TURKMENISTAN: REGISTRATION WOES FOR BAPTIST CHURCH IN

UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000560 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