Turkmenistan Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 25 - 30 of 33

Raids Target Illegal Medicine Sales in Remote Turkmen Villages

Law enforcement agencies in the Mary Velayat district have initiated crackdowns on citizens engaging in the unauthorized sales of medicines,Radio Azatlyk has reported. While these actions target what authorities deem to be illegal, individuals conducting the trades in remote areas argue that they're simply filling a crucial gap in essential healthcare access. Sellers in remote villages assert that they offer commonly used medications like analgin and paracetamol, which, to their understanding, don't require a doctor's prescription. These traders claim to have procured these medicines from city pharmacies and to simply be reselling them at a slight markup in areas lacking facilities. "Our village lacks pharmacies. Ambulance services have substantial delays, sometimes failing to arrive. People turn to us for antipyretics when they're stricken with a fever at night. We offer a service that pharmacies don't provide. We aren't breaking any laws," emphasized one villager engaged in medicine sales. Another trader echoed this sentiment, stating, "We're simply providing a service to our community." Moreover, these merchants assert that they inform local district police officers about their activities, believing this communication suffices as adherence to the regulations. However, plainclothes police officers have been actively involved in operations targeting this unauthorized trade. During these raids, authorities confiscate medicines and detain the traders, issuing substantial fines. The scenario underscores a wider issue of inadequate medical facilities and pharmacy access in rural areas. Rural residents complain about delayed and inadequate ambulance services, exacerbating their struggle to access essential medical aid. Shortages of crucial medicines in both rural and urban pharmacies have been recurrent issues in Turkmenistan. Inconsistent availability of medications was reported earlier this year, highlighting a systemic challenge. Additionally, instances of medical professionals capitalizing on pharmaceutical shortages for extra profits surfaced in December of the previous year. Trading medicines in Turkmenistan requires the possession of a valid license, and according to local legislation, sales should be conducted exclusively by individuals with a secondary or higher pharmaceutical education. This tension between unauthorized sales and healthcare gaps in remote regions presents a complex challenge in need of resolution.

Turkmenistan Justice Turkmenistan Turkmenistan Local Politics Local Politics Turkmenistan Features Features

OCCRP Reports on Corruption Linked to Berdimuhamedov family

The Center for Aesthetic Medicine in Ashgabat was sold at a huge discount to a company called Ashgabat International Aesthetic Medicine Center (AIATC), associated with the Berdimuhamedov family, the Center for Research on Corruption and Organized Crime (OCCRP) has reported together with the publications Turkmen.news and Gundogar. According to investigators, the Government of Turkmenistan built the center at a cost of U$51 million dollars; its official opening took place in October 2020. However, two days before the opening, the President of Turkmenistan at that time, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, signed a decree authorizing the privatization of the center without a tender. As a result, the center was sold for $ 6.5 million less than the state spent on its construction. Journalists believe that the real discount the buyers received may be much higher taking into account the unofficial exchange rate. (In 2020, the unofficial exchange rate was 23.6 manat per dollar, whilst the official rate was 3.5.). AIATC belongs to a group of seven legal entities, investigators learned from a data leak about members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. Two of these seven companies are related to the Berdymukhamedov family. Despite the fact that the Center for Aesthetic Medicine was bought by AIATC, it is managed by the Center for Beauty and Aesthetics, the director of which is Doctor Gulya Annanepesova, who is the head of both the selling and the buying enterprise. Annanepesova has allegedly accompanied Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on official trips at least twice. In March 2017, they traveled to Qatar, and in November 2019 to Italy. Annanepesova is listed as a cosmetologist and a doctor in the lists of participants of the delegations. In 2016, Annanepesova was awarded a medal in honor of the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. At that time, she worked at the state Center for Internal Medicine, and among her colleagues was one of the younger sisters of the president, who worked as a nurse. A year after the opening of the Center for Aesthetic Medicine, Berdimuhamedov awarded Annanepesova with a commemorative badge for services to the development of health care in Turkmenistan. She was listed in the list of awardees as the director of the Center for Beauty and Aesthetics. Annanepesova, according to the sources of the publications, is married to Maksat Geldiev, who worked in the Ministry of National Security and played an important role in the introduction of internet censorship in Turkmenistan. The Center for Aesthetic Medicine offers a wide range of cosmetology and wellness treatments, from weight loss programs to hairdressing services. The journalists drew attention to the fact that all these services do not coincide with the initiatives of the authorities, which prohibit, among other things, bright make-up and plastic surgery. The imposition of restrictions on women intensified shortly after Serdar Berdimuhamedov succeeded his father as president of the country in March 2022.

Turkmenistan Turkmenistan International Affairs Turkmenistan Local Politics

Taliban and Turkmenistan Meet to Discuss Energy Collaboration

The acting head of the Ministry of Water and Energy of the Taliban, Abdul-Latif Mansur, recently held a meeting with Murad Artykov, the head of the Department of International Electric Power Projects in the Turkmen Ministry of Energy. This marked the second official dialogue between the two leaders. The TAP Project A significant part of their discussion revolved around the TAP project, also known as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Power Interconnection Project. This proposed initiative aims to connect the power grids of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, strengthening power trade between these countries. It is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing energy security, promoting regional cooperation, and supporting economic development within the region. The TAP project is a part of broader efforts to develop energy infrastructure and promote connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia. The Taliban representatives reportedly expressed readiness to launch the project and are now awaiting the participation of the remaining stakeholders. The 500 kV Power Transmission Line Another key point of discussion was the development of the 500 kV power transmission line "Turkmenistan - Shibargan - Dashti-Alvan - Argandi". This line is intended to facilitate the import of electricity from Turkmenistan to meet the growing energy demands in Afghanistan. The Taliban urged Ashgabat to intensify efforts towards this goal. The "Nur al-Jihad" Substation The meeting also covered the "Nur al-Jihad" substation, a project nearing completion that will provide electricity to the Afghan provinces of Herat and Farah. This substation is a collaboration between Afghanistan's power utility company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), and Turkmenistan. The project will increase the capacity of the Noor Al-Jihad substation from 110 kilovolts to 220 kilovolts. The substation is located in Herat province. Artykov outlined the goals of the visit, which included extending contracts for the supply of Turkmen energy and expanding energy cooperation. Implications Despite the Taliban being under UN sanctions for terrorist activities, discussions between Turkmenistan and the Taliban regarding energy and infrastructure projects have been ongoing, as reported by various sources including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Caspian News. Turkmenistan already exports electricity to areas in northern Afghanistan, some of which are under Taliban control. These talks also involved the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, which the Taliban has shown support for.

Turkmenistan Justice Turkmenistan Turkmenistan Local Politics

Over 300 Individuals, Including Six Foreign Nationals, Pardoned in Turkmenistan on International Neutrality Day

On the occasion of International Neutrality Day, Turkmenistan's President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, granted pardons to a total of 308 individuals, including six foreign nationals. This news comes after an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on December 11, 2023, involving heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of Turkmenistan at international organizations. The meeting focused on important issues concerning Turkmenistan's foreign policy in the international arena. The pardoning of these individuals is part of the upcoming holiday celebrations in the country. The Chairman of the Commission, together with the heads of law enforcement agencies, has been tasked to ensure the swift release of these convicts and their return to their families. Regional leaders, including Hyakims of velayats, etraps, and cities, have been instructed to take necessary measures to provide employment opportunities for the pardoned individuals. President Berdimuhamedov expressed his wishes for the pardoned citizens to contribute positively to the large-scale activities being carried out in Turkmenistan and to serve the Fatherland conscientiously.

Turkmenistan Turkmenistan Local Politics

Major Reshuffle in Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry: New Deputy Ministers Appointed

On December 11th, Turkmenistan's President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, conducted a comprehensive meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. The meeting was attended by the heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of Turkmenistan at international organizations. The focus of the meeting was on personnel changes within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Berdimuhamedov announced several significant changes in the diplomatic service. A. Khaljanov was relieved from his roles as the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN Office in Geneva and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Swiss Confederation due to his transfer to another position. Khadzhiev, previously serving as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed as the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN office in Geneva and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Swiss Confederation, succeeding Khaljanov. Gurbanov, who served as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, was appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Myatiev was dismissed from his position as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs due to his transfer to another role. Lastly, S. Muhammetdurdyev, the head of the Department of State Protocol and International Relations of the Office of the President of Turkmenistan, was concurrently appointed as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Turkmenistan Life & Culture Turkmenistan Turkmenistan International Affairs Turkmenistan Local Politics

Turkmenistan to Open Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” at the Institute of International Relations

Turkmenistan is taking strides in reforming its education sector with a particular focus on training diplomatic personnel. In line with this objective, the President of Turkmenistan has signed a resolution for the establishment of a Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” at the Institute of International Relations (IIR) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to raising the standard of its diplomatic corps in accordance with international guidelines. The new training center will equip diplomats with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex diplomatic protocols and effectively represent Turkmenistan in the global arena. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Adalat, has been tasked to prepare and present proposals within a month. These proposals will outline the necessary changes and additions to the existing legislation of Turkmenistan that are required to implement the President's resolution. The establishment of the Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” is expected to further enhance the professional capabilities of Turkmen diplomats, fostering stronger international relations and facilitating more effective communication with their counterparts around the world.