Turkmenistan on high alert from Aug 17 as Ashgabat prepares to host Asian Games
ASHGABAT (TCA) — Turkmenistan has put its military and law enforcement agencies on high alert for the period from August 17 until September 27, as the country is preparing and will host the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reported. President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov signed a resolution ordering law enforcement and military agencies to carry out intensified mode of their work for provision of high-level security and public order, protection of the state border, prevention of crimes and illegal acts related to migration during the organization and holding of the Games. At the special session of the State Security Council on August 15, Berdymukhammedov said that the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games will kick off on September 17. Visits of numerous high-ranking guests, heads of state, representatives of international organizations and other officials are expected during this period. Turkmenistan, as the host of Ashgabat 2017 Games, has to provide absolute safety during the events. In this regards, a high alert mode of work of military and law enforcement departments is announced from August 17 to September 27, when the Games will end. All security forces are to work in a 24/7 mode, the president said, adding that the borders have to be closed, visa issuances are to be limited and customs mode is to be intensified. In addition, exit and entry permits are to be given to people travelling on private and social affairs as well as for participation in previously agreed international events, the president said. All international exhibitions and events planned to be held in Ashgabat in this period are to be postponed to other dates. The 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games is the largest sports event Turkmenistan has ever hosted.
