Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ASHGABAT927
2007-09-05 12:20:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:  

TURKMENISTAN INVITES SECRETARY RICE TO INTERNATIONAL

Tags:  OPDC PREL PGOV TX 
pdf how-to read a cable
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RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
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RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0549
UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000927 

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SENSITIVE

STATE FOR SCA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC PREL PGOV TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN INVITES SECRETARY RICE TO INTERNATIONAL
PREVENTIVE DIPLOMACY CONFERENCE

UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000927

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SENSITIVE

STATE FOR SCA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC PREL PGOV TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN INVITES SECRETARY RICE TO INTERNATIONAL
PREVENTIVE DIPLOMACY CONFERENCE


1. (U) Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent the Embassy
a diplomatic note September 3 stating that Turkmenistan will hold an
international conference on "Preventive Diplomacy and International
Cooperation" in Ashgabat on December 10-11. The conference is timed
to coincide with Turkmenistan's Neutrality Day holiday, celebrated
annually on December 12.


2. (U) The Ministry asked the Embassy to forward a letter from
Foreign Minister Rashit Meredov to Secretary Rice inviting the
Secretary to attend the conference. The Ministry also invited the

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United States to send up to two other prominent persons -- diplomats
or government officials -- to participate in the conference. The
Government of Turkmenistan will bear all expenses, including travel
costs to/from Ashgabat, and board and lodging for those
participating in the conference. The Embassy will forward copies of
both the diplomatic note and the letter to Secretary Rice to the
State Department's Turkmenistan desk for action.


4. (U) BEGIN QUOTE

It's my great pleasure to invite Your Excellency to attend an
International Conference on "Preventive Diplomacy and International
Cooperation," which will be held in the capital of Turkmenistan,
Ashgabat on December 10-11, 2007.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, high-ranking delegations from
International Organizations and Research Centers, as well as
prominent scholars, experts, diplomats and public figures are
cordially invited to participate in this conference, which is
arranged right on the eve of Neutrality Day of Turkmenistan,
annually celebrated on December 12.
As of our view, holding such International Conference will promote a
constructive exchange of views on wide range of problems related to
provision of regional and global development in the atmosphere of
peace and security. Along with above-said, this forum would become
another opportunity for discussion on the issues related to the
development of sustainable international cooperation.

One of the important items in agenda of this Conference would be
discussion on conceptual approaches and elaboration of practical
recommendations in the field of preventive diplomacy in Central
Asia. In this context it seems to be appropriate to identify
concrete directions and projects of the UN Regional Center on
Preventive Diplomacy, which is planned to be inaugurated in Ashgabat
during this Conference.

We indeed would highly value Your participation in this
International Conference on "Preventive Diplomacy and International
Cooperation" and therefore it would be very much appreciated if we
could get a text of Your Excellency's speech in advance.

All expenses related to Your Excellency's participation in the
Conference will be borne by Turkmen Side.

In the end I would like to assure Your Excellency will indeed enjoy
respect and warm hospitality in Turkmenistan.

With best regards,

Rashid Meredov

END QUOTE


4. (SBU) COMMENT: In the past, Neutrality Day holiday events
tended to be mostly propagandistic show, with "scientific"
explanations of how Turkmenistan's policy of "positive neutrality"
benefits the region and the world. Given the UN's decision to
support establishment of a Regional Center on Preventive Diplomacy
here, however, this year's event could have more substance,
especially since Turkmenistan is willing to foot the bill for
attendees.

HOAGLAND