Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASHGABAT605
2009-05-13 11:39:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:
TURKMENISTAN COMMEMORATES VICTORY DAY
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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
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
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