Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 6 July 2012 (nCa) --- The two-day 14th Central Asia Media Conference, organized by the OSCE and the foreign ministry of Turkmenistan, started Thursday in Ashgabat. The theme of the conference is – ‘From traditional to online media: best practices and perspectives.’ The lead concept on the first day of the conference was that online and social media … [Read more...]
3rd Turkmenistan Gas Congress Post show report – TGC 2012
Avaza welcomed the leading world oil & gas community at the 3rd Turkmenistan Gas Congress 2012, 23-24 May The 3rd Turkmenistan International Gas Congress was held on the 23rd -24th of May in “Avaza” the National Tourism zone on the Turkmenistan Caspian Sea coast. The congress attracted about 500 delegates, representing over 150 organisations from 32 countries. Among … [Read more...]
Pakistan fully committed to both Turkmenistan and Iran gas pipelines
Ashgabat, 13 May 2012 (nCa) --- Pakistan is fully committed to both Turkmenistan and Iran gas pipeline projects, said Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, the minister of state for foreign affairs of Pakistan in an exclusive conversation Saturday with nCa in Ashgabat. This dispels the impression that Pakistan could be pursuing an either-or approach on its major gas import … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Ha-Ha Crowd
nCa Commentary Ashgabat, 9 April 2012 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan, a desert nation, has built an ice hockey stadium – hilarious. The president of Turkmenistan showed his horse riding skills in a public show – ridiculous. He took part in car races – outlandish. The ignoramus Ha-Ha crowd, previously known as mainstream media, is laughing its silly head off and we offer our sincere … [Read more...]
Туркменистан и Комиссия ООН по Правам Человека: Взаимное разочарование
Анализ nCa Ashgabat, 2 April 2012 (nCa) --- Туркменистан предстал перед Комиссией ООН по правам человека в Нью-Йорке 15-16 марта 2012 года. Цель состояла в том, чтобы рассмотреть вопрос о соблюдении в стране обязательств по Международному пакту о гражданских и политических правах, к которому страна присоединилась в 1997 году. Из вопросов и ответов на них было очевидно, что … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and UN Human Rights Committee: Mutual Frustration
nCa Analysis Ashgabat, 23 March 2012 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan appeared before the UN Human Rights Committee in New York, 15-16 March 2012. The purpose was to review the country’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which it acceded in 1997. Looking at the questions and their answers, it was obviously an exercise in mutual … [Read more...]
Nowruz: The soul of Central Asia culture
nCa Commentary Ashgabat, 22 March 2012 (nCa) --- The countrywide celebration of Nowruz, the spring festival, started 21 March in Turkmenistan. The main event was held at the foothills of Kopetdag Mountain, some 45 km east of Ashgabat. It was a great privilege for the foreign diplomats and journalists to get invited to this unique national festivity. Being there was an … [Read more...]
The Regional Perspective: Japan as role model for Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 14 March 2012 (nCa) --- The Japanese embassy in Turkmenistan hosted Tuesday a solemn and majestic event to mark the first anniversary of the triple disaster that struck Japan in March 2011. Mitsuru Horiguchi, the charge d’affaires of Japan in Ashgabat, said that it was the first time in the history of mankind that three major calamities struck a … [Read more...]
International Women’s Day: Prism Effect in Turkmenistan
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 9 March 2012 (nCa) --- Matriarchy is well entrenched in the world already but the women are very kind; they don’t shove this fact in our face. It will break our hearts. Take the example of our home where I am a minority of one against my wife and my daughter. They are the government and I am the people. Our grandson is still too small to be of any … [Read more...]
Tender notices in Turkmenistan: Rising preference for local currency deals
nCa Report Ashgabat, 5 March 2012 (nCa) --- Some tender notices recently published by the print media of Turkmenistan indicate the marked shift for purchases in local currency instead of dollar or Euro. For instance: The state bank for foreign economic relations announced tenders for purchase of a tractor and trailer, and drilling equipment (for up to 500 meters depth) … [Read more...]
UNDP-Turkmenistan partnership rises to new level
Ashgabat, 2 March 2012 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Turkmenistan have agreed on a new format of partnership signaling that the Government of Turkmenistan will be actively financing its own development programmes jointly implemented with UNDP. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov … [Read more...]
The Regional Perspective: Turkmenistan and Turkey
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 2 March 2012 (nCa) --- Someone sent me a bad joke the other day: If the world is a global village, Uncle Sam is the village idiot. Bad joke but true nevertheless. And, what do you do if the village idiot also happens to be the village bully? This is the question that all the countries of Greater Central Asia – Turkmenistan and Turkey being no … [Read more...]
Photo Essay: Presidential Elections in Turkmenistan
nCa Photo Essay Ashgabat, 15 February 2012 (nCa) --- The presidential elections held in Turkmenistan 12 February 2012 have attracted mostly negative publicity in the western media. It was predictable. Hardly anything else can be expected from the media that is cocooned in its own prejudices. The cliches are true after all: The beauty is in the eye of the beholder; and, a … [Read more...]
Presidential Elections in Turkmenistan: Nation goes to polls (Updated 4 pm, 13 Feb) (second update at 14:30, 15 February 2012)
nCa Report with a photo essay on elections (To be updated with more photos later today) (Second Update at 14:30, 15 February 2012 – Photo essay published separately at this URL: http://newscentralasia.net/2012/02/15/photo-essay-presidential-elections-in-turkmenistan/) Update (4 pm, 13 Feb) --- The central election commission has announced that preliminary counting of vote … [Read more...]
US$ 1.2 million loan to Turkmen logistics company
EBRD loan will help DGT Logistics invest in equipment and expand fleet of trucks The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) continues to support the development of the private sector in Turkmenistan with a US$ 1.2 million loan to DGT Logistics Turkmenistan. The company is one of the leading private companies providing cargo transport and logistics services … [Read more...]
Presidential elections in Turkmenistan – Looking from a different angle
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 4 February 2012 --- The presidential elections in Turkmenistan will take place in less than 10 days from now. Observers and analysts have raised several objections on the whole process: All the seven candidates running against President Berdymuhamedov are weak and obscure There is no opposition candidate The election manifesto of all … [Read more...]
Президентские выборы в Туркменистане – Взгляд под другим углом
Тарик Саиди Ашгабат, 4 февраля 2012 --- Менее чем через 10 дней в Туркменистане пройдут президентские выборы. Наблюдатели и аналитики подняли ряд вопросов, касающихся избирательного процесса: Все семь кандидатов против кандидатуры президента Бердымухамедова кажутся слабыми и неясными Нет кандидата от оппозиции Предвыборные программы всех кандидатов выглядят плохой … [Read more...]
Bronze Age Archaeology in Turkmenistan
Introduction: In the past years a number of conferences were organized in Ashgabat and Mary in which recent research results about the archeological heritage of Turkmenistan were communicated to a Turkmen and international audience demonstrating cultural assets that compare to those of the most famous Bronze Age cultures world-wide. In the following article an experienced … [Read more...]
Al Jazeera casts wicked shadow on Turkmenistan
nCa Commentary Karachi, 29 December 2011 (nCa) --- Al Jazeera is fully conscious of the kind of competition it faces. It is racing against time to lose its credibility. The apparent aim is to join ranks with Fox. The good news is that it has managed in no time at all to sink as low as Fox, hanging precariously just half a notch above the Soros-funded hooters. This is … [Read more...]
Libyan DIplomatic Mission in Turkmenistan Joins Opposition, Flying TNC Flag
Ashgabat, 26 August 2011 (nCa) --- The Libyan diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan (Libyan Bureau for Economic Cooperation) has joined the opposition. The TNC flag is flying on the mission building in Ashgabat since early last week. Mosbah Al-Foqhi, the head of the mission told nCa in an exclusive conversation Friday that he decided to join the opposition last week. He … [Read more...]
CNH Supplies Turkmenistan Fleet of 90 New Holland Combines
CNH delivered in May a fleet of 90 New Holland combines to the Government of Turkmenistan; the machines, which were immediately put to work in the field, exceeded expectations as they fulfilled their role in the harvest of over a third of the Country’s 850,000 ha (2,100,400 ac) of wheat LUGANO, Switzerland – (July 14, 2011) – CNH International, a subsidiary of CNH Global, … [Read more...]
KBR to Work on US Military Contract in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, 11 July 2011 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan is among the 20 countries where KBR, formerly a part of Halliburton, will work on a US $ 3.8 billion contract for the US CENTCOM. However, the exact details of the kind of work KBR will do in Turkmenistan are still not clear. Ms. Sheryl Gibbs, KBR media relation manager, told nCa through email, “The client has not yet … [Read more...]
Abadan Incident in Turkmenistan: American hand traceable already?
nCa Report Ashgabat, 11 July 2011 (nCa) --- The recent incident in Abadan town of Turkmenistan that the government described as accidental flare of pyrotechnics but was reportedly a series of blasts in an ammunition depot could possibly be a part of the desperate American strategy for the region. The evidence so far is flimsy and circumstantial but there are reasons to feel … [Read more...]
Reality Check: Opposition participation in presidential elections of Turkmenistan
nCa Report Ashgabat, 11 July 2011 (nCa) --- President Berdymuhamedov of Turkmenistan announced on 8 July during a meeting of the cabinet of ministers that he would welcome the participation of the ‘opposition’ candidates in the forthcoming presidential elections, scheduled for early 2012. He also said that Turkmenistan will switch to two-party system. This is a bold … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan admits casualties in Abadan blast; defence minister demoted
nCa Report Ashgabat, 11 July 2011 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan acknowledged Sunday that casualties did take place in the ammunition depot blast in Abadan town that took place on 7 July. President Berdymuhamedov, chairing a session of the commission that had been formed to investigate the incident, expressed condolence to the families of the departed souls and conveyed his … [Read more...]
Human Rights Resource Centre Hosts Turkmenistan’s Disability Organizations
Ashgabat, 8 July 2011 --- Representatives from 5 disability organizations and staff from the National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (NIDHR) under the President of Turkmenistan met at a roundtable on the rights of persons with disabilities in Ashgabat on 5 July 2011. This roundtable took place at the Resource Centre, which was recently opened at the premises of the … [Read more...]
UNDP Turkmenistan Releases Reference Guide on Basic Concepts of Parliamentary Institutions
Ashgabat, 4 July 2011 – UNDP Turkmenistan has recently translated from English into Russian and released a reference guide for parliamentarians titled “Parliamentary Institutions: Basic Concepts”. This publication features basic information on parliamentary models, relations between the executive and legislative powers, parliaments’ law-making, oversight and representative … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview — Iranian Ambassador in Turkmenistan — Seyed Mohammad Mousa Hashemi-Golpayegani (English)
In the name of God Exclusive Interview to nCa – Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Iran in Turkmenistan, H.E. Hashemi Golpaegani nCa: How do you assess the prospects of development of relationship between Turkmenistan and Iran for the next three years (2011-2013) in key sectors - energy, trade, economy, transport and communications? Golpaegani: The historical … [Read more...]
Туркменистан: Российский Посол вручил верительные грамоты
Новости и комментарий nCa Ашгабат, 9 июня 2011 (nCa) --- В среду Александр Блохин, новый посол России в Туркменистане вручил верительные грамоты Президенту Бердымухамедову. Блохин заявил, что для него большая честь представлять Россию в Туркменистане, добавив, что он приложит все усилия для дальнейшего развития двустороннего диалога, основанного на традициях дружбы и … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan: Russian ambassador presents credentials
nCa News and Commentary Ashgabat, 9 June 2011 (nCa) --- Alexander Blokhin, the new Russian ambassador to Turkmenistan, presented credentials Wednesday to President Berdymuhamedov. Blokhin said that it was an honour to represent Russia in Turkmenistan, adding that he will spare no efforts for further development of bilateral dialogue based on the traditions of friendship and … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Gas Congress – Post-Event Report
The 2nd Turkmenistan International Gas Congress (TGC-2011) was held on the 25th -26th of May in “Avaza” the National Tourism zone on the Turkmenistan Caspian Sea coast. The congress attracted in excess of 500 delegates, representing over 160 organisations from 31 countries. Among more than 500 delegates are representatives of the European Commission, the Energy Charter … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview — Iranian Ambassador in Turkmenistan — Seyed Mohammad Mousa Hashemi-Golpayegani (Russian)
Во Имя Всевышнего Интервью Информационного Агентства « Центральная Азия» с Чрезвычайным и Полномочным Послом Исламской Республики Иран Е.П. г-на Хашеми Голпаегани Вопрос: Как вы оцениваете перспективы развития связей между Ираном и Туркменистаном в ближайшие три года (2011-2013) в ключевых отраслях, таких как энергетика, торговля, экономика, транспорт и … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview — Iranian Ambassador in Turkmenistan — Seyed Mohammad Mousa Hashemi-Golpayegani (Farsi)
بسمه تعالي مصاحبه آژانس خبري آسياي مركزي با جناب آقاي هاشمي گلپايگاني سفير محترم جمهوري اسلامي ايران در تركمنستان سوال : ارزيابي خودتان را از چگونگي توسعه روابط بين ايران و تركمنستان طي سه سال آينده ( 2013- 2011 ) در زمينه هاي كليدي نظير : انرژي ، تجارت و اقتصاد و حمل و نقل و ارتباطات بفرماييد. پاسخ : بررسي سير تاريخي روابط دو كشور ، حاكي از توسعه پيوسته همكاريها و … [Read more...]
IMF Concludes 2011 Article IV Mission to Turkmenistan
Statement at the Conclusion of the 2011 Article IV Mission to Turkmenistan Press Release No. 11/223 June 7, 2011 An International Monetary Fund mission led by Mrs. Veronica Bacalu visited Ashgabat on May 25−June 7, 2011 to conduct discussions in the context of the Article IV consultation.1 The IMF team and the Turkmen authorities discussed the recent economic … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to use Chinese grant to buy Lenovo computers
Ashgabat, 4 June 2011 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan will use a Chinese grant to buy Lenovo computers from China. The grant is worth Chinese Yuan 50 million (about US $ 7.5 million at one USD = 6.66332 CNY). A presidential decree issued Friday says that the State Bank for Foreign Economic Relations (VneshEkonomBank) of Turkmenistan will sign agreement with the China Development … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan may phase out foreign construction companies
Ashgabat, 4 June 2011 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan has decided to establish and encourage its own construction companies in each province, a move that may eventually pave the way for phasing out the foreign contractors from the construction sector. The announcement was made Friday by President Berdymuhamedov during an expanded session of the cabinet of ministers. It appears … [Read more...]
Министр нефти и газа Туркменистана выступил на пресс-конференции
Ашгабат, 1 июня 2011 (nCa) --- Во вторник министр нефтегазовой промышленности Туркменистана Байрамгельды Недиров выступил на пресс-конференции с участием зарубежных журналистов, аккредитованных в Туркменистане. После короткого выступления министра, журналистам была предоставлена возможность задать вопросы. Официальный представитель министерства иностранных дел сообщил, … [Read more...]
Auditor Expected to Certify 23 TCM Gas Reserves in Turkmen Field
Ashgabat, 30 May 2011 (nCa) --- It is expected that the British audit firm Gaffney, Cline and Associates will certify that the Osman-Yoloton gas field of Turkmenistan has 23 trillion cubic meters (tcm) of in place gas reserves. This information is from a reliable source but there is no way to confirm it until the GCA releases its audit report, probably by the middle or end … [Read more...]
Central Asia Child Protection Forum Starts in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, 30 May 2011 (nCa) --- The third Central Asia Child Protection Forum, arranged by UNICEF, started Monday in Turkmenistan. The regional forum brings together the parliament members, prosecutors, judges, other experts from the five Central Asian countries, UNICEF representatives and specialists for exchange of experience and enhancement of awareness on child … [Read more...]
Karzai in Turkmenistan, Peace Process Discussed, 6 Bilateral Documents Signed
nCa Report Ashgabat, 29 May 2011 (nCa) --- President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan is on official visit to Turkmenistan, 28-29 May 2011. On the first day of his visit the presidents of both the countries held tête-à-tête for more than three hours. Five bilateral documents and a joint communiqué were signed on completion of expanded format consultations. The dialogue … [Read more...]
Второй Газовый Конгресс Туркменистана
Доклад nCa Аваза, 26 мая 2011 (nCa) --- В среду в национальной туристической зоне Аваза стартовал второй Международный Газовый Конгресс Туркменистана. Уже в первый день форума прозвучал ряд ключевых заявлений. Британская аудиторская компания «Gaffney, Cline & Associates (GCA)» сообщила, что нынешние оценки газовых ресурсов месторождения Осман – Йолатань превышают даже … [Read more...]
Second Gas Congress of Turkmenistan
nCa Report Avaza, 26 May 2011 (nCa) --- The second Gas Congress of Turkmenistan started Wednesday at Avaza, the national tourist zone of Turkmenistan at the Caspian coast. Some key declarations were made on the first day of the 2-day event. They connect with two other developments that took place elsewhere simultaneously. The British auditor Gaffney, Cline & … [Read more...]
Больной менталитет порнографа
Комментарий nCa Ашгабат, 25 мая 2011 (nCa) --- Типичный западный журналист, который побывал в Центральной Азии и профессиональный порнограф в основном скроены по одной мерке: больная одержимость только одним аспектом жизни. Фактически, порнографы выглядят даже весьма респектабельно иногда по сравнению с так называемыми журналистами, освещающими события Центральной Азии от … [Read more...]
The morbid mentality of a pornographer
nCa Commentary Ashgabat, 25 May 2011 (nCa) --- The typical western journalist who travels to Central Asia and the professional pornographer are basically cut from the same cloth: A sick obsession with just one facet of life. In fact, pornographers look quite respectable when compared with the so-called journalists who cover Central Asia on behalf of western publications, … [Read more...]