TURKMENISTAN COMMEMORATES VICTORY DAY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 000605 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN; EEB PLEASE PASS TO USTDA DAN STEIN COMMERCE FOR HUEPER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV SOCI TX RS SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN COMMEMORATES VICTORY DAY ¶1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for Internet publication. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The May 9 Victory Day commemorations in Ashgabat focused on the fact that it has now been 64 years since the end of World War II. Russian representatives held some special events marking the heroic roles played by Turkmen soldiers during the siege of Leningrad, and honoring the few remaining veterans in Turkmenistan. The Turkmen Government handed out gifts and cash awards to veterans and asked local authorities to ensure their well-being. Turkmen ceremonies centered squarely on the role of Turkmen soldiers in the war and the region's actions to support the war effort. Althouh it is uncertain how many World War II veterans are still living in Turkmenistan, it is generally believed to be very few, given the low pensions and limited support they have received, especially in recent years. Still, focusing on their heroic actions gave citizens an opportunity to remember their sacrifices. END SUMMARY. REMEMBERING THE ROLE OF TURKMEN IN THE WAR ¶3. (SBU) It has been 64 years since the Soviet Union declared victory over Fascism in May 1945. On May 9, the Turkmen Government, much like those of the other former Soviet states, commemorated the victory by conducting formal events across the country. President Berdimuhamedov, accompanied by some of the few remaining war veterans and the diplomatic corps, laid a wreath near the main "Great Patriotic War" monument and eternal flame in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan equally honors both veterans' bravery and the self-sacrifice of widows of the servicemen killed during the war during the holiday. ¶4. (SBU) In honor of the 64th anniversary of the victory, President Berdimuhamedov issued a decree awarding $70 and unidentified gifts to the surviving World War II veterans of Turkmenistan and to widows of soldiers who perished in the war. The decree also stated that provincial governor's offices and town and district mayor's offices must ensure that veterans are receiving adequate medical care and have decent housing, but there was no detailed information regarding how the decree should be implemented. Turkmenistan lost thousands in World War II, according to local residents. For example, more than five thousand men were recruited from Farap district in Lebap province but only a thousand returned after the war. Turkmen soldiers fought in Hungary, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Yugoslavia and Germany, according to local residents. An amazing 104 Turkmen were honored with the "Hero of the Soviet Union" medal, the highest military award and distinction that Soviet soldiers could earn. RUSSIA HONORS LENINGRAD'S DEFENDERS ¶5. (SBU) The Russian Charge hosted an additional Victory Day ceremony, where they presented memorial medals commemorating Leningrad's liberation from the German blockade to six surviving Turkmen war veterans who served there. The award ceremony was held at the Russian Embassy. Veterans of the Leningrad battle were presented gifts on behalf of the St. Petersburg governor, Valentina Matviyenko, including wool shawls, souvenirs, and money. Continuing an annual tradition, the Russian Embassy also invited some 200 Turkmen war veterans to a ceremonial dinner reception. MTS GIVES WAR VETERANS FREE OVERSEAS CALLS ¶6. (SBU) In honor of Victory Day, the Russian cellphone operator MobilnieTeleSistemy (MTS) gave veterans the opportunity to communicate with friends, families and relatives for free. MTS's "Call Brother-Soldier" promotional was extended to war veterans from May 6-9. Veterans were invited to MTS service centers to place their free calls. MTS is the largest cellular operator in ASHGABAT 00000605 002 OF 002 Turkmenistan, with more than a million subscribers. The gesture was popular, given that pensions in Turkmenistan for World War II veterans range from $139 to $185 per month -- barely enough to survive. Relatives of such veterans, if they are living in Turkmenistan, usually provide them with additional financial support. WORLD WAR TWO CARPET DISPLAYED ¶7. (SBU) An unusual historic carpet made by Turkmen women during World War II was the centerpiece of a Turkmen exhibition devoted to Victory Day. The nine square meter carpet was made in 1941, and features war scenes and images of life-sized rifles, grenades, and anti-tank weapons. The exhibit also showed traditional jewelry that Turkmen women contributed to the War Defense Fund during the war. ¶8. (SBU) COMMENT: The range of ceremonies and commemorations made clear that Turkmenistan's contribution of thousands of soldiers to the Soviet Army has not been forgotten. The focus of ceremonies was specific to Turkmen heroes and actions rather than the heroism shown by soldiers from across the Soviet Union. Still, it is encouraging to see that Turkmenistan has not distanced itself so much from the past that it is unable to recognize its citizen heroes. END COMMENT. MILES