LIFTING OF TURKMENISTAN'S BAN ON POULTRY IMPORTS

UNCLAS STATE 169243 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS ANKARA FOR FAS GIFFORD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ETRD ECON PREL KFLU TX SUBJECT: LIFTING OF TURKMENISTAN'S BAN ON POULTRY IMPORTS REF: A. A. ASHGABAT 1056 ¶B. B. ASHGABAT 1133 ¶C. C. ASHGABAT 0741 06 ¶1. (U) This is an action request see paragraph 4. ¶2. (SBU) Post reported that poultry prices in Turkmenistan have risen by 49 percent in the last year (Ref. A) and that this is due in some part to the GOTX ban on the importation of live poultry and eggs which also seems to be affecting the importation of frozen poultry (Ref. B). Washington believes that now would be an opportune time to press Turkmenistan to rescind its ban on importing poultry and poultry related products. Prior to the introduction of the ban on all poultry importation on January 22, 2006, the United States exported between 270 and 5,252 metric tons of poultry per annum between 2002 and 2005. ¶3. (SBU) Washington notes that the lifting of the ban was last raised with the GOTX in June of 2006 (Ref. C); however, we now believe that improved relations and the stated desire of President Berdimuhamedov to expand trade further make this an appropriate time to revisit the ban. ¶4. (SBU) Action Request: Post is requested to demarche the GOTX at an appropriate level and ask the GOTX to consider lifting its ban on the importation of U.S. poultry products. Post can use the talking points contained in paragraph 5 and, if appropriate, leave the talking points in the form of a non-paper. ¶5. (U) Talking Points: -- Since Turkmenistan's January 2006 banning of the importation of poultry and products, prices of these items have risen by 49%. Reopening your market to U.S. imports could have a positive impact on inflation and consumer attitudes. -- We understand your government's concern that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) not be introduced into Turkmenistan. However, we would like to hear more of your reasoning for applying a ban to U.S. poultry and poultry products. -- Due to our robust domestic animal health and food safety system and stringent biosecurity practices, chickens produced in the United States remain free of highly pathogenic avian influenza. -- As you know, prior to 2006, Turkmenistan imported a significant amount of United States chicken, which was of high quality and disease free. Lifting the ban would supplement domestic production and help satisfy the growing demand in Turkmenistan for chicken, while helping to keep prices from rising because of shortages. -- The United States asks that Turkmenistan immediately lift its import ban on U.S. poultry and poultry products RICE