are expanding. The government will increase the number of available postgraduate study slots while adding 7 new faculties (roughly equivalent to American university departments) and 48 new positions for university professors.
If you see a foreign university student studying in Belarus, there's a good chance she or he is Turkmen.
Central Asian watchers are often fond of describing regional relations as "The Great Game," borrowing the term from the 19th century contest between the British and Russian empires in the region. Those commentators usually mention China as a "new player" for the 21st century, since it enjoys new wealth and old geographic and cultural ties to the region. The Diplomat.com analyzes China's recent overtures to Central Asia, concluding that one more major power interested in the region could be a boon to the Central Asian republics by providing more foreign policy options. Meanwhile, the Obama administration's newly proposed aid budget for Central Asia is austere, with levels remaining largely constant and aid to Turkmenistan falling from $12.5 to $10 million dollars. Of course, these figures may change by the time Congress approves them.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Turkmenistan News Round-Up
It seems that Turkmen/American relations took some interesting turns in the fall.
The circus is back in town! On April 24, the Turkmen State circus will reopen in Ashgabat.
Skiing is coming to Turkmenbashi City. A covered ski run and skating rink will be built in the reconstructed Avaza resort zone. In other Caspian news, the unexpected guests on the Aerosvit flight diverted into Turkmenbashi airport from Baku have written letters to the Turkmen government thanking them for the hospitality and hot meals.
The director of the TV station "Turkmenistan" has been fired and the Minister of Communication reprimanded after a February 4th meeting in which President Berdimuhamedov expressed dissatisfaction with the mass media in the country. A friendly request from Camel Spit - more Lachin Mamedova coverage, please!
President Berdimuhamedov has won the race to be the first world leader to visit the world's tallest tower in Dubai. He was in town to sign a memorandum of understanding to enhance commercial ties between the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan.
The circus is back in town! On April 24, the Turkmen State circus will reopen in Ashgabat.
Skiing is coming to Turkmenbashi City. A covered ski run and skating rink will be built in the reconstructed Avaza resort zone. In other Caspian news, the unexpected guests on the Aerosvit flight diverted into Turkmenbashi airport from Baku have written letters to the Turkmen government thanking them for the hospitality and hot meals.
The director of the TV station "Turkmenistan" has been fired and the Minister of Communication reprimanded after a February 4th meeting in which President Berdimuhamedov expressed dissatisfaction with the mass media in the country. A friendly request from Camel Spit - more Lachin Mamedova coverage, please!
President Berdimuhamedov has won the race to be the first world leader to visit the world's tallest tower in Dubai. He was in town to sign a memorandum of understanding to enhance commercial ties between the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Turkmenistan News Round-Up
Business Week notes that Turkmenistan is open for business and may provide returns for adventurous investors. ArabianBusiness.com believes that Turkmenistan may become the "Dubai of the Caspian Sea." However, The Economist is more bearish on prospects for this year. India is in the optimistic camp regarding Turkmenistan's economic potential, as it is sending Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur along with a delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry to explore strengthening business ties between the two nations.
Iran continues to enjoy strong commercial relations with Turkmenistan, with a recent Iranian delegation highlighting the completion of the Turkmenistan-Iran gas pipeline and construction of a rail link between the nations.The Iranian Vice-President indicated his country's desire to open a Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Iran ferry link connecting into the port of Turkmenbashi city.
Turkmenbashi city's airport experienced some more short-term excitement a few days ago - a Ukranian Aerosvit flight from Kiev to Baku had to make an emergency landing in the city's airport due to bad weather.
Plans are underway for Asghabat residents to enjoy more reliable electricity as the city grows. Following Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's visit to France, he announced that a consortium of European countries will receive a 2.2 billion Euro contract to improve the capital's power grid.
Vancouver Winter Olympics: Sorry, no Turkmen athletes will be competing this year, though that may change someday. Central Asian fans will be able to root for Kazahkstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan, according to Altius.com.
Iran continues to enjoy strong commercial relations with Turkmenistan, with a recent Iranian delegation highlighting the completion of the Turkmenistan-Iran gas pipeline and construction of a rail link between the nations.The Iranian Vice-President indicated his country's desire to open a Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Iran ferry link connecting into the port of Turkmenbashi city.
Turkmenbashi city's airport experienced some more short-term excitement a few days ago - a Ukranian Aerosvit flight from Kiev to Baku had to make an emergency landing in the city's airport due to bad weather.
Plans are underway for Asghabat residents to enjoy more reliable electricity as the city grows. Following Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's visit to France, he announced that a consortium of European countries will receive a 2.2 billion Euro contract to improve the capital's power grid.
Vancouver Winter Olympics: Sorry, no Turkmen athletes will be competing this year, though that may change someday. Central Asian fans will be able to root for Kazahkstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan, according to Altius.com.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Turkmen President Visits France
In other areas of satisfactory cooperation, the French construction company VINCI looks forward to new business opportunities in Turkmenistan, building on the legacy of Bouygues, a French firm which has demonstrated admirable efficiency in managing construction projects in residential areas.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Turkmenistan News Sites
Not sure that Camel Spit is giving you all possible information about current events in Turkmenistan? Go to the following sites to satisfy your curiosity about the home of the Golden Century!
Turkmenistan.ru
http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?lang_id=en&&sort=date_desc
Turkmenistan Golden Age News Site (In Russian)
http://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/
Turkmenistan Official Magazine
http://www.turkmenistaninfo.ru/?lang_id=en&&sort=date_desc
Turkmenistan news from the horse's mouth.
Turkmenistan.ru
http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?lang_id=en&&sort=date_desc
Turkmenistan Golden Age News Site (In Russian)
http://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/
Turkmenistan Official Magazine
http://www.turkmenistaninfo.ru/?lang_id=en&&sort=date_desc
Turkmenistan news from the horse's mouth.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
News Round-Up
Attention Wedding Planners: The NY Times advises you to discourage unwelcome friends from attending your wedding by telling them you plan to host the ceremony in Ashgabat. Clearly the Social Q's author has not considered the advantages of a destination wedding at the Iceberg Cafe.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/fashion/24social.html?scp=4&sq=turkmenistan&st=cse
The Turkmen government is allowing some university students to study abroad after a 6 month delay. Students attending university in Bulgaria have been allowed to leave, while those studying at American University of Central Asia have not yet been allowed to return to Kyrgyzstan.
Source: http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/news/articles/eav012910c.shtml
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/fashion/24social.html?scp=4&sq=turkmenistan&st=cse
Source: http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/news/articles/eav012910c.shtml
Monday, January 25, 2010
Turkmenistan Is Organizing a Navy
First, the nice thing about writing for friends of Turkmenistan is that we don't need to address any snarky comments about why a landlocked country would need a navy. Comments regarding Kyrgyz naval efforts are very much on the table.
The navy, to be ready by 2015, may signal a more aggressive defense of Caspian Sea interests. The composition of the force indicates cooperation with at least some of their neighbors (and friends of their neighbors), as ships were procured from Ukraine, Iran, Russia, and the US.
On land, Belarus and Turkmenistan have signed a separate military cooperation agreement, part of President Berdimuhamedov's visit to Belarus.
The navy, to be ready by 2015, may signal a more aggressive defense of Caspian Sea interests. The composition of the force indicates cooperation with at least some of their neighbors (and friends of their neighbors), as ships were procured from Ukraine, Iran, Russia, and the US.
On land, Belarus and Turkmenistan have signed a separate military cooperation agreement, part of President Berdimuhamedov's visit to Belarus.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Gas holiday
January has been a busy month for Turkmenistan's natural gas diplomacy, with a new Minister appointed and deals completed or contemplated with a number of countries. Complete coverage of these deals can be found elsewhere on the Internet.
There is a more concrete benefit of all that activity for Peace Corps Volunteers in Turkmenistan: a new holiday! In honor of the Turkmen-Kazakhstan-China pipepline, December 14th will be Oil and Gas Industry Geology Worker Day. If English teachers are serving in Turkmenistan by next December, Turkmen students can enjoy watching a Liberal Arts major try to explain the similarities and differences between American & Turkmen hydrocarbon extraction techniques. Good luck PCVs!
There is a more concrete benefit of all that activity for Peace Corps Volunteers in Turkmenistan: a new holiday! In honor of the Turkmen-Kazakhstan-China pipepline, December 14th will be Oil and Gas Industry Geology Worker Day. If English teachers are serving in Turkmenistan by next December, Turkmen students can enjoy watching a Liberal Arts major try to explain the similarities and differences between American & Turkmen hydrocarbon extraction techniques. Good luck PCVs!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Arch of Neutrality
Future PCVs and other visitors to Ashgabat will no longer be able to enjoy the view from the Arch of Neutrality, according to January 18th reports from the Neutral Turkmenistan. The "Three Legs" monument is coming down as part of an urban renovation project. Fans of Permanent Neutrality need not be dismayed, as the Turkmen President announced that a new "Monument to Neutrality" will be built.
Available at: Turkmenistan.ru
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