TURKMENISTAN: SUPREME COUNCIL OFFERS TO HOST USAID'S

UNCLAS ASHGABAT 001389

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR SCA/CEN
AID/W FOR EE/AA (WALLIN)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: SUPREME COUNCIL OFFERS TO HOST USAID'S
INTERNET ACCESS AND TRAINING PROGRAM


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


2. (SBU) SUMMARY: In a very positive development on December 13,
representatives of the Supreme Council for Science and Technology
(SCST) verbally agreed to a proposal for cooperation with the
USAID-funded Internet Access and Training Program (IATP). As a
first step, the project would establish an Internet center in
Ashgabat on the premises of the SCST. Additional pilot centers in
Dashoguz and Turkmenbashy cities are planned within three months of
concluding an agreement. From these centers, USAID's implementing
partner, International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX),and the
SCST will promote the use of new technologies for education,
science, and research in Turkmenistan through a variety of
approaches. END SUMMARY.

STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO INCREASED ENGAGEMENT


3. (U) IREX previously had identified the Supreme Council for
Science and Technology as a potential partner but had been unable to
establish official relations with this influential and recently
empowered entity. As an outcome of USAID's first official meeting
with representatives of the Supreme Council on October 17, the
Supreme Council agreed to host a presentation by IREX on potential
new opportunities for cooperation.


4. (U) On December 5, visiting IREX officials made an introductory
presentation to an audience of over 30 representatives from the
SCST, the Mejlis (Parliament) and the Institute for Democracy and
Human Rights. (NOTE: These three bodies seem to be emerging as the
Berdimuhamedov-empowered centers for reform. END NOTE.) In
addition, state television crews were on hand to film the beginning
of the event. Although the Deputy Chairwoman of the Supreme
Council, following the presentation, said she had expected greater
detail on IREX's capabilities, she asked IREX to submit a proposal
for cooperation.


5. (U) In the follow-up meeting on December 13, the Supreme Council
agreed to IREX's proposal to establish an Internet center in
Ashgabat and offered space for this center on its premises. The
proposal also included an offer to establish additional pilot
centers in Dashoguz and Turkmenbashy cities within three months of
concluding a formal agreement. Each center will be equipped with
five computers and related equipment and staffed by a qualified
expert in the field of technology education. To build on the pilot
effort, IREX and the SCST will continue to explore new ways to use
technology for education, science, and research in Turkmenistan.


6. (SBU) COMMENT: President Berdimuhamedov has repeatedly expressed
a desire to increase Internet access and to introduce international
standards across the education, science, and health sectors. The
Supreme Council, which fell under Berdimuhamedov's former portfolio
as Deputy Chairman for Health, Education, Science and Technology,
has been tasked by the president with implementing important parts
of these objectives. To this end, the SCST already oversees the
EU-funded NATO Virtual Silk Highway program, which has established a
network of 53 scientific and research institutions with high-speed
internet access. The USG can contribute to this goal by working
with bodies like the Supreme Council to help ensure that new
technologies like the Internet are not only accessible in
Turkmenistan, but also that citizens and government alike are able
to take full advantage of such tools. This agreement is an
important step toward greater cooperation with this influential
entity. If we are serious about our policy of desiring to expand
the information space in Turkmenistan, we need to put our money
where our mouth is. END COMMENT.

HOAGLAND