TURKEMINSTAN: DAS KROL MEETS WITH MEJLIS SPEAKER

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 001176

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, SCA/PPD, EUR/ACE, DRL
AID/W FOR EE/EA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM EAID KDEM TX
SUBJECT: TURKEMINSTAN: DAS KROL MEETS WITH MEJLIS SPEAKER
NURBERDIYEVA

REF: ASHGABAT 0754


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


2. (SBU) SUMMARY: In a September 3 meeting with visiting Deputy
Assistant Secretary (DAS) for South Central Asia (SCA) George Krol,
Mejlis (Parliament) Speaker Akja Nurberdiyeva repeatedly lauded
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's contributions to
Turkmenistan's political, economic and educational development. The
discussion addressed the expected changes following the ratification
of a new constitution, the role of parliamentarians, the upcoming
December 2008 parliamentary elections, and the status of possible
new laws on religion and media. Nurberdiyeva highlighted the
accessibility of deputies and the Parliament's willingness to
consider new ideas from international organizations, but stressed
that many of them cannot be transferred from one culture to another.
Turkmenistan would accept only those inputs that conformed to its
unique cultural specifics. END SUMMARY.

PRAISE FOR PRESIDENTIAL REFORMS IN ALL AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT


3. (SBU) During a September 3 meeting with visiting DAS/SCA George
Krol, Mejlis (Parliament) Speaker Akja Nurberdiyeva repeatedly
highlighted President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's support for
Turkmenistan's political, social, and economic development.
Nurberdiyeva explained the interagency process used when drafting
new legislation. She acknowledged that, aside from commentary
submitted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP),no
international organizations participated in the drafting of the new
constitution. (COMMENT: Embassies and international organizations
in Ashgabat provided comments to the draft constitution through the
UN. END COMMENT.) Later, the Speaker said the Halk Maslahaty
(People's Council) will be disbanded after ratification of the new
constitution, leaving Turkmenistan with three branches of
government, as in many other countries.


4. (SBU) The Speaker explained that Parliamentary deputies were
very accessible to their constituents. Deputies' activities were
publicized on television, and they met with constituents in their
districts. The people must know that deputies' doors are always
open. Following upcoming elections in December, parliament will be
increased in size from sixty-five deputies to one hundred
twenty-five. New deputies will represent districts of equal size.


ADAPTING TO COUNTRY'S SPECIFICS KEY TO COOPERATION


5. (SBU) The Speaker said that each country had its unique
characteristics, and Turkmenistan will resolve its specific
challenges by adapting foreign ideas when appropriate. One
country's culture cannot be transferred directly onto another. In
Turkmenistan, family was very important. Respect for elders and
care for youth were core values.


6. (SBU) Nurberdiyeva did not understand those that come to her to
talk about gender issues. Turkmenistan did not have problems with
gender issues. Women did not cover their faces. Men and women were
already equal. The new constitution refers to both "women and men"
as equal, and that they should receive equal pay for equal work. To
highlight this, President Berdimuhamedov provided a gift to all
women on March 8, International Women's Day.

LAWS ON RELIGION AND MEDIA NOT COMPLETED


7. (SBU) In response to DAS Krol's question about the status of a
new law on religion, Nurberdiyeva replied that parliament had not
taken up this draft yet since it was currently occupied with
preparations for the elections. Two religions (Islam and Russian
Orthodox) have always been accepted without problems in
Turkmenistan. As long as new ones were not "propagandizing," then
any religion could exist in Turkmenistan.


ASHGABAT 00001176 002 OF 002



8. (SBU) Parliament was working on a new media law. The government
recognized that civic opinion was very important, and the top
leadership paid much attention to how media were working. President
Berdimuhamedov traveled a great deal -- "Who hasn't he met with?"
she asked - and always focused on the needs of the people.


9. (SBU) In closing, DAS Krol commented that the U.S. Congress was
interested in Turkmenistan's development. He suggested that there
be more contact between parliamentarians in both countries.
Nurberdiyeva agreed. (NOTE: A group of Turkmen deputies will likely
visit the United States in March 2009 under the Open World program
administered by the Library of Congress. END NOTE.)


10. (SBU) COMMENT: Nurberdiyeva was cordial and polite throughout
the meeting. Her comments, however, generally steered clear of
substance and often reverted to the politically "safer" theme of
positive contributions made by President Berdimuhamedov. A visit by
congressional representatives would be another opportunity to build
bridges to Turkmenistan while it slowly opens up to the new ideas
and international practices consistent with President
Berdimuhamedov's repeated exhortations. END COMMENT.


11. (U) DAS Krol has cleared this cable.

CURRAN