Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASHGABAT559
2008-05-02 12:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:  

TURKMENISTAN: REGISTRATION WOES FOR BAPTIST CHURCH IN

Tags:  PGOV SCUL SOCI KIRF TX 
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UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000559 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, DRL, EEB

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SCUL SOCI KIRF TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: REGISTRATION WOES FOR BAPTIST CHURCH IN
DASHOGUZ


UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000559

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, DRL, EEB

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SCUL SOCI KIRF TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: REGISTRATION WOES FOR BAPTIST CHURCH IN
DASHOGUZ



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


2. (SBU) Turkmen Baptist Church of Dashoguz pastor Begjan Shirmedov
says it is no easier trying to register his church under President
Berdimuhamedov than former President Niyazov. More than two years
ago, Shirmedov submitted paperwork to the Ministry of Justice for
official registration and recognition of his church. When asked
what is taking so long, Shirmedov pessimistically responded, "The
government thinks Christian leaders can be dangerous."


3. (SBU) While the Ministry continues to review his
documents, Shirmedov holds regular church meetings and bible study
groups. Shirmedov emphasized that his meetings are non-political
with no discussion about political or human rights. Shirmedov
believes that the government is aware of his "secret" meetings since
they advised him not to allow children under 18 to attend. The
Baptist Church has 53 members.


4. (SBU) COMMENT: While Shirmedov has had no progress in getting
his congregation registered, they are allowed to worship in peace.
Local officials in his area are probably content to ignore the
unregistered group. END COMMENT.

CURRAN