Turkmenistan
Current Operations
OSCE Centre in Ashgabat
(OSCE Other Field Activities)
Since: 07/98
More Information
What chance of a thaw? (29.01.2007)
(Quelle: IWPR) The results of next month’s election in Turkmenistan may be a foregone conclusion, but it is far from clear how the situation will develop thereafter. Some analysts and no doubt the country’s interim rulers believe the system created by the late president Saparmurad Niazov can be changed through a process of gradual evolution. Others argue that stability is by no means assured, saying that in a country with a short history of statehood, there are centrifugal forces — mainly in the shape of regional interest groups — that could challenge Niazov’s successors.
Turkmen official says election observers welcome (21.01.2007)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) Turkmen television today quoted Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov as saying that Turkmenistan will allow international observers to monitor next month's presidential elections. The move would make the February 11 vote to replace autocratic President Saparmurat Niyazov the nation's first-ever election monitored by outside observers.
Turkmen election to exclude opposition (08.01.2007)
(Quelle: IWPR) For the last 15 years, the only legal party has been the Democratic [formerly Communist] Party of Turkmenistan – membership of which is compulsory for all officials. ... Acting president Gurbanguly Berdymuhammedov was nominated by the Democratic Party as a presidential candidate. The remaining five candidates, including four city and regional officials and the deputy minister of the oil and gas industry, are all members of the Democratic Party.
Turkmen leader proposes vast change to lift isolation (05.01.2007)
(Quelle: New York Times) Turkmenistan’s acting president, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who had promised only continuity with the severely authoritarian policies of his predecessor, on Thursday proposed measures that would help lift the nation from its fortresslike isolation. … The proposals, outlined in a speech in Ashgabat, the capital, included giving students access to foreign universities — including those in the United States — sending doctors to Western hospitals to acquire modern skills and extending primary schooling to 10 years.
Race is on for aspiring successors to 'Turkmenbashi' (02.01.2007)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) Campaigning has begun in Turkmenistan for candidates in February's election to replace longtime President Sapamurat Niyazov, who died in December. RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reports that the country's People's Council has selected six candidates, including current acting President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, for the vote on February 11. State media reports that the first meetings of candidates with voters will begin this week and candidates will be given airtime on state television and radio.
Turkmen exile urges interim president to step down (29.12.2006)
(Quelle: New York Times) A leader of the Turkmen opposition in exile demanded Friday that the interim president of Turkmenistan step down and allow for democratic elections in the authoritarian Central Asian nation. But there were signs of disorganization and discord in the opposition ranks. The demand, by Nurmuhkammed Khanomov, leader of the exiled Republican Party of Turkmenistan, was almost certain to be ignored. Interim leaders in Turkmenistan have been consolidating their hold on the country since the death of Saparmurat Niyazov, the Turkmen president, on Dec. 21.
Zerrissen und restlos in Intrigen verzettelt (28.12.2006)
(Quelle: taz) Nach dem Tod des turkmenischen Staatschefs Nijasow schafft es die Opposition im Exil nicht, zusammenzuarbeiten. Ohnehin hat kaum einer Chancen, bei den Präsidentenwahlen anzutreten, weil potenziellen Kandidaten die Einreise verweigert wird.
Turkmenistan to hold special presidential election in February (26.12.2006)
(Quelle: Eurasianet) Two days after the funeral of Turkmenistan’s President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov, the streets of Ashgabat are quiet and business goes on as normal. On December 26, the 2,507-member People’s Council, or Halk Maslakhaty, which is Turkmenistan’s highest legislative entity, set February 11 as the date for a special presidential election. The council also lifted a ban on Acting President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov’s ability to run in the election. Berdymukhamedov’s candidacy received the council’s unanimous support. At least five other candidates were nominated to run in the election, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.
Turkmenistan names interim leader (21.12.2006)
(Quelle: RFE/RL) Following the announcement of the death of Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov, Deputy Prime Minister Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has been named acting head of state, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reported.
OSCE mulls over spy allegations (20.06.2006)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has yet to respond in full over accusations that a member of its staff was involved in a plot to undermine the Turkmen government. “A cultural attache to the French embassy, Henri Tomassini, and an employee of the OSCE mission, Benjamin Moreau, are suspected of illegal activities directed against Turkmenistan,” National Security Minister Geldymukhammed Ashirmukhammadov, was quoted by AFP as saying.
Parliament rejects a presidential election (25.10.2005)
(Quelle: New York Times) Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan's autocratic leader, was rebuffed by his usually compliant Parliament in his request to hold an election for president in 2009. Saying 'there is nothing eternal,' Mr. Niyazov, 65, said his successor could be 'raised' in the intervening years, according to Interfax.
Turkmenistan plans surprise vote (08.04.2005)
(Quelle: BBC) Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov has made a surprise call for a democratic presidential election to be held in 2009. Mr Niyazov, who was declared president for life, said the country's destiny 'should not depend on one person'. His remarks come just two weeks after the president of nearby Kyrgyzstan was ousted in a popular protest movement sparked by controversial elections. He urged young candidates to emerge and contest the presidency. Mr Niyazov told a cabinet meeting on Thursday: 'We will certainly hold presidential elections in 2009 on a broad democratic basis so that people themselves can make a choice.
Turkmenistan's 'Sham Poll' Closes (19.12.2004)
(Quelle: BBC) The authorities in Turkmenistan have said nearly 80% of voters took part in parliamentary elections where no opposition candidate was standing. Turkmens were choosing 50 members of what is seen as a powerless parliament. In what foreign diplomats call a hollow process, all 131 candidates offered support to President Niyazov, known as Turkmenbashi or Leader of Turkmens. Turnout must exceed the 50%-mark for the poll to be valid, and local reports said turnout was low in some areas.
No invitation for election monitors (06.10.2004)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The Turkmen government has shown little interest in inviting any international observers to monitor the parliamentary elections scheduled for December. Rights activists have described the polls in the secretive country as mere window dressing. The office of the special envoy of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to Central Asia, Martti Ahtisaari, confirmed to IRIN that the Turkmen government was not planning to invite any international organisation to monitor the 19 December polls.
Niyazov Reassures Moscow (09.07.2003)
(Quelle: BBC World) Officials in Turkmenistan have assured a delegation from Moscow that the rights of Russian citizens living locally will be respected despite their loss of dual citizenship. … The Turkmens had 'officially stated that the rights and interests of Russian citizens living on the territory of Turkmenistan will not be infringed', said the leader of the Russian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov.
NGOs Attack Niyazov on Dual Citizenship (02.07.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) International rights groups have strongly criticised the government of Turkmen President Saparmyrat Niyazov over its recent handling of a controversial dual nationality debate with Moscow. … Their comments followed the passing on 22 June of a deadline for all ethnic Russians holding dual citizenship and living in Turkmenistan to choose which passport they would give up.