UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 001072

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, SCA/PPD, M/A/OS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ASCH KPAO TX
SUBJECT: TUKRMENISTAN: ASHGABAT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FEATURED ON
STATE TELEVISION - IS REGISTRATION NEXT?

REF: A) ASHGABAT 1042, B) ASHGABAT 1067

ASHGABAT 00001072 001.2 OF 002



1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet.


2. (SBU) SUMMARY: State Television channel "TV4" October 3 ran a
positive feature on Ashgabat International School that highlighted
the school's American curriculum and international staff and
students. In his interview, the school director drew a clear link
between Turkmenistan's desire to attract foreign business and the
need for an expanded international school for the associated
expatriate community. Almost all content in state media is directed
by or approved at high government levels. In recent months, the
government has used state media coverage to prepare the public for
pending decisions. We hope the same is true for QSI registration.
We will continue to press for Ashgabat international School's
registration. END SUMMARY.


3. (SBU) On October 3, State Television Channel "TV4" broadcast an
eleven minute segment on Ashgabat International School, operated by
Quality Schools International (QSI), which will occasionally be
repeated for several days. This is perhaps the first
education-themed broadcast which has no connection to government
schools or the President's reform program. The broadcast portrayed
the Ashgabat International School in a positive light; emphasized
the American curriculum, international teaching staff, and students;
and included interviews with the school director and two teachers.
Video featured pupils of all ages engaged in classroom activities,
as well as the library and computer facilities. Noticeably absent
was the building exterior. (NOTE: The school building is
constructed of nicely finished, joined trailers, which do not fit in
with State TV's usual presentation of gleaming white marble
buildings and fountains. END NOTE.)


4. (SBU) QSI's Ashgabat school has never been registered by the
host government, and as a result, cannot get legal permission to
expand its facilities legally. This long-standing denial of
registration has been a frequent issue raised by the Charge and
visiting delegations, who emphasize the school's role in attracting
international business staff as well as Turkmenistan's overall
opening to the world and reaching international standards. We've
heard a phone call from President Berdimuhamedov's UNGA delegation
to TV4 directed the station to do a short TV feature on the school
(reftel A).

MOSTLY "ON MESSAGE"


5. (SBU) The TV report included minor inaccuracies consistent with
normal state media "spin," such as stating that Turkmen language and
history are students' favorite subjects. Lengthy interviews,
particularly with school director Brad Goth, touched on
long-standing problems between QSI and the government, but with a
positive tone. (NOTE: PAO advised Mr. Goth on interview strategy.
END NOTE.) Mr. Goth described a clear link between Turkmenistan's
desire to attract foreign business and the need for an expanded
international school for the associated expatriate community.
Drawing attention to the network of QSI schools worldwide, Goth
noted that the excellent facilities enjoyed in other locations
should be made available to Ashgabat International School. He also
expressed his optimism about working with the government for future
expansion of the school and therefore meeting Turkmenistan's needs.
Unfortunately, the translation of this statement implied that he
hoped QSI would meet Turkmenistan's "standards."


6. (SBU) COMMENT: The positive State TV report on QSI in Ashgabat is
a significant and encouraging signal. Almost all content in state
media is directed by or approved at high government levels. In
recent months, the government has used state media coverage to
prepare the public for pending decisions. We hope the same is true
for QSI registration. We will continue to press for Ashgabat
International School's registration.


ASHGABAT 00001072 002 OF 002


HOAGLAND