Turkmenistan Crafts New Military Doctrine to Meet Potential Threats

Ashgabat, 4 March 2008 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan will soon adopt a new military doctrine to get ready for any potential threats.

The comprehensive concept covers strengthening of borders by building sufficient number of border posts, construction of new cantonments in strategic locations, introduction of the latest military hardware to bolster defense capability, attaining and maintaining the highest standard of training and battle readiness, and

New Military Doctrine

President Berdymuhamedov described the outlines of the new doctrine Monday during an expanded session of the national security council.

“Now that we are implementing major reforms in the economy and introducing democratic transformations in the society, before us is the challenge of formation of a new policy to counteract the possible threats to the security of Turkmenistan and vital interests of the state,” said the president.

Berdymuhamedov emphasized that there must always be friendship, unanimity and solidarity within the armed forces.

He said that discord can bring defeat even to the best army. He underlined that one of the lessons we could learn from own history is that a state can be lost in an hour because of disunity.

The Turkmen leader said that the basic principles [of the new doctrine] are still based on permanent neutrality of the state and the acknowledgment that necessary level of defense capability must be maintained.

He said that priority will always be given to political and diplomatic solutions and other peaceful means but Turkmenistan must use its full potential for military security.

“Turkmenistan adheres strictly to principles of positive neutrality and peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, inviolability of state borders and respect for conventional principles of international rights,” the Turkmen leader explained.

He called for qualitative improvement of the military and civil armed forces, and their preparedness through training and motivation.

The state will take wide ranging measures to enhance the prestige of the military service, provide social protection to the service personnel and their families, and look after them in every which way, the president said.

Cantonments and Border Posts

Construction of border posts and cantonments under a five year plan (2008-2012) will be covered under two presidential resolutions signed Monday.

Special battalions would be created to help speed up the construction work that is supposed to start as soon as possible.

Foreign contractors would be invited to build the cantonments and border posts.

Defence Minister Agageldy Mammetgeldiyev gave details of the proposed plans for building cantonments in strategic locations. A typical cantonment will have living accommodations for married and bachelor officers, well equipped barracks for soldiers, training and instructional facilities, medical centres and sports grounds.

Architectural designs of the prototype cantonments and border posts were approved during the meeting.

Shorter Conscription for University Graduates

Another presidential resolution signed Monday says that the conscription period for the university graduates would be reduced to one year on request.