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04:07 msk, 3 september 2010

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Uzbekistan News Briefs

Central Asia news: Туркмения

Turkmenbashi is dead! Long live Turkmenbashi?

28.05.2010 15:52 msk

A recently published book about President Berdymukhamedov of Turkmenistan confirms that the cult of personality is alive and well in the republic. After 15 years of independence Maria Yanovskaya could be forgiven for being surprised at the book’s excessively rapturous tone… but she is not.

Analytics Second Advent or what is expected in Turkmenistan under Ruhnama?

30.12.2009 10:23 msk

The second advent of Ruhnama in the socio-cultural area of Turkmenistan makes us think not only about circling politicians, but also what is expected in the country in the future and how the neighbors view such development. New Turkmen national culture policy is the Niyazov-initiated surgery of lively and diverse Turkmen culture of various groups of Turkmen and other ethnicities to some varnished imitation, substituting genuine culture. Those, who are not aware of Turkmen realities, need to understand the following: titular ethnic group consists of complex tribal structure. The scientist still cannot explain the emergence of many groups. Each group – clan or tribe – has many unique independent features.

Politics Andrei Zatoka's Long and Winding Road to Russia?

11.11.2009 14:29 msk

His harrying experience in Turkmenistan over, Russian environmentalist Andrei Zatoka is back in Moscow. A trial in Dashoguz the other day had sentenced him to five years imprisonment. The verdict sparked an international campaign in the environmentalist's defense. Human rights activists, environmentalists, and finally the Russian authorities raised their voice. Another hasty trial voided the previous verdict and sentenced Zatoka to a fine. Following that, this citizen of Russia was essentially expelled from Turkmenistan. Here is the first interview with Zatoka and his wife Yevgenia on their return to Moscow.

Analytics Turkmen thaw ended in scorching summer temperatures

17.10.2009 00:06 msk

Natalia Anurova-Shabunts, a citizen of both Turkmenistan and Russia, wrote an article for Ferghana.Ru that gives an account of life in Turkmenistan. How its citizens are denied permission to travel abroad, how students and instructors are compelled to wear uniforms, how state officials bully people into renouncing Russian double citizenship. And how officials of the Russian Embassy in Ashkhabad arrogantly refuse to take care of citizens of the Russian Federation. Living in Turkmenistan, the author refuses to adopt a nom-de-plume and speaks up on behalf of the "happy Turkmen people" under her own name which is what makes the situation unique.

Turkmenistan, lost in the desert - routine life for centuries

10.08.2009 21:55 msk

Today, it is still hard for journalist or independent researcher to visit Turkmenistan. However, Elena Larina and Olga Naumov, two delicate women, Moscow-based ethnologists and PhD in History, were lucky. Last autumn they experienced extreme travel to Turkmenistan – they managed to live in remote and arduous regions of the country, Kara Ku, hosted by "sand Turkmen" and mountainous villages of "nohur". They shared the experience and unique pictures with Ferghana.Ru.

Business Turkmenistan and Russia will make new gas agreements

25.03.2009 21:00 msk

Russia and Turkmenistan will revise gas agreements and speed up construction of the Caspian Gas Pipeline in accordance with the decision of presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Gurbankuly Berdymuhammedov. Contrary to the expectations pinned on Berdymuhammedov's state visit, visa regime for the Russians intent on visiting Turkmenistan was never abolished. Neither was the subject of the Russians in Turkmenistan dwelt on despite human rights community's demands.

Turkmenistan: Unknown struggle with dope

22.01.2009 17:44 msk

President Gurbankuly Berdymuhammedov congratulated the State Drug Enforcement Service on its first anniversary on January 18. "The work you've done provided peace in the country and serenity of the population. It reinforced unity and solidarity, it strengthened foundations of healthy society," his message stated. Drugs are openly sold in Turkmen cities and villages. Their ready availability is recognized as a threat to the gene pool. Hence establishment of the State Drug Enforcement Service a year ago, a structure coordinating efforts of the national systems of health care and education, general public, local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the army to eradicate this evil.

Analytics Turkmenistan: Facts and Rumors about Shooting in Ashgabat

15.09.2008 13:56 msk

Turkmen police officials say they neutralized a drug gang on Saturday, however, local analysts suspect much stronger forces were involved in skirmishes with security services. Criminal gang involved in drug trafficking was neutralized in capital Ashgabat on September 13, official news agency of Turkmenistan said. It did not specify whether the members of the group were killed or detained. Earlier reports by the oppositional Gundogar agency said that a fighting broke out between religious militant group and police in the district of Ashgabat known as Khitrovka, killing 20 policemen.

Politics Turkmen President Tightens Grip on Power with New Constitution

12.09.2008 16:59 msk

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov’s administration has been building the image of a liberalizing state after the death of his totalitarian predecessor for two years. The forthcoming new Constitution, already proclaimed as a stronghold of the Turkmen renaissance, promises to eliminate redundant elements in the state apparatus, but does not promote a full-fledged democracy, analysts say.

Analytics Turkmenistan-USA: Ashkhabad promotes improved relations with NATO

17.06.2008 13:06 msk

The United States has confirmed its willingness to expand economic and military cooperation with Central Asia. Observers believe Washington chose to promote cooperation with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as countries with the largest deposits of oil and natural gas and a critically strategic geopolitical location.

Business Gurbankuly Berdymuhammedov proceeds with economic reforms

16.04.2008 12:42 msk

The decree on denomination of the national monetary unit President Gurbankuly Berdymuhammedov signed this Monday will come into force on January 1, 2009. Enlarged meeting of the Cabinet discussed interim results of the economic and social reforms. National Bank chairman resigned.

Business Azerbaijan hopes for a peaceful rearrangement of sectors of the Caspian shelf

27.03.2008 11:24 msk

An almost decade-long reprieve over, the Azerbaijani-Turkmen relations advance at a breakneck rate these days. Regular contacts between the heads of states and prime ministers were established in the last eighteen months, governmental commissions for economic cooperation advancement set up. Whatever matters soured the bilateral relations years ago are being addressed. President of Turkmenistan Gurbankuly Berdymuhammedov made another step in this direction the other day and appointed a new ambassador to Azerbaijan.

Initiator of the Great Renaissance, Esteemed President-Reformist!

13.02.2008 12:12 msk

Flowery praise in newspapers and on TV networks is something that never changes in Turkmenistan. Nobody is tearing down golden monuments or renaming months of the year and streets again. In other words, dethronement of the late tyrant was never initiated. It's just that the memories of his reign gradually fade away while personality cult of the new ruler is being installed.

Analytics Turkmenistan: Gurbankuly Berdymuhammedov hopes to meet with George W. Bush

01.02.2008 13:46 msk

Another US emissary, the third this year after Senator Richard Lugar and Admiral William Fallon of the US Central Command, was met in Ashkhabad in late January. Diplomat Stephen Mann, 56, is well known both in Turkmenistan, all over the Caspian region, and in the Caucasus. US Ambassador to Ashkhabad in the late 1990s, Mann then became US president's envoy in the Caspian region, senior advisor of the US Department of State on energy policy in the region, and finally US chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group for Karabakh conflict settlement. This time, Mann visited the capital of Turkmenistan in the capacity of coordinator of the Eurasian Energy Diplomacy of the US Department of State.

Interview Mysterious state of Turkmenistan dispels myths and stereotypes

24.12.2007 10:07 msk

Natalia Antelava, BBC correspondent in Central Asia, made her first visit to Turkmenistan in November 2007. Initially there for the international oil and gas conference she covered, Antelava chose to stay somewhat longer to get better knowledge of everyday life in Turkmenistan. She visited the city of Turkmenbashi and made a story on nightlife in Ashkhabad. Frequent visitor to other Central Asian countries as she is, Antelava cannot help comparing Turkmenistan with Uzbekistan. Much to her own surprise, the comparisons do not always favor the latter. Here is an interview with Natalia Antelava.

Other news

News briefs

6 august

10:27 The European Commission proposed new vector for gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Europe bypassing Russia

Media headlines

Eurasianet Uzbekistan Celebrates Independence Day, 02.09.2010

RFE/RL Kyrgyz, Uzbek Talks On Release Of Kyrgyz Officers Unsuccessful , 02.09.2010

Forum 18 TAJIKISTAN: "Your children will become extremists and terrorists", 02.09.2010

OpEdNews Talibanization: The Whole Problem Is the Gawadar Port and Trade Route, 02.09.2010

RFE/RL Kyrgyz-Uzbek Talks Held On Release Of Kyrgyz Border Guards, 01.09.2010

Long war Journal Senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan commander targeted in northern Afghanistan, 30.08.2010

AP Silk's dark side: Uzbek kids made to grow cocoons, 28.08.2010

Guardian Kyrgyzstan: The void in Asia's heart, 27.08.2010

OpenDemocracy Beware of meddling in Kyrgyzstan!, 27.08.2010

New York Times Legacy of Torture, 27.08.2010

Eurasianet Tashkent Promoting Inter-Ethnic Unity, But Strengthening Security Forces Just in Case, 27.08.2010

AP German prosecutors charge suspected Islamic terrorist after extradition from Pakistan, 26.08.2010

Express Tribune India-Afghanistan talks wind up, 26.08.2010

RFE/RL Taliban Kill Nine Police In Afghan North, 26.08.2010

Reuters Karzai aide in corruption probe linked to CIA, 26.08.2010

Canadian Press UN agency makes unusual Pakistan aid appeal, while Washington pushes for transparency, 26.08.2010

Foreign Policy How to leave Afghanistan without losing, 25.08.2010

Washington Post 25 Islamic militants escape from Tajik prison, 23.08.2010

Euronews Osh protesters defy Kyrgyzstan government, 20.08.2010

Reuters Kremlin-led security bloc to hear Kyrgyz appeal, 19.08.2010

Forum 18 UZBEKISTAN: "The Court decided so", 19.08.2010

VOA Intimidation of Uzbek Minority Continues in Kyrgyzstan, 17.08.2010

RFE/RL Kyrgyz Officials Seek Release Of People Detained In Uzbekistan , 17.08.2010

Telegraph Osh mayor pushes ahead with plan to rehouse Uzbeks, 16.08.2010

Global Voices Kyrgyzstan: Nationalist agenda raises amidst new rallies , 16.08.2010

Eurasianet Mixed Marriages in Kyrgyzstan Strained by Ethnic Violence, 16.08.2010

Platts Afghanistan finds new oil field, holds 1.8 bil barrels: ministry, 15.08.2010

AFP Uzbek group attacks Afghan police, three dead, 15.08.2010

Long War Journal ISAF continues to ID 'foreign fighters' in Afghanistan, 15.08.2010

Eurasianet Uzbekistan Weekly Roundup, 15.08.2010

HRW Uzbekistan: Activist Hit With New Sentence, 14.08.2010

AFP South Kyrgyzstan forces may have used torture: UN rights, 20.07.2010

Eurasianet Reconstruction Plan To "Ethnically Cleanse" Osh, Uzbeks Fear, 20.07.2010

RFE/RL Kabul Wants To Change The Way Foreign Aid Is Spent , 20.07.2010

Ex Ponto Als Oezbeekse mahalla's in rook opgaan, 17.07.2010

Euronews Roza Otumbayeva: “We have the nation waiting to reconstruct itself”, 17.07.2010

CNN Thousands remain displaced after Kyrgyz violence, 16.07.2010

Eurasianet Tashkent’s Response to Kyrgyz Crisis Boosts Karimov’s Image, 16.07.2010

Asia Times Russia has reasons to stay its hand, 15.07.2010

New York Times In Southern Kyrgyzstan, Uzbeks Become Targets of Police Abuse, 15.07.2010

VOA A Relative Calm In Kyrgyzstan, 13.07.2010

Guardian Beware dictators bearing gifts, Naomi, 05.07.2010

RFE/RL Getting To The Roots Of Resentment In Kyrgyzstan, 05.07.2010

New York Times Uzbeks Accused of Inciting Violence in Kyrgyzstan, 02.07.2010

AP Kyrgyz humanitarian crisis enters new phase, 01.07.2010

Eurasianet The Pentagon Spreading Wealth in Central Asia, 30.06.2010

Moscow Times An Imitation Empire, 30.06.2010

ВВС Gen David Petraeus faces confirmation to lead Afgan war, 29.06.2010

Eurasianet Documents Highlight Problems with Uzbek Corridor of Afghan Supply Route, 29.06.2010

New York Times Kyrgyz Voting Appears Calm, 28.06.2010

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