TURKMENISTAN MARKS PRESIDENT BERDIMUHAMEDOV'S 52ND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 000824 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV SCUL SOCI TX SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN MARKS PRESIDENT BERDIMUHAMEDOV'S 52ND BIRTHDAY ¶1. (U) Sensitive but Unclassified. Not for Internet distribution ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: On June 29, Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov turned 52. The country celebrated its leader's birthday by various festive events and inauguration ceremonies of a number of facilities, including opening a Museum of the President of Turkmenistan. Welcoming Berdimuhamedov with birthday festivities following his return from an official visit to Jordan, Turkmenistan marked its leader's birthday in the manner of a state holiday, although it assumed a less visually extravagant profile than the birthday celebrations for former President Niyazov. END SUMMARY. A MUSEUM AS A BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR THE PRESIDENT ¶3. (SBU) On June 29, Turkmenistan marked President Berdimuhamedov's 52nd birthday. On this occasion, officials opened the new Museum of the President of Turkmenistan, in a wing of the National Museum of Turkmenistan. Cabinet ministers, other public officials, foreign diplomats, mass media, culture and arts representatives, as well as youth participated in the event. The museum's exhibits show Turkmenistan's achievements under Berdimuhamedov's leadership. According to the Gundogar website, "special cases display items from Berdimuhamedov's inauguration - a white "koshma" (a wool felt rug),a "sachak" (cloth to wrap bread) from camel wool and a quiver with arrows. Not included was Niyazov's "Ruhnama" book, even though there was one during Berdimuhamedov's inauguration. A special section of the museum was devoted to a documentary about the life and work of Berdimuhamedov. The exhibit includes photographs, many extracts from his speeches, books published in Turkmenistan devoted to the President, as well as books written by Berdimuhamedov himself. Applied art, rugs, books,and various souvenirs presented to Berdimuhamedov by representatives of foreign states are also displayed in the museum. ¶4. (SBU) The president himself was not present at the museum's opening ceremony, but received birthday congratulations while attending another opening ceremony that evening - the opening in Ashgabat of a textile industry complex: a factory for medical and cosmetic cotton production, a Fashion House and two trade centers. Berdimuhamedov proceeded to the textile complex opening ceremony directly from the airport where his plane had returned from official visits to Croatia and Jordan. This was the second year in a row that President Berdimuhamedov chose to spend his birthday on a working visit to a foreign country. PUBLICATION OF PRESIDENTIAL BOOKS ¶5. (SBU) On June 26, a second volume of the president's selected works was published. The publication was timed to coincide with the President's birthday. The book titled "To New Heights of Progress" includes speeches, interviews, greetings, addresses and photographs that recreate the chronology of the main State events during ¶2008. Turkmenistan's National Archive also planned to publish the second edition of Berdimuhamedov's book "The Chronicle of Great Accomplishments" and a book "The President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov - the Founder of the Epoch of Great Revival." FESTIVE ENVIRONMENT ¶6. (SBU) Ashgabat was decorated with flags and banners on ASHGABAT 00000824 002 OF 002 main streets to create a festive environment. Traffic police, who normally wear blue uniforms, were dressed in white uniforms in honor of the leader's birthday. Turkmenistan's television and radio provided coverage of events devoted to the President's birthday. Local newspapers published texts of congratulatory messages to Berdimuhamedov from local and foreign officials, public figures, businessmen and citizens. In addition, various seminars, events and concert performances in honor of Berdimuhamedov's birthday were held throughout the country, as well as sacrificial meals for the sound health of the Turkmen leader. ¶7. (SBU) COMMENT: President Berdimuhamedov's birthday was celebrated less lavishly than was his predecessor President Niyazov's bithday, who designated his birthday as state flag day. Opinions differ as to why he has spent his last two birthdays on foreign trips. Some think he travels in order to avoid too much attention, even though the TV coverage and other events attract plenty of attention. Others suggest that he wants to look modest by working even on his birthday. One can assume that the festivities that did take place are done with Berdimuhamedov's approval. His birthday is an opportunity for government officials and citizens to show that they respect and appreciate him as the country's leader. It also serves as a reminder to everyone that he is "the master of the house." END COMMENT. MILES