Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASHGABAT1069
2008-08-18 08:39:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:
TURKMENISTAN: MFA ISSUES DECIDEDLY NEUTRAL PRESS
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UNCLAS ASHGABAT 001069
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN, PPD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: MFA ISSUES DECIDEDLY NEUTRAL PRESS
STATEMENT ON SOUTH OSSETIA
REF: ASHGABAT 1062
UNCLAS ASHGABAT 001069
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN, PPD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: MFA ISSUES DECIDEDLY NEUTRAL PRESS
STATEMENT ON SOUTH OSSETIA
REF: ASHGABAT 1062
1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet.
2. (U) In the August 16 edition of the official Neytralniy
Turkmenistan newspaper, the MFA issued a press statement on
South Ossetia:
Begin unofficial translation:
Turkmenistan expresses its deep concerns and sympathy about
tragic events in South Ossetia that resulted in a great
number of victims among the civilian population. In
connection with this, the Government of Turkmenistan
expresses its condolences to the family and friends of the
deceased. Turkmenistan supports international efforts for
creating the atmosphere for a dialogue with the goals of
preventing a reoccurrence of military conflict and resolving
humanitarian issues related to the consequences of this
tragedy. Turkmenistan believes that the resolution of the
conflict should be implemented only by peaceful, diplomatic
means and methods, which in turn would provide stability and
security in the region.
End unofficial translation.
3. (SBU) COMMENT: In line with Turkmenistan's policy of
"positive neutrality," the government issued a decidedly
neutral press statement. Since many Turkmen watch Russian
news, people are aware of the events in Georgia, and it has
become a topic of conversation (septel). Through this
statement, Turkmen officials can register their concern
without taking sides, passing judgment, or getting involved.
The Turkmen want to balance their relations with all
partners. You will notice that the words "Russia" and
"Georgia" do not appear anywhere in the statement.
CURRAN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN, PPD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: MFA ISSUES DECIDEDLY NEUTRAL PRESS
STATEMENT ON SOUTH OSSETIA
REF: ASHGABAT 1062
1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet.
2. (U) In the August 16 edition of the official Neytralniy
Turkmenistan newspaper, the MFA issued a press statement on
South Ossetia:
Begin unofficial translation:
Turkmenistan expresses its deep concerns and sympathy about
tragic events in South Ossetia that resulted in a great
number of victims among the civilian population. In
connection with this, the Government of Turkmenistan
expresses its condolences to the family and friends of the
deceased. Turkmenistan supports international efforts for
creating the atmosphere for a dialogue with the goals of
preventing a reoccurrence of military conflict and resolving
humanitarian issues related to the consequences of this
tragedy. Turkmenistan believes that the resolution of the
conflict should be implemented only by peaceful, diplomatic
means and methods, which in turn would provide stability and
security in the region.
End unofficial translation.
3. (SBU) COMMENT: In line with Turkmenistan's policy of
"positive neutrality," the government issued a decidedly
neutral press statement. Since many Turkmen watch Russian
news, people are aware of the events in Georgia, and it has
become a topic of conversation (septel). Through this
statement, Turkmen officials can register their concern
without taking sides, passing judgment, or getting involved.
The Turkmen want to balance their relations with all
partners. You will notice that the words "Russia" and
"Georgia" do not appear anywhere in the statement.
CURRAN